July 24 2020

Jul 24, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

(continued)

Similarly, in the Sutra of Samadhi of Pratyutpanna , Amitabha Buddha tells the practitioners who see the Buddha in the meditative state, “If you wish to be reborn here, you should think of my Name unceasingly, then you will attain rebirth at once.

The Buddha explains that rebirth is attained because of exclusivity in thinking of his Name.” He also regrets seeing those who seek the previous way to see the Buddha. One should thoroughly take refuge in Amitabha, whether one can see the Buddha or not, and always recite Amitabha’s Name without thinking of any other way.

亦如《般舟三昧經》阿彌陀佛告入定見佛之行者言:「欲來生者,當念我名, 莫有休息,即得來生。佛言: 專念故得往生。」

亦因此而悔責先前見佛之方法,而見如不見,徹底歸命彌陀,一向稱名,不作他想。

Namo Amituofo!

July 23 2020

Jul 23, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

Self-powered practitioners do not understand the mind or the embrace of Amitabha’s unconditioned great compassion. Because of this, they diligently practice meditative virtues and attempt to see the Buddha through quieting their false minds.

Master Shandao calls this the Path of Importance through self-powered practices, not the Path set forth in Amitabha’s Great Vow called other-powered practice.

If they can awaken to Amitabha’s compassionate wish, they can change from the contemplation and recollection practices of the expedient Path of Importance, to the name-recitation practice in accordance with the real Path of Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow.

Just as the Contemplation Sutra says, “To attain this contemplation is to perceive the BODIES of all Buddhas. By perceiving these, one also realizes the MINDS of all Buddhas. The minds of all Buddhas are Great Compassion. They embrace sentient beings with unconditional Benevolence.”

(to be continued)

自力行者,不知彌陀無緣大慈、同體大悲之願心,以自力作勤行精進,息慮凝心之見佛;善導大師謂之自力「要門」,非他力「弘願門」。

若能因此而體悟彌陀悲願,則能由觀念、憶念等之方便「要門」,迴入「本願稱名」之真實「弘願」。

如《觀經》第九觀言:「以見佛身故,亦見佛心。佛心者:大慈悲是,以無緣慈,攝受眾生。」

Namo Amituofo!

July 22 2020

Jul 22, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Attributes of the Pure Land School: Worldly Truths

淨土宗宗風俗諦

In any organization we should try to be understanding. Better understanding will avoid wrong understanding, and reduce misunderstanding. In dealing with people, we must be co-operative. If we can’t, we will suffer and make others suffer as well.

The organization will become unstable. We should strive to accept each other, accommodate each other, forgive, and care for each other.

在團體當中,凡事也要能「善解」,善於理解才不會錯解、誤解,而產生誤會。與眾相處要合群, 要與大眾和合。若不能合群,會帶給自己苦惱,也會帶給別人苦惱,更會帶給團體動盪不安。除此之外, 要彼此接納,互相包容,彼此體諒,互相關懷。*27

Namo Amituofo!

July 21 2020

Jul 21, 2020

An excerpt from ‘In Praise of Dharma Practice’ by Master Shandao

善導大師語錄

《法事讚》

(continued)

Humans, celestial beings, wholesome or unwholesome beings – all shall be reborn. In the Pure Land, nothing separates them. They all walk the irreversible path to Buddhahood.

Why is this so? It is because Amitabha Buddha, while he was still in the causal ground, gave up becoming a king, and left home to practice the Dharma. With his wisdom and compassion, he made 48 vows before Lokeshvararaja Tathagata.

With recourse to Amitabha’s vow power, even those who commit the Five Gravest Transgressions and the Ten Unwholesome Deeds, can still be reborn with all of their offenses eradicated. Those who slander the teaching and those who have no root of virtues can also be reborn, as long as they aspire to.

人天善惡,皆得往生;到彼無殊,齊同不退。

何意然者?乃由彌陀因地, 世饒王佛所,捨位出家,即起悲智之心, 廣弘四十八願。以佛願力,五逆之與十惡,罪滅得生; 謗法闡提,迴心皆往。

Namo Amituofo!

July 20 2020

Jul 20, 2020

An excerpt from ‘In Praise of Dharma Practice’ by Master Shandao

善導大師語錄《法事讚》

Only a Buddha knows the realm of all Buddhas. The essence of a Buddhaland cannot be conceived by ordinary beings. Buddhas manifest their threefold body and their own pure lands for the purpose of delivering sentient beings. There is no difference with respect to the substance of their teachings and no difference between their pure lands, as all are made available for those who wish to come for enlightenment.

However, ordinary beings have confused thoughts, and they have no grounds for entrusting or settlement. In this respect, Shakyamuni Buddha and other buddhas do not cease being compassionte. They all point to the Land of Bliss, about ten thousand billion buddhalands to the West of us.

The name of the Buddha of that land is Amitabha. He teaches the Dharma there every day. That land is pure and adorned with four kinds of virtues. There is absolutely no unkind speech, no discrimination, no suffering, and no afflictions, as all inhabitants are equal.

(to be continued tomorrow)

諸佛境界,唯佛能知;國土精華,非凡所測。三身化用,皆立淨土,以導群生 ;法體無殊,有識歸之得悟。

但為凡夫亂想,寄託無由;故使釋迦諸佛,不捨慈悲,直指西方,十萬億剎, 國名極樂,佛號彌陀,現在說法。其國清淨,具四德莊嚴;永絕譏嫌,等無憂惱。

Namo Amituofo!

July 19 2020

Jul 19, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Amitabha Sutra

《佛說阿彌陀經》

(continued)

Furthermore, let’s read a passage from the Chapter on Easy Practice written by Nagarjuna Bodhisattva. He writes, “If a person wishes to quickly reach the State of Non-retrogression, he should hold fast to the Name with a reverent mind.” “Holding fast to the Name” is explained in the Passage on Advice in the Contemplation Sutra, and the core passage of the Amitabha Sutra (the passage about the direct cause of rebirth).

The following phrases can be used interchangeably with “holding fast to the Name”: “reciting without forsaking”, “uninterrupted recitation for the rest of this life”, “Amitabha-recitation in this entire life,” and “just ten times or even once” (for those near the end-of-life).

再來看龍樹菩薩的《易行品》,龍樹菩薩也說:「若人欲疾至,不退轉地者, 應以恭敬心,執持稱名號」。

所以「執持稱名號」這五個字也是在解釋《觀經》的「付囑文」以及《阿彌陀經》的核心之文,也就是往生正因之文,同時也正是這一句「執持名號」。

而「執持名號」如果再進一步解釋的話就是「念念不捨」,也就是善導大師所講的「念念相續,畢命為期」,亦即「平生之機,上盡一形;臨終之機,下至十聲,乃至一聲、一念」的念佛。

Namo Amituofo!

July 18 2020

Jul 18, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Amitabha Sutra

《佛說阿彌陀經》

To best understand “holding fast the Name”, we should follow the interpretation of Master Shandao, because it is correct, clear and straightforward. He interpreted “holding fast the Name” to be “Amitabha-recitation with twofold exclusivity”, which means to always exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name.

Moreover, to interpret the meaning of “holding fast the Name”, we can refer to the “Passage on Advice” in the Contemplation Sutra - “bear these words well in mind.”

To bear these words in mind means to hold fast to the Name of the Buddha Amitayus." Holding fast to the Name” here is the same as “to hold fast to the Name of the Buddha Amitayus". It also means reciting Namo Amituofo!

(to be continued tomorrow)

「執持名號」必須依善導大師的解釋才能夠正確,而且乾淨俐落,善導大師解釋「執持名號」就是「教念彌陀專復專」,也就是「一向專稱彌陀佛名」之「稱名念佛」。

另外,最能夠明確解釋「執持名號」的,也可以用《觀經》「付囑文」來解釋,也就是「汝好持是語,持是語者,即是持無量壽佛名」。所以這裡的「執持名號」就是「持無量壽佛名」,也就是稱念「南無阿彌陀佛」的意思。

Namo Amituofo!

July 17 2020

Jul 17, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - the Buddha’s Enlightening Mottos

醒世箴言

There are generally two kinds of donations. One is to donate one’s organs, such as heart, kidney, etc. upon death, which needs to be done by surgery. The other is to donate one’s whole body after a period of time, in order for students to learn through dissection.

Between the two, Amitabha-reciters aspiring for rebirth in the Land of Bliss, should select the second one, which means leaving the body to a school of medicine for dissection. In order for rebirth to proceed smoothly, a period of time must pass after death before the body can be dissected.

If it is required to donate the organs immediately after death, you should consider whether your patience is strong enough, and whether your hatred and pain can be subdued.

捐獻大體有兩種:一種是斷氣時捐出心臟、腎臟等身體器官,當下要開刀;另一種是大體先放著,一段時間後讓學生解剖。

兩種當中,一般念佛人要往生極樂世界,應選擇第二種,就是身體留給醫學院解剖使用,因為醫學院解剖不會一斷氣就開刀,不至於影響往生大事。

如果當下要捐獻器官,就要考慮你的忍辱心夠不夠?會不會起瞋恨心、痛苦心?

Namo Amituofo!

July 16 2020

Jul 16, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Encouragement to practice Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

Don’t look for faith within our minds because the minds of ordinary beings are not true, but false. We should not pay attention to these false thoughts and afflictions; but, simply continue our recitations and allow Amitabha to handle the rest. If we experience tranquility through the deliverance of Amitabha’s power, faith will automatically be revealed, like a pearl inside our clothes.

不可向內心尋找信心,凡夫之心皆虛妄不真;應不顧內心之妄想煩惱,直承外在之彌陀救度。但靜心思惟外在之佛力救度,「衣裏明珠」之信心自現。

Namo Amituofo!

July 15 2020

Jul 15, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

Even one moment of Amitabha-recitation is an augmentative cause. If there is no Amitabha-recitation, there is no augmentative cause. If a small grain of sand is placed on the surface of water, it will sink. However, if a large piece of rock is placed on a ship, it will not sink, and it can be carried ashore.

The rock represents our karmic obstructions; and the ship represents the augmentative cause that is Amitabha Buddha’s Fundamental Vow. Though our karmic offenses are heavy, with Amitabha Buddha’s Fundamental Vow as our augmentative cause, we will no longer continue to sink in the sea of suffering, and arrive at the Other Shore of Nirvana.

念佛的當下、念佛的本身,就是增上緣;若沒有念佛,就沒這個增上緣。一粒小小的沙,放在水面上,一定會沉下去;但是再大的石頭,只要放到船上就不會沉,而會被載到彼岸去。

石頭就是指我們凡夫的業障,船就是指阿彌陀佛本願增上緣,我們雖然業障深重,只要有阿彌陀佛本願的增上緣,就不會繼續在六道苦海浮沉,一定會到涅槃彼岸。

Namo Amituofo!

July 14 2020

Jul 14, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Attributes of the Pure Land School: Worldly Truths

淨土宗宗風俗諦

(continued)

If a person asks for something to do, or creates something to do, even though he doesn’t need to do it, he will expose himself as a show off in order to attract attention. This means he is pushing for a karmic reward for himself.

If he competes with or blames others, the Dharma organization will be troubled. Members will not be at peace or stable, everyone will become unhappy, and some may leave. There is a saying, “The world originally has no business. It is created by ignorant people.” Only ignorant people ask for something to do, even when they don’t need to. When we have disputes with others, both sides suffer. If we are hurt, others are hurt as well. Both are losers.

如果無事找事,一定要求一個什麼來做,甚至去攀緣,讓人家來發現自己,使自己能夠突出於人,那就是把福報往外推。

如果互相爭求、彼此相怨,則道場不安、住眾不寧;不安、不寧,就會造成人人苦惱,就會導致人人離開。所謂「天下本無事,庸人自擾之」,只有愚癡的人才會無事找事,與人過不去,而自惱惱人,自害害彼,彼此俱害。

Namo Amituofo!

July 13 2020

Jul 13, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Attributes of the Pure Land School: Worldly Truths

淨土宗宗風俗諦

The greatest karmic reward of a person is “no business”. It is just like a fairy tale if there is no business in a day. In an organization, if a person has no opportunity to become an executive, and he has nothing to do, he is actually a person with the greatest karmic reward. He should eat well, sleep well, recite Namo Amituofo well, not argue with others, and not ask for anything. Don’t you think he is living a fairy tale every day?

If everyone is like him, the Buddhist center will be stable, and all of the members will be at peace. If everyone minds their own business and practices with ease, the center will be prosperous. Thus, an ancient scholar says, “No business is the cause of prosperity for a Dharma organization.”

一個人最大的福報就是「無事」,所謂「一日無事賽神仙」。所以在團體當中,如果還沒有機緣領執事,沒有什麼事可做,其實他是最有福報的人;他只要好好吃飯、好好睡覺、好好念佛,與人無爭、於事無求,豈非天天賽神仙?

如果住眾人人都能這樣,則道場安定,住眾安寧,彼此相安無事,人人身安道隆;所以古德說「道場以無事為興隆」。

Namo Amituofo!

July 12 2020

Jul 12, 2020

An excerpt from the ‘Dharma School of Contemplation and Recitation’ by Master Shandao

善導大師語錄《觀念法門》

All past buddhas who uphold the Samadhi of Amitabha-Recitation, and supplement the Four Matters, Rejoice in achieving Buddhahood. The present buddhas in the ten directions also contemplate the Samadhi of the Buddha as their upholding practice, supplement the four matters, and Rejoice in cultivating Buddhahood. The future buddhas also uphold the Samadhi of Amitabha-Recitation, supplement the Four Matters, and Rejoice in cultivating Buddhahood.

過去諸佛,持是念阿彌陀佛三昧,四事助歡喜,皆得成佛。 現在十方諸佛,亦持是念佛三昧,四事助歡喜,皆得作佛。 未來諸佛,亦持是念佛三昧,四事助歡喜,皆得作佛。

Namo Amituofo!

July 11 2020

Jul 11, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Amitabha Sutra

《佛說阿彌陀經》

“The abundant virtuous roots and abundant meritorious blessings” refers to “holding fast to the Name upon hearing Amitabha Buddha”. In this respect, abundant virtuous roots and abundant meritorious blessings are not accumulated by us, but by Amitabha Buddha. However, we can receive them when we recite his Name and aspire to be reborn in his Pure Land.

As Master Linchi said, “Reciting Amitabha’s Name is the greatest virtue among all virtues, the greatest blessing among all blessings.”

Master Ouyi also explained, “As long as we believe and accept Amitabha, and aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss by holding fast to the Name, each recitation is already abundant in virtuous roots and abundant in meritorious blessings.”

所謂的「多善根、多福德」，就是「聞說阿彌陀佛，執持名號」。所以從這裏來講，多善根、多福德，不是我們所累積，是阿彌陀佛所累積，我們只要稱念祂的名號，願生祂的淨土就可以。

因此蓮池大師說：「稱念彌陀名號，就是善中之善，福中之福」。藕益大師也解釋說：「只要信受彌陀，願生極樂，執持名號，那麼每一聲、每一聲，都是具足多善根、多福德。」可見所謂多善根、多福德，是只要我們「專稱彌陀佛名」。

Namo Amituofo!

July 10 2020

Jul 10, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - the Buddha’s Enlightening Mottos

醒世箴言

Through the accounts regarding the experience of near-death, we clearly know that death is not the permanent extinction of the light of our being. Consciousness continues to receive retribution or reward as “we” continue to reincarnate within the Six Realms. Most importantly, we can be delivered by Amitabha Buddha to be reborn in his Land of Bliss, where we can enjoy all kinds of happiness without any suffering.

透過「瀕死體驗」的各種事例，讓我們明確知道，並非人死如燈滅，一了百了，而是死後尚有善惡報應，六道輪迴；也有但受諸樂、無有眾苦的極樂世界與彌陀救度。

Namo Amituofo!

July 9 2020

Jul 9, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Encouragement to practice Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

An Amitabha-reciter who is not confident of being reborn may have two things happening: 

1. He always feels uneasy and worried, 2. He may have set backs, give up the Pure Land teaching, and pursue other teachings. In these cases, he disappoints Amitabha Buddha, who spent 5 eons formulating his 48 great vows for sentient beings in the ten directions, and spent countless eons more to practice and accumulate immeasurable virtues for them. It is because of Amitabha’s compassionate mind that he is so disappointed. He so very much wants to rescue us from our endless cycle of suffering!

一個對往生沒有信心的念佛人，會有兩種現象：一是內心一直忐忑不安，憂慮重重；二是有可能會退轉，不再修淨土，而去學其他的法門。那就辜負了阿彌陀佛為十方眾生，以五劫的思惟而建立四十八大願，以兆載永劫的時間，積植菩薩的無量德行，豈不是辜負了彌陀的悲心？辜負了彌陀的願行？

Namo Amituofo!

July 8 2020

Jul 8, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

Amitabha-recitation is the Karma of Assurance. Apart from Amitabha-recitation, no other teachings and practices are regarded as the Karma of Assurance. Exclusively reciting Namo Amituofo is the Karma of Assurance because it accords with Amitabha Buddha’s Vow. It means, to accept Amitabha Buddha’s deliverance, and receive Amitabha Buddha’s merit and virtues. It also means we are already on board the ship of Amitabha Buddha’s Vow.

So, throughout the day, we recite Amitabha’s Name whenever we think of it. Simply open our mouths and recite. Sleep as we want and eat as we want. If we can do it in this way, it is known as the Karma of Assurance. Karma of Assurance means, Amitabha reciters are 100% guaranteed to be reborn in the Land of Bliss!

念佛就是正定業，除了念佛以外的法門、功行，都不是正定業。專念南無阿彌陀佛，就是正定業，就是隨順阿彌陀佛的願，就是接受阿彌陀佛的救度，就是領受阿彌陀佛的功德，現在就已經坐在阿彌陀佛的願船上了。

所以，二六時中，有時間就念佛，想到就念佛，張口就念佛，念念不捨，該睡就睡，該吃就吃，如果能這樣，就是正定之業。正定之業就是百分之百能夠使因成果，百分之百決定可以往生極樂世界。

Namo Amituofo!

July 7 2020

Jul 7, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Attributes of the Pure Land School: Worldly Truths

淨土宗宗風俗諦

“ Performing one’s daily tasks according to circumstances, and reciting Amitabha’s Name according to circumstances. Not arguing with others or showing anger on one’s face.” These sentences do not just apply to monastics; but, also to householders. So please, always bear them in mind, and practice them in our daily lives.

So, pursue your daily activities and recite Amitabha’s Name according to circumstances. Furthermore, do not argue with others or show anger on your face. In all matters, try to be accommodating, appreciative, and forgiving. Christians say, “In all matters, be forgiving, trusting, and patient,” They also say, “Love is forever unceasing.”

We should try our best to not argue with others or display anger on our faces.

「隨作務，隨念佛；不與人諍，亦無怒容」。這一句話不只是對出家眾，同修們也要把它刻在腦海中，就是把念佛落實在生活當中，所以是「隨作務，隨念佛」。進而「不與人諍」，儘量凡事都要善解，都要體諒，都要包容，基督教也說：「凡事包容，凡事相信，凡事忍耐。」又說：「愛是永不止息。」

凡事與人無諍，不但是無諍於口，也沒有顯露在容貌上，「亦無怒容」，我們就儘量往這個嚮往的目標前進。

Namo Amituofo!

July 6 2020

Jul 6, 2020

An excerpt from the ‘Dharma School of Contemplation and Recitation’

善導大師語錄《觀念法門》

Shakyamuni appeared in the world in order to deliver sentient beings burdened with the five kinds of turbidity. This means he reveals, with kindness and compassion, the cause of the Ten Evils and the sufferings of retributions in the Three Evil Realms. He enlightens, with equality and wisdom, all human and celestial beings, to dedicate their merits and aspire to be reborn in Amitabha’s Buddhaland.

釋迦出現，為度五濁凡夫，即以慈悲，開示十惡之因，報果三塗之苦；又以平等智慧，悟

入人天，迴生彌陀佛國。

Namo Amituofo!

July 3 2020

Jul 3, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Amitabha Sutra

《佛說阿彌陀經》

The Amitabha Sutra says, “If a good man or woman hears of Amitabha Buddha and holds fast to his Name for one day, two days, three days, four days, five days, six days, or seven days, single-mindedly and without deviation.”

This paragraph indicates the main cause of rebirth. It is abundant in virtuous roots and abundant in meritorious blessings.

Apart from that, all of the other 84,000 teachings are not the main cause of rebirth. This is because they are not sufficiently abundant in virtuous roots and meritorious blessings.

(to be continued tomorrow)

《阿彌陀經》言:「若有善男子、善女人,聞說阿彌陀佛,執持名號,若一日、若二日、若三日、若四日、若五日、若六日、若七日,一心不亂。」這段經文即是往生的正因,即是多善根、多福德。除了這個以外,其他所有的八萬四千佛法,以往生來講,皆不是正因,皆不是多善根、多福德,而是少善根、少福德。

Namo Amituofo!

July 5 2020

Jul 5, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Amitabha Sutra

《佛說阿彌陀經》

(continued)

So, if we do not understand correctly, our minds will be afflicted by doubt and turmoil. Conversely, if we do understand correctly, we will be delighted and at ease, because we know “holding fast the Name” supplies us with all of the virtuous roots and meritorious blessings necessary for rebirth in Amitabha’s Pure Land.

These truths were taught by Shakyamuni Buddha in the Amitabha Sutra, “holding fast the Name” is abundant in virtuous roots and meritorious blessings, and all others are NOT.

所以,若無正確的了解就會苦惱、不安,若有正確的了解,我們就會喜悅、安心,知道原來將所有念佛以外的功德迴向往生極樂世界,這對往生極樂世界這件事來說,是少善根、少福德,不是多善根、多福德。

往生的正因──多善根、多福德,原來就是「執持名號」。所以釋迦牟尼佛在《阿彌陀經》親口說,「執持名號」即是多善根、多福德,其他的皆不提。

Namo Amituofo!

July 4 2020

Jul 4, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Amitabha Sutra

《佛說阿彌陀經》

(continued)

When we read this paragraph in the Amitabha Sutra, “cannot be reborn with few virtuous roots and few meritorious blessings”, if we think that abundant virtuous roots and meritorious blessings refers to those we dedicate from various kinds of teachings, we would realize how sorely lacking we are. This may cause us to lose our confidence in our ability to be reborn.

It is because no one should dare to say he has already accumulated enough virtuous roots and meritorious blessings through any other teaching.

(to be continued tomorrow)

誦《阿彌陀經》誦到這句經文的時候,若誤解「不可以少善根福德」,以為要多善根福德,就是要以種種法門的功德來迴向,才算是多善根福德,那就慘了,將會使我們退失信心,帶來苦惱,因為任何人都不敢說他已經累積哪一方面的多善根、多福德的所有功德。

Namo Amituofo!

July 2 2020

Jul 2, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - the Buddha’s Enlightening Mottos

醒世箴言

It is said that those who have died are dead. Almost all people in the world reincarnate, according to their past karma, after they die. They are gone forever. If a person is revitalized after death, he can tell us about the mental state of near-death and the journey towards death. Through his words we can prepare and select appropriate options, so as to attain serenity in body and mind in dealing with the matter of birth-and-death.

所謂「往者已矣」,世間人大都死後便隨業流轉,一去不復返。若有人死而復生,告訴我們瀕臨死亡時的意識狀態及死後的種種歷程,讓我們有生之年做最好的選擇與充分的準備,則能身心安穩,生死安然。

Namo Amituofo!

July 1 2020

Jul 1, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Encouragement to practice Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

As far as realizations or feelings are concerned, they are confined to one particular person under one particular condition, not to people in general or under general conditions. A realization or a feeling is just one occurrence at a particular moment, and it generally does not last forever. For those reasons Master Shandao says, though we aspire to purity of mind, it is just like drawing a picture on the surface of water.

After experiencing realizations and feelings, we abandon them and return to Namo Amituofo, Namo Amituofo, the six-syllable great name in our minds and mouths. We do this because the minds of ordinary beings are false. Whatever we think is not real.

Only reciting Namo Amituofo is real. An ancient scholar says, “All worldly matters are false; only the Buddha is real”. Thus, to whom should we “sincerely and joyfully entrust ourselves,” as said in the Fundamental Vow? The answer is Amitabha, through reciting his Name “even ten times.”

體驗或感受是一機一緣,非普機普緣;體驗感受是一時一境,非恒久普遍。故善導大師言: 「縱發清心,猶如畫水。」

又體驗感受之後,其體驗感受即置之,其心口唯是南無阿彌陀佛、南無阿彌陀佛之六字洪名。因為凡夫皆妄,動念即乖,唯稱念南無阿彌陀佛是真,是以古德言:「世間皆假,唯佛獨真。」

故本願文之「至心信樂」歸在何處?在於「乃至十念」之稱名念佛。

Namo Amituofo!

June 30 2020

Jun 30, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

(continued)

“Wonderful” means incredible, sublime, and inconceivable. So, this person is not just good, but incredibly good; not just a superior person, but a supreme person. Thus, the merit and virtues of reciting Amitabha’s Name cannot be described through mere words. They are inconceivable!

This is why the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra says, “Though all other Buddhist practices are virtuous, and they are teachings for cultivating and accumulating merit and virtues, they are not comparable to Amitabha-recitation.”

所謂「妙」就是難以想像、不可思議,所以不但是好人,更是難以想像的好人;不但是上人,更是上上人;不但是上上人而且是最勝人。因此, 念佛的功德真的是不可稱、不可說、不可思議, 沒辦法以文字來形容、來稱說、來比較。

所以《觀經疏》又說,其他的修行法門雖然都是善,都是修行法門,都是功德,可是和念佛相比,就不能比較了。

Namo Amituofo!

June 29 2020

Jun 29, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

In the Contemplation Sutra, Amitabha-reciters are known as “Pundarika”(white lotus flowers) Master Shandao explains this in his Commentary, “An Amitabha-reciter is a wonderfully good person, a supreme person, the most splendid among humankind.”

An Amitabha-reciter is a wonderfully good person, no matter whether he is a monastic or a householder, male or female, good or evil. Above all, a person who simply recites Amitabha’s Name is not just a good person among some groups of people; but, a wonderfully good person among all beings.

(to be continued tomorrow)

《觀經》以「芬陀利華」比喻念佛人,善導大師在《觀經疏》中解釋「若念佛者,即是人中妙好人、上上人、最勝人」。

一個人念佛,他就是人中的妙好人,不管他是在家眾、出家眾,是男眾、女眾,是善人、惡人。總之,一個人只要念佛,他就是人群中、世界上的好人,不但是好人更是妙好人。

Namo Amituofo!

June 28 2020

Jun 28, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Attributes of the Pure Land School: Worldly Truths

淨土宗宗風俗諦

As Amitabha-reciters, we should understand that our karmic obstructions do not hinder us from being delivered by Amitabha. Otherwise, we would be minimizing the power of Amitabha Buddha. No matter how many karmic offenses we have, they cannot prevent Amitabha Buddha from delivering us. If we understand this, we should weep in gratitude to Amitabha Buddha. Through this realization our minds become softened and humble. If a person has regrets, humility, and softness, his threefold karma, temperament, appearance, fate, and personality will improve.

念佛的人,心態上首先要知道:我的業障不會障礙彌陀的救度,否則就是太小看阿彌陀佛了。「我們再多的罪業,都不能障礙彌陀對我們的救度」,有這樣的觀念與瞭解,我們就會感戴恩德而痛哭流涕,心就會謙卑柔軟。人若有慚愧、謙卑、柔軟的話,三業行為、氣質、相貌、命運、人格就會轉化。

Namo Amituofo!

June 27 2020

Jun 27, 2020

An excerpt from the ‘Dharma School of Contemplation and Recitation’

善導大師語錄

《觀念法門》

When they [those of the lowest level in the low tier] become seriously ill and wish to die, they encounter a good advisor who teaches them to recite Amitabha’s name at least ten times. Through these repeated recitations 8 billion eons of heavy karmic offenses are eradicated.

罪人得病欲死,遇善知識,教稱彌陀佛名十聲,於聲聲中,除滅八十億劫生死重罪。

Namo Amituofo!

June 26 2020

Jun 26, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Amitabha Sutra

《佛說阿彌陀經》

(continued)

“Namo Amituofo” is abundant in roots of virtues and blessings, great in roots of virtues and blessings, splendid in roots of virtues and blessings, absolute in roots of virtues and blessings, perfect and complete in roots of virtues and blessings.

In contrast, the Three Refuges, the Five Precepts, the Ten Wholesome Deeds, the Four Ways to Embrace, the Six Paramitas and the Eightfold Noble Path are all splendid; but, are insufficient to attain rebirth in the Land of Bliss. Only holding fast to Amitabha’s Name is abundant enough in roots of virtues and blessings to carry us to the Land of Bliss.

「南無阿彌陀佛」則是多善根福德、大善根福德、殊勝的善根福德、絕對的善根福德、圓滿的善根福德。

所以,不管是三皈、五戒、十善、四攝、六度、八正道,這些都很殊勝,但是相對於要往生極樂世界來講,這些都是少善根少福德,唯有執持名號是多善根多福德。

Namo Amituofo!

June 26 2020

Jun 26, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Amitabha Sutra

《佛說阿彌陀經》

(continued)

“Namo Amituofo” is abundant in roots of virtues and blessings, great in roots of virtues and blessings, splendid in roots of virtues and blessings, absolute in roots of virtues and blessings, perfect and complete in roots of virtues and blessings.

In contrast, the Three Refuges, the Five Precepts, the Ten Wholesome Deeds, the Four Ways to Embrace, the Six Paramitas and the Eightfold Noble Path are all splendid; but, are insufficient to attain rebirth in the Land of Bliss. Only holding fast to Amitabha’s Name is abundant enough in roots of virtues and blessings to carry us to the Land of Bliss.

「南無阿彌陀佛」則是多善根福德、大善根福德、殊勝的善根福德、絕對的善根福德、圓滿的善根福德。

所以,不管是三皈、五戒、十善、四攝、六度、八正道,這些都很殊勝,但是相對於要往生極樂世界來講,這些都是少善根少福德,唯有執持名號是多善根多福德。

Namo Amituofo!

June 25 2020

Jun 25, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Amitabha Sutra

《佛說阿彌陀經》

The purpose of the Amitabha Sutra is to talk about the method of attaining rebirth in the Land of Bliss, which is holding fast to the Name.

The six-syllable Name (Namo Amituofo) is known as “the Great Name of Myriad Virtues”. It indicates that, as long as we hold fast to Amitabha’s Name, we have sufficient roots of virtues and blessings to achieve rebirth in the Land of Bliss.

If we practice various virtues here in the Saha World, such as the Three Studies, the Six Paramitas, etc., we will have only accumulated few roots of virtues and blessings, as compared with the boundless merit and virtues gained through Amitabha-recitation.

(to be continued tomorrow)

《阿彌陀經》目的是在講往生極樂世界的方法,就是「執持名號」。「南無阿彌陀佛」這一句六字名號,叫「萬德洪名」,表示我們只要執持名號,就具足多善根多福德,必定能夠到極樂世界。

如果依我們在這裏(娑婆世界)所修的諸善萬行、三學六度等,跟阿彌陀佛名號功德來比,那就是少善根、少福德。

Namo Amituofo!

June 24 2020

Jun 24, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - the Buddha’s Enlightening Mottos

醒世箴言

We are busy doing this today and busy doing that tomorrow. We keep so very busy until, before we realize it, we have become old. Without being noticed, our remaining life becomes shorter and shorter. It is like a candle in the wind, which can burn out at any time.

When the candle light is gone, we continue to endlessly reincarnate within the Six Realms forever. Most of us lack awareness of these truths.Today, we have a human body and have encountered the Buddhist teachings. We should cherish this rare opportunity and encourage ourselves to pursue a teaching that can lead us to the state of no-birth, no-death, and no-reincarnation, only everlasting bliss.

我們今天忙這件事,明天忙那件事,一直到老,煩忙不斷。不知不覺間,壽命隨著日夜而消減,好像風中之燈燭,隨時都會滅掉。

燈滅了,就繼續輪迴六道,永無窮盡。可是我們卻茫茫然地,悠悠忽忽地,不知道害怕,也無所驚覺。今天既得人身,又聞佛法,就要把握現在頭腦清醒,身體健康,好好自我勉勵,追求不生不滅、不受輪迴、永恆常住的法門。

Namo Amituofo!

June 23 2020

Jun 23, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Encouragement to Practice Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

Those who study and practice in the Pure Land School usually give up if they don’t follow Master Shandao’s teachings, as taught by those of his lineage. Otherwise, it is just like drawing a picture in water, even if we have a pure Bodhi mind. Sometimes, we may have a sort of feeling; but, it is not reliable, as it appears under certain conditions and disappears soon after. This is because all phenomena are impermanent and subject to change.

What is permanent and without change is Amitabha’s Name. It is recommended that we recite Amitabha’s Name only in accordance with our individual aptitudes. Our faith is nurtured through Amitabha’s Power and expressed each time we recite Amitabha’s Name.

學習淨土宗,如果不回歸到善導大師的解釋往往都會半途而廢,原因就如善導大師說的「縱發清心,猶如畫水」。我們即使有某一種體會感受,都是不可靠的,往往是「遇緣即現,境過則遷」,因為心境會改變,不是永恒的。

永恒不變的是這一句彌陀名號,永恒不變的是依靠這一句名號,只要以每個人目前的根機去稱名念佛就可以了,我們的信要回歸到這樣的信,信這樣的內容。

Namo Amituofo!