September 28 2020

Sep 28, 2020

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

淨土信仰

The paragraph on the Accomplishment of the 18th Vow interprets “even ten thoughts / times” from the 18th Vow to be “even one thought / time”. Later, a minority of people put emphasis on “even one thought”, and regard “even one thought” as “one thought in faith”. They further explain it as the realization of one thought, and explain further that rebirth totally relies on the realization of one thought. Rebirth is assured if a person realizes one thought. So, they think rebirth does not depend on Amitabha-recitation, but on “one thought”. Thus, they pursue the realization of one thought. Once they experience the realization of that one thought, their practice is complete.

(to be continued tomorrow)

「第十八願成就文」解釋「第十八願」的「乃至十念」而說「乃至一念」。後來有少數人就專重「成就文」的「乃至一念」,認為乃至一念就是信心的乃至一念,進一步解釋為體驗的一念,更進一步鑽牛角尖,再解釋為所謂往生就是在於體驗的一念,只要有體驗的一念,往生就決定了。所以往生不在於念佛,只要這一念,因此必須要去追求這體驗的一念,有這體驗的一念就萬事OK了。

Namo Amituofo!

September 27 2020

Sep 27, 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)

So, those who are humble and reverent, and practice correctly upon hearing these teachings, will be delighted and filled with great excitement. Why? It is because, without them, they would be doomed to fall into hell, there to see King Yama for judgement and sentencing. Examples of these sentences are: chopping off one’s head, slashing bellies, and ripping out internal organs. Now they are delivered by Amitabha Buddha, who gives them a perfect life, a life where they will attain Buddhahood and infinite life. This will enable them to deliver sentient beings comprehensively. Let’s think about it. Shouldn’t we be filled with joy and delight?

所以「謙敬聞奉行」的人就會「踴躍大歡喜」,為什麼呢?因為本來應該墮落地獄讓閻羅王審判刑罰,要斬頭、破肚、抽腸的,現在阿彌陀佛居然把我們救度起來,讓我們得到不平凡的生命,而且得到無量壽、成佛的生命,使我們也能夠廣度眾生。想想看,怎麼會不踴躍大歡喜?

Namo Amituofo!

September 26 2020

Sep 26, 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 Infinite Life Sutra says, “When a person believes in and accepts Amitabha’s deliverance, what should his mentality be? It should be humility and reverence. We should be humble because we commit offenses, and we are ashamed because we are weak, inferior, ignorant, poor, timid, and feeble. At the same time, we should respect and revere Amitabha Buddha because he is the king of all buddhas in the ten directions. Only Amitabha Buddha is capable of delivering us!

(to be continued tomorrow)

《無量壽經》說:信受阿彌陀佛救度的人,應該擁有的心態是什麼呢?就是「謙」跟「敬」。自己應謙卑,因為自己作惡呀! 無能為力、無地自容呀!卑賤、愚劣、怯弱呀!同時經常恭敬阿彌陀佛,阿彌陀佛是十方諸佛之中的佛王,祂才有能力救度我啊!

Namo Amituofo!

September 25 2020

Sep 25, 2020

A verse about ‘seeking only Amitabha-reciters’ from ‘In Praise of Pratyutpanna’

《般舟讚》「唯覓念佛」之偈:

Amitabha has 84,000 splendid forms, each of them is in the form of light, shining throughout all the worlds in the ten directions. The light does not shine on those practicing under miscellaneous circumstances; but, seeks only those who recite Amitabha’s Name for rebirth.

相好彌多八萬四,

一一光明照十方;

不為餘緣光普照,

唯覓念佛往生人。

Namo Amituofo!

September 24 2020

Sep 24, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Amitabha Sutra

《佛說阿彌陀經》

Regarding the phrase “mind is not upside down or inverted”, many people greatly misunderstand it. They believe that a person must maintain right mindfulness or his mind will be upside down near his end-of-life, and Amitabha Buddha will not come to welcome and receive them to be reborn in the Land of Bliss. This understanding is wrong, and the cause and effect are reversed.

They don’t know that “because of the appearance of the Buddha, that person can maintain right mindfulness, NOT because of keeping right mindfulness, the Buddha appears”. The sutra says, it is Amitabha Buddha’s compassion that strengthens and protects that person so that his mind is not confused. Amitabha Buddha Must appear before the person, because he exclusively recites Amitabha’s Name in the present life. Because of the appearance of the Buddha, his mind naturally dwells in right mindfulness without being inverted,

有關「心不顛倒」,一般人的誤解也很大,誤以為命終的時候必須要自己保持正念,心不顛倒,才能夠蒙佛現前接引,往生極樂世界,這就是錯解,顛倒因果了。

殊不知,「因佛現前而住正念,非住正念而佛現前」,所謂「慈悲加祐,令心不亂」也。蓋「平生專持佛名故,臨終佛必現前;因佛現前故,自然心住正念而不顛倒。」

Namo Amituofo!

September 23 2020

Sep 23, 2020

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

醒世箴言

The existence of a family, a group, a society, or a country is temporary, conditioned, and not real. Parents, couples, and children must depart on the day of death, no matter how deeply they love each other.

So, when we gather together in this life it is just like birds who build a nest and live together. When disaster comes, birds in the forest will fly away. Afterword, it is very difficult for the birds to gather again. Thus it is said, “All changes in creation and extinction are conditioned, and cannot be mastered.” If something does not permanently exist, its existence is regarded as untrue, virtual, and conditioned.

家庭的存在,團體的存在,甚至社會、國家的存在,都是暫時性的,是虛假的,不是真實的,父母、夫妻、子女再怎麼樣的恩愛深重,但是,無可奈何,總有一天要面臨「生離死別」。

因此,人生的相聚就好像鳥兒,在樹林裡結巢而居,災難一來,樹林的鳥兒就各自逃難紛飛而去,要再相聚就很困難,所以說「生滅變異,虛偽無主」。不是永遠存在的,就不是真正的存在,就是虛假。

Namo Amituofo!

September 22 2020

Sep 22, 2020

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

念佛警策

Sutra-recitation has its merit and virtues, because a “sutra” shows us the path to follow. However, we must Practice after we recite or read a sutra, because Buddhism is a religion of practice, not just a philosophy or theory.

It is best to recite the Infinite Life Sutra and the Amitabha Sutra first, then recite other sutras if you have time, and lastly move on to study. After we recite the sutras, it is best to devote 30 minutes to reciting “Namo Amituofo”. If there is not enough time, it is better to recite the sutras less and recite Amitabha’s Name more.

誦經有誦經的功德,但是「經」是告訴我們一條路走,所以我們誦經、閱經之後,就要去實踐,因為佛教是實踐的宗教,而不是講哲學理論而已。

誦經最好是誦《無量壽經》、《阿彌陀經》,其他的經典有時間再誦、再去研究。誦經之後最好有幾十分鐘的時間念「南無阿彌陀佛」,如果時間不夠,寧願少誦經,多念佛。

Namo Amituofo!

September 21 2020

Sep 21, 2020

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

淨土信仰

While we are alive, our mind consciousness is our master. However, when a person approaches death, his mind consciousness gradually vanishes, and the karmic force in his mind becomes the genuine master. So, if we have doubts, it is better to clear them now. If we wait to solve them until the near the end-of-life, it is probably too late.

Nevertheless, if our aspiration to be reborn in the Land of Bliss is earnest, and our recitation of Amitabha’s Name is exclusive, it doesn’t matter if we have doubts, because Amitabha Buddha will still appear at our near end-of-life. Once we see Amitabha Buddha, all our doubts will be cleared right away. It is just like when light arrives, darkness immediately disappears.

人活著的時候,意識是我們的主人;臨終的時候,意識漸漸消失,內心的業力就變成真正的主人。所以心中有懷疑,現在就要解決,等臨終才想解疑,恐怕就來不及了。

不過,只要我們願生極樂世界的心是懇切的,並且專稱這一句名號,即使有懷疑也沒關係,因為臨終時阿彌陀佛會出現,看到阿彌陀佛,凡夫的疑心當下就會消除,好像光明一到,黑暗立即消失。

Namo Amituofo!

September 20 2020

Sep 20, 2020

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

A true practitioner is able to be conscious that he is all wrong. This understanding nourishes his virtuous conduct of the three karmas with a good knowledge of the Buddhist teachings. Whatever he says, people will believe. Even he doesn’t say anything, people can feel his understanding of the Buddhist Way through his being.

修行人要能自覺一切都是自己的錯,要培養自己的三業德行,深入教理,這樣一出口人家就會相信,甚至於你不出口,人家就會覺得你道氣感人。

Namo Amituofo!

September 19 2020

Sep 19, 2020

A verse about ‘ascertained rebirth through Amitabha-recitation’ from ‘In Praise of the Rite of Rebirth’

《往生禮讚》「念佛光攝」之偈

The body of Amitabha is like a gold mountain.

His splendid marks in the form of light shine all over the worlds in the ten directions.

Only those who recite the name of Amitabha Buddha are embraced by his light.

One should know [Amitabha’s] Fundamental Vow is most powerful.

彌陀身色如金山,

相好光明照十方; 

唯有念佛蒙光攝,

當知本願最為強。

Namo Amituofo!

September 18 2020

Sep 18, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Amitabha Sutra

《佛說阿彌陀經》

 (continued)

Within the 1858 words (in Chinese) in the Amitabha Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha earnestly advises us three times to definitely be reborn in the Land of Bliss.

The first time he advises rebirth - those sentient beings who hear of that land should aspire to be born there.

The second time he advises rebirth - All sentient beings who hear this teaching should aspire to birth in that land.

The third time he advises rebirth - good men and women of faith should aspire to birth there.

We should notice how serious Shakyamuni Buddha is in advising, urging, and persuading us to aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss.

在這短短的一千八百五十八個字的《阿彌陀經》裏面,釋迦牟尼佛就三次很殷勤懇切的勸導我們,一定要往生極樂世界。

第一段勸往生的是:「眾生聞者,應當發願,願生彼國。」

第二段是:「聞是說者,應當發願,生彼國土。」

第三段是:「若有信者,應當發願,生彼國土。」

可說釋迦牟尼佛婆心深切,一而再、再而三的強調、勸導,希望我們務必要往生極樂世界。

Namo Amituofo!

September 17 2020

Sep 17, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Amitabha Sutra

《佛說阿彌陀經》

The aim of the Amitabha Sutra is to convince us to aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss. With his arms open, Amitabha Buddha, the Savior of the Land of Bliss, has been calling out to us for ten eons and asking us to allow him to deliver us to his Land of Bliss. In addition, Shakyamuni Buddha guides us and advises us to aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss in several other sutras.

《阿彌陀經》的宗旨,是要我們往生極樂世界。不只是極樂世界的救主──阿彌陀佛,祂成佛以來十劫之間,伸著佛手一直在呼喚我們,祈求我們讓祂救度到極樂世界;釋迦牟尼佛也在好幾部經典中,勸導我們一定要發願,願生極樂世界。

Namo Amituofo!

September 16 2020

Sep 16, 2020

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

醒世箴言

All worldly matters have a temporary existence, as they are produced in response to causal conditions which will eventually end. In the end they all disappear; so, our world is forever impermanent, full of suffering, and ultimately empty. There is nothing we can master except Amitabha-Recitation, leading to the Land of Bliss (where there is really no suffering and no emptiness). That Land is eternally filled with joy and peace.

世間的一切,都只是暫時的因緣和合,緣總是會盡的,盡了就彼此離開了,所以,這個世間永遠都是無常的,這個世間是痛苦的,到最後都成空的,沒有一個能讓我們主宰,唯有到極樂世界,才是真正不苦、不空,永恆存在,安樂自在。

Namo Amituofo!

September 15 2020

Sep 15, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouragement the practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

If a person can know his time of rebirth in advance, as that person approaches death, he will have no suffering due to illness, and no attachment to anything. His mind will not be upside down or confused. If it can be like that, it is a sign that he has always recited Amitabha’s Name, and Amitabha’s Name is always recited orally and fills his mind under all circumstances.

Moreover, he must focus on every recitation with a concentrated mind and have very few false thoughts. He is capable of reciting Amitabha’s Name “without interruption”. These are the kinds of people who can always know the time of their death in advance.

一個人能夠預知時至──所謂「若臨命終,自知時至,身無病苦,心不貪戀,意不顛倒,如入禪定」,要能夠這樣的話,往往都是常常念佛的人,也就是有事無事都把這句佛號掛在口中、懸在心上。

而且,他念念之間都很專注、很攝心,雜念比較少,能夠念到所謂「淨念相繼」,這樣的人往往能夠預知時至。

Namo Amituofo!

September 14 2020

Sep 14, 2020

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

淨土信仰

Because of karmic obstructions, sentient beings initially believe, but also doubt. The more the doubts are cleared, the more they can deeply believe. This is because all sentient beings in the world of five kinds of turbidity have “turbidity of view”. If a person wishes to fully believe, he must eliminate his doubt of Amitabha’s Vow Power due to his “turbidity of view”.

眾生皆因業障故,初信而又疑,解決了疑慮之後方能深信。蓋因五濁惡世眾生 ,皆有見濁故,欲其一信到底,總須破其見濁中對彌陀願力之疑。

Namo Amituofo!

September 13 2020

Sep 13, 2020

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

A Buddhist, especially an Amitabha-reciter, should not attach to birth, and not be afraid of death. When our body is cremated, the bones can be crushed to powder and there is no need to keep it in an urn or a pagoda. It can be distributed on earth and shared with other living beings (plants, insects, and animals).

學佛人,尤其是念佛人,不貪生、不怕死,肉體敗壞火化之後,骨頭可以磨成粉,也不需要放入骨灰罈或晉塔,可以用灑葬的方式和眾生結緣。

Namo Amituofo!

September 12 2020

Sep 12, 2020

A verse about “rebirth in the reward land through Name-Recitation”- from In Praise of Dharma Practice by Master Shandao

善導大師語錄《法事讚》「稱名入報」之偈

The Land of Bliss is a realm of unconditioned nirvana.

It’s hard to be reborn there by practicing assorted virtues according to circumstances.

The Tathagata selects the key method –

He teaches us to recite Amitabha’s Name with two-fold exclusivity.

極樂無為涅槃界,隨緣雜善恐難生; 故使如來選要法,教念彌陀專復專。

Namo Amituofo!

September 11 2020

Sep 11, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Amitabha Sutra

《佛說阿彌陀經》

(continued)

The relationship of cause and effect is the appearance of the Buddha first, and that our mind is not confused follows. It is NOT that our mind is not confused first, and then the appearance of the Buddha follows.

Many people misunderstand and believe that we should not have false thoughts during Amitabha-recitation. Because of this they feel they must make tremendous efforts to prevent their minds from being confused near the end-of-life. They believe if they can’t, the Buddha will not appear. This is WRONG! If they rely on their own efforts to keep their minds unconfused near the end-of-life, in order for the Buddha to appear to receive them to be reborn, there would be no need for Amitabha Buddha to appear.  

這個因果關係是佛先現前,然後才有我們的心不顛倒;而不是我們先要心不顛倒,佛才現前。

很多人因為誤解,認為念佛時不能打妄想,就在拼「功夫」,拼臨終時沒有問題、不顛倒,佛才會現前,這是錯誤的!如果需要靠我們自己臨終心不顛倒,佛才現前,才能往生,那就不用阿彌陀佛了。

Namo Amituofo!

September 10 2020

Sep 10, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Amitabha Sutra

《佛說阿彌陀經》

The Amitabha Sutra says, “When that person approaches the point of death, Amitabha Buddha and the sacred assembly will appear before him.”

There is another reason why Amitabha Buddha appears, which is the exclusive recitation of Namo Amituofo in his present life. Because of this cause, there is the effect of the appearance of Amitabha Buddha near the end-of-life. It is the first tier of cause and effect.

The Sutra also says, “When death comes, his mind will not be severely confused. He will at once gain rebirth in Amitabha Buddha’s Land of Bliss.” That is to say, because Amitabha Buddha appears near the end-of-life, that person’s mind will not be severely confused, and he will attain the right mental state to be reborn in the Land of Bliss. With this cause, there comes this effect. This is the second tier of cause and effect.

(to be continued tomorrow)

《阿彌陀經》說:「其人臨命終時,阿彌陀佛,與諸聖眾,現在其前」。而臨命終時有佛現前也要有一個因,那個因就是平生專念這句「南無阿彌陀佛」;有這個因,才會有臨命終時阿彌陀佛現前這個果。這是第一重因果。

經文又說:「是人終時,心不顛倒,即得往生,阿彌陀佛,極樂國土。」就是說,臨命終時阿彌陀佛現前,這樣自然命終時就能心不顛倒,而得正念往生極樂世界,有這個因就有這個果,這是第二重因果。

Namo Amituofo!

September 9 2020

Sep 9, 2020

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

醒世箴言

When considering suffering, we should not view it only as suffering. Suffering is actually a karmic condition that can lead to our entry upon the Way. If there were no suffering, it would be difficult to have the incentive to seek emancipation. Because of suffering we seek emancipation; so, we should be thankful for experiencing the causal condition of suffering.

When dealing with unfavorable conditions in daily matters and in human relationships, we should change our perspective to see that suffering gives us warnings and provides us with a deeper understanding of the suffering in the Land of Saha, and admiring the happiness in the Land of Bliss. So, thank-you suffering! If we cannot understand this point, and keep complaining of our suffering, we will move from one kind of suffering to another.

對於苦境,我們不要純粹認為它是苦,苦是入道的緣,沒有苦,我們很難想要解脫;因為有苦,才使我們尋求解脫之道,所以我們反而要感謝這個苦的因緣。

遇到人事物的逆境時,應該換個角度來看,因為有苦才使我們得以警惕,對厭離娑婆世界的苦與欣慕淨土的樂的心更深,所以應感謝苦。如果無法了解這一點,而是一味的埋怨苦,將會從這個苦進入另一個苦。

Namo Amituofo!

September 8 2020

Sep 8, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings encouraging the practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

To have a particular effect, we need the respective cause. It is similar to needing a particular seed to create a respective fruit. If we can view ourselves as slow-witted, do not argue with others using harsh speech, do not pursue excessive desires, just do what we should do, and recite Amitabha’s Name in all circumstances; we can know the time of our rebirth in advance, and smoothly transition to rebirth in the Land of Bliss.

Thus, those who know the time of their rebirth in advance are mainly sincere and simple elders who recite Amitabha’s Name. Those who only talk about the teachings to show off their talents and eloquence but do not practice much, are like ordinary people who are filled with regrets and fears when life approaches the end.

要有什麼果,需有怎麼因,所謂「要怎麼收成,先怎麼栽」。能把自己當成愚夫愚婦, 與人無諍,於世無求,「不與人諍,亦無怒容」、「隨作務,隨念佛」,這樣就能預知時至,順利安然往生極樂世界。

所以,我們看一些預知時至的人,往往都是一些個性誠樸老實念佛的老阿公、老阿婆比較多,至於會講經說法而不務實修、喜歡展現聰明智辯、鑽牛角尖的,往往與一般人一樣,如佛所言:「大命將終,悔懼交至。」

Namo Amituofo!

September 7 2020

Sep 7, 2020

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

淨土信仰

Amitabha cares deeply about sentient beings in the ten directions; however, he can only embrace with his mind-light those who believe in him and recite his Name. For those who do not believe, Amitabha can only shine his light on them but not embrace them. This prevents them from being naturally reborn.

彌陀關懷十方眾生,但唯有信佛念佛之人,蒙佛心光攝取,而未信者只蒙光照,未被攝取,故不能自然往生。

Namo Amituofo!

September 6 2020

Sep 6, 2020

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

While we are learning to become a Buddha, we should encourage our family members to be happy, and have a good impression of the Buddhist teachings, so that they may become interested in them and seek to learn more.

If we can do so, we will not have any obstructions from our family members, and be able to bring them blessings and rewards. Otherwise, though we recite Amitabha’s Name and aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, our journey in this world will be far more difficult and less enjoyable.

我們學佛,應該讓家人也感到愉悅,對佛法產生好感,使他們因為自己學佛的改變,而肯定佛法。如果能這樣,不但不會有阻礙,更為自己與家人帶來福報,學佛要這樣比較圓滿。否則,雖然念佛願生極樂世界,但肉體還存在的時候,生活就會有苦惱。

Namo Amituofo!

September 5 2020

Sep 5, 2020

A verse from “In Praise of Dharma Practice” by Master Shandao

The most intimate relationship with Amitabha Buddha is formed through exclusive recitation of his Name.

善導大師語錄《法事讚》

「念佛最親」之偈

Of Amitabha’s 48 Great Vows, the one on Name-recitation alone is most intimate. When we think of Amitabha Buddha, he thinks of us. If we exclusively recite Namo Amitabha Buddha, he is aware of every word.

弘誓多門四十八,

偏標念佛最為親; 

人能念佛佛還念,

專心想佛佛知人。

Namo Amituofo!

September 4 2020

Sep 4, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Amitabha Sutra

《佛說阿彌陀經》

“Single-mindedly and without deviation” as stated in the Amitabha Sutra is very simple. Single means not two; not two means exclusive. Without deviation means straight with no confusion, which is also exclusive. So, “single-mindedly and without deviation” is to hold fast to the Name with twofold exclusivity.

《阿彌陀經》中所說的「一心不亂」很簡單,「一」者不二,不二就是專;「不亂」就是不雜亂,不雜也是專。所以「一心不亂」就是「執持名號要專一不雜」。

Namo Amituofo!

September 3 2020

Sep 3, 2020

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

醒世箴言

The average human life span is 80 years nowadays. There are Desire Heavens, Form Heavens and Formless Heavens. The shortest lifespan of the Desire Heavens is 500 years. One day in Desire Heaven is equivalent to 50 years in the human world. The longest lifespan in the Non-Perception and No Non-Perception Heavens is 84,000 eons. From the point of view of a human, it seems to be a very long time; however, it is very short from a Buddha’s perspective. How short is it?

Master Shandao says that it is like a flash of lightning, less than the blink of an eye, and then it vanishes. It’s so short! If we are not reborn in the Land of Bliss, we will reincarnate and depart from our beloved ones forever. Sadly, we will not even know each other if we meet again in a future life.

人的壽命,以目前來講,平均八十歲;天有欲界天、色界天、無色界天,欲界天最短的是五百歲,它的一天是我們的五十年;最長的是非想非非想處天,壽命八萬四千劫,以人間來看,是很長了,但是以佛的眼光來看,還是很短,短到什麼地步?

善導大師說「猶如電光」,閃電一閃,我們還來不及眨眼,它就消失了,是那麼的短暫。如果沒有往生極樂世界,就永遠在輪迴,再恩愛的親人也會離開,即使見面也不相識。

Namo Amituofo!

September 2 2020

Sep 2, 2020

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

Recitation

念佛警策

The teaching of Amitabha-recitation is simple and easy, nothing special. Don’t complicate it by becoming entangled in varying the quantity, diversity, depth, profundity and difficulties, Don’t constantly look for gimmicks, or make it too fantastic. Otherwise you will lose your way and turn the wrong way at the crossroads. If you turn the wrong way, you will fall into the lower realms, and squander this opportunity to be reborn in the Pure Land. It is because all of the above are not the main cause of rebirth.

念佛法門極其簡易平常,不可好多、好雜、好深、好玄、好難,或尋奇覓巧,欲與人不同;否則如羊走迷,必入歧途,遭受矇騙,將再度沉淪,不得往生,因為這些皆非往生之因。

Namo Amituofo!

September 1 2020

Sep 1, 2020

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

淨土信仰

A Buddhist Amitabha-reciter should know, for rebirth in the Land of Bliss (an unconditioned realm of nirvana), the main cause is “exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s Name. The worldly virtues, precept virtues, and cultivation virtues are our human and Buddhist duties that we should practice according to our capacities and roles. This is the correct way of viewing these concepts. This kind of person can be reborn in the reward land without remaining within the bud of a lotus flower.

一個學佛念佛的人應該知道往生極樂無為涅槃的世界,正因是「專稱彌陀佛名」,而世福、戒福、行福是我們為人、學佛者理所當然、隨分隨力應該要做的,有這樣觀念才是正確的,這樣的人,他往生就在報土當中,不會含苞在蓮花中。

Namo Amituofo!

August 31 2020

Aug 31, 2020

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

A householder does not need to live as a monastic. However, if he is a dedicated practitioner, he will tend to practice in ways similar to a monastic. A gentleman seeks the Way rather than food, and he worries about the Way, rather than poverty.

So, a true practitioner is fine living in poverty and rejoices in pursuing the Way. For example, some people have a habit of cleaning their mouths with a tissue after each meal. If their lips are greasy, it is alright to clean them. However, we should adopt the habit of eating without the food touching our lips. In this way, we would not need to clean our mouths after meals, and we could save a tissue. Otherwise, we use 3 tissues after 3 meals in a day, and use a thousand tissues after a year.

在家居士不必像出家眾這樣,不過如果是一個修行人的話,就會往這方面來實踐,所謂「君子謀道不謀食,憂道不憂貧」,修行人是安貧樂道的。

例如,有些人吃完飯,就習慣抽一張衛生紙擦嘴巴,當然真的油膩是應該擦,不過最好養成吃時盡量不要沾到嘴巴的習慣,這樣就不必在吃完飯後另外浪費一張衛生紙。否則,一天三餐就要用三張衛生紙,一年就要用上千張衛生紙了。

Namo Amituofo!

August 30 2020

Aug 30, 2020

An excerpt from ‘In Praise of the Rite of Rebirth’ by Master Shandao

善導大師語錄《往生禮讚》

The Sutra of the Ten Rebirths says, “When those who exclusively invoke Amitabha Buddha in the West and aspire to be reborn, that Buddha immediately sends 25 bodhisattvas to protect and embrace them. While walking, sitting, standing and lying down, or during day time, night time, at all times, and at all places, they will not be exposed to evil ghosts and spirits.

As the Contemplation Sutra says, “If any person invokes Amitabha’s Name, prostrates to Amitabha Buddha, and aspires to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, that Buddha will immediately send numerous manifestation buddhas, and numerous manifestations of Avolakiteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta bodhisattvas to come and protect the practitioner. In addition to the 25 bodhisattvas mentioned previously, all of them gather around those practitioners in hundreds and thousands of layers. They stay with those practitioners at all times, in all places, and under all circumstances.(when they are walking, standing, sitting and lying down) As there are so many benefits offered by Amitabha Buddha, we hope all people will truly aspire to be reborn.

《十往生經》云:若有眾生,念阿彌陀佛,願往生者,彼佛即遣二十五菩薩, 擁護行者;若行、若坐、若住、若臥,若晝、若夜,一切時,一切處,不令惡鬼惡神,得其便也。

又如《觀經》(意)云:若稱禮念阿彌陀佛,願往生彼國者,彼佛即遣無數化佛,無數化觀音、勢至菩薩,護念行者;復與前二十五菩薩等,百重千重圍繞行者,不問行住坐臥,一切時處,若晝若夜,常不離行者。今既有斯勝益可憑,願諸行者,各須至心求往。

Namo Amituofo!