January 27 2021

Jan 27, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School

《淨宗傳承之總顯其義》

(continued)

The reasons are as follows: What Master Huiyuan practiced was not based on Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow about “exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s Name”. In addition, it was not based on the main sutras of the pristine Pure Land teaching. What Master Huiyuan practiced was based on the Pratyutpanna Samadhi Sutra, and its aim was to see the Buddha in the meditative state. 

So, with respect to the teaching, his approach was not based on the three sutras of the pristine Pure Land School. With respect to aptitude, it was not suitable for the majority of people. If we follow the practice of the Huiyuan tradition, we have no hope of being reborn. This is because the Samadhi of Pratyutpanna is not approachable for most people. Even remarkable monastics and virtuous practitioners cannot practice it easily, not to mention ordinary beings like us.

(to be continued tomorrow)

原因如下:「慧遠流」所修的不是依據阿彌陀佛「專稱佛名」的本願,也不是純粹依據淨土法門的正依經論。他修持所依據的是《般舟三昧經》,所修的是入定見佛。

所以,從法門來講,不是依據純粹淨土經典的法門;從根機來講,也不是完全適合普遍的根機。我們如果依慧遠流作為修習的依據, 那就沒有希望了;因為依般舟三昧的方法來修行,不只沒有普遍性,即使是高僧大德也很不容易修成,更何況是我們這樣平凡庸碌的凡夫呢?

Namo Amituofo!

January 26 2021

Jan 26, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School

《淨宗傳承之總顯其義》

Ever since the study of the Pure Land teaching began, most scholars have thought there are three traditions in the Pure Land School – the Huiyuan tradition, the Shandao tradition, and the Cimin tradition. That means these three traditions propagated three different theories of the Pure Land teaching.

Actually, strictly speaking, in the historical development of Chinese Buddhism, and the historical development of the Pure Land teaching, there weren’t three traditions. There is only one, the Shandao tradition. Moreover, this tradition was entirely transmitted to Japan, where it served as the basis of Japanese Pure Land Buddhism.

We are followers of the Shandao tradition. Why should we follow the Shandao tradition?

(to be continued tomorrow)

自古以來研究淨土教理者,大都認為淨土宗有三流──「慧遠流」、「善導流」與「慈愍流」,也就是這三個流派在弘揚三種不同的淨土教理。

其實嚴格來講,在中國佛教歷史上,乃至淨土法門的歷史上並沒有這三流,如果有,也只有善導流,而且完完全全的傳到日本,成為日本淨土宗主要的思想 ,我們這一流就是善導流,為什麼我們唯依善導流呢?

Namo Amituofo!

January 25 2021

Jan 25, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Truth of Impermanence

諸行無常

We live in a world of anxiety and fragility; so, it is natural to feel insecure and horrified. However, these forms of suffering are considered less severe because they only last for one lifetime. The greater kinds of suffering are those that continue through many lifetimes within the Three Domains and the Six Realms.

In the Lotus Sutra, it says, “The Three Domains contain no lasting peace. They are like a burning house filled with terrible suffering.” Reincarnation is the fundamental catastrophe. However, the Land of Bliss has no suffering. Those who are born there enjoy all kinds of happiness. So, whenever a Buddha is born, he must introduce the Pure Land teaching, and advise and guide sentient beings to recite Amitabha’s Name to attain rebirth in the Land of Bliss.

我們住在這無常的世間,危脆的國土,可以說是很不安穩,也很恐怖。然而這種不安、恐怖,還算很小,因為對我們來說,只不過是今生今世而已。還有一個很大的恐怖跟不安,就是三界六道的生死輪迴。

《法華經》就說:「三界無安,猶如火宅,眾苦充滿,甚可怖畏。」生死輪迴是根本的災難、根本的恐怖、根本的不安。而極樂世界是「無有眾苦,但受諸樂」。所以, 凡是諸佛出世,都介紹淨土法門,勸導眾生念佛往生極樂世界。

Namo Amituofo!

January 24 2021

Jan 24, 2021

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

念佛警策

There is a saying, “With a certain state of mind, you must have an equal action.” Whatever you have in your mind, you must enact in your speech and behavior.

Similarly, if a person believes, obeys, and relies on Amitabha Buddha one hundred percent, and aspires to be reborn the Land of Bliss, he must naturally cease unduly caring about or attaching to any matters in the Saha World. They must put one hundred percent of their emphasis on rebirth in the Land of Bliss. It can be said that the purpose of their lives is rebirth in the Land of Bliss.

俗話說「有其心,必有其行」,內心是存著什麼樣的心,外表自然就會顯現出怎麼樣的言行來;同樣的,一個對阿彌陀佛百分之百信順、依靠,願生極樂世界的人,自然也會對娑婆世界的事情看得比較淡,甚至於毫不執著,而對往生極樂世界這件事,則看得比較重,非常的重,甚至於百分之百的重,可以說他的一切生活、作為的目的,都是為了往生極樂世界。

Namo Amituofo!

January 23 2021

Jan 23, 2021

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

淨土信仰

Light indicates Amitabha’s compassion to deliver sentient beings. It is unlimited and transcends the compassion of all other buddhas of the ten directions. It also indicates Amitabha’s power to deliver sentient beings is boundless and immeasurable. No matter how deep sentient beings’ offenses are, Amitabha Buddha has more than enough power to deliver them.

「光明」表示阿彌陀佛救度眾生的慈悲,超越十方諸佛的慈悲,非常徹底,沒有限量;也表示阿彌陀佛救度眾生的力量非常徹底,無量無邊,眾生有多深的罪業,阿彌陀佛便有多大的力量來救度他。

Namo Amituofo!

January 22 2021

Jan 22, 2021

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

It is a great offense for a person to obstruct other people to practice in cultivation. He may suffer in the wretched realms for a long period of time. Though he may be born as a human being, it is likely that he has no wisdom. So, when we come across those who want to practice in cultivation, we should rejoice, praise them, and assist them to achieve in cultivation.

障礙別人修行的罪業很大,會長時在惡道裏面受苦,即使出生為人,恐怕也會沒有智慧。所以我們如果遇到想修行的人, 應抱著隨喜讚歎的心,來成就他們。

Namo Amituofo!

January 21 2021

Jan 21, 2021

A verse about ‘reaching Enlightenment (Bodhi) together’ from ‘In praise of Dharma Practice’

《法事讚》「同至菩提」之偈:

All sentient beings, including spirits, can be converted and delivered.

They can reach Enlightenment, through the same cause and the same practice, once they reach the Pure Land.

有識含靈皆普化,

同因同行至菩提。

Namo Amituofo!

January 20 2021

Jan 20, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings concerning the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teachings

《淨宗傳承之總顯其義》

The three main scriptures of the Pure Land teaching are the “Three Sutras”, which are the Infinite Life Sutra, the Contemplation Sutra and the Amitabha Sutra. Among Shastras there are the Chapter on the Easy Practice by Nagarjuna Bodhisattva and the Shastra on Rebirth by Vasubandhu. For Commentary, there are commentaries, verses and collections written by Master Tanluan, Master Daochao and Master Shandao, etc.

Due to the transmission of the teachings via this lineage, the teachings are guaranteed to be pristine and true. They are unchanged regardless of the passage of time, area, and person. In this way, practitioners can be confident and rely on them as their benchmark. Thus, we see that transmission of a teaching via a lineage is the life of the propagation of a particular school, and also the life of sentient beings who practice the teaching within a lineage.

淨土正依之《三經》,即《無量壽經》、《觀經》、《彌陀經》等。《論》者,龍樹菩薩《易行品》、天親菩薩《往生論》等。《釋》者,曇鸞、道綽、善導等諸祖師註疏集偈等。

由此教義傳承,故能保證教法的純真無偽,不致因時、因地、因人而變,然後行人才有必定可依的標準。可見,教義傳承實是一宗弘揚、眾生修學之生命所在。

Namo Amituofo!

January 19 2021

Jan 19, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Truth of Impermanence

諸行無常

(continued)

We think a hundred billion years is a very long time; however, it is as temporary as a dewdrop or a bolt of lightning from the Buddha’s point of view. This is because, as long as it conditioned, its existence is bound to a finite framework of time and space.

As it is bound to time and space, it is finite and temporary, no matter how long it is, unless you can transcend time and space.

So, though we may live for a hundred or ten thousand years, it is still regarded as a short lifespan. As compared with the nearest heaven( the Heaven of the Four Kings), the average lifespan of heavenly beings is 500 years, and one day in that heaven is equivalent to 50 years in our human world. Though its scale is much “larger”, their lifespans are as short as dew and lightning from the Buddha’s point of view.

一百億年我們感覺好漫長,但以佛的眼光來看,還是如露亦如電的短暫。因為只要是有為的,一定是有時間性、有空間性的,既然有時間性、空間性,就是有限量,既然有限量就是短暫,再怎麼樣的長也都是短暫,除非你超越時間、空間。

所以,人生即使活一百歲、一萬歲都是短命。比如出生在天上,離我們最近的是四天王天,他的壽命是五百年,他的一天是我們的五十歲,但即使是這樣,以佛的眼光來看還是如露如電,還是短命的。

Namo Amituofo!

January 18 2021

Jan 18, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Truth of Impermanence

諸行無常

The Diamond Sutra says, “All conditioned Dharma is like a dream, a bubble, dew, and lightning. We should visualize it as such.” What does “all conditioned dharma” mean? As small as our bodies, as large as our: spirits, land, mountains, rivers, the Earth, the Sun, the Galaxy and the entire universe. All are known as conditioned Dharma. From the point of view of the Buddha, they are as unreal as a dream, an illusion, or a bubble. They are as temporary as dew or a bolt of lightning.

(to be continued tomorrow)

《金剛經》說:「一切有為法,如夢幻泡影,如露亦如電,應作如是觀。」什麼是「一切有為法」呢?小至我們的身體、精神,大至外在的山河大地,甚至地球、太陽、銀河系、整個宇宙都是有為法。既然是有為法,以佛的眼光來看,都是如夢幻泡影般的不實在,如露亦如電那樣的短暫。

Namo Amituofo!

January 17 2021

Jan 17, 2021

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

念佛警策

Pure Land teaching is difficult-to-believe, but easy-to-practice. It is fine if we are unable to believe in the beginning, we can affirm it first through thoughtful study of the teachings, and continued practice. If you say, “I can’t believe it now. Perhaps I can believe it later and then begin Amitabha-recitation? One who proceeds this way will likely continue to reincarnate.

淨土法門「易行難信」,不過一時信不來也沒有關係,就先肯定它,然後依教奉行,持續的去溫習,閱讀思惟。如果說:「我信不來,不等我相信以後,我不可能依教奉行的」,那這樣恐怕就要繼續的輪迴了。

Namo Amituofo!

January 16 2021

Jan 16, 2021

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

淨土信仰

The Name “Namo Amituofo” is called the Name of Light, because the Name and Amitabha’s light are two aspects of one entity. Name is the light that we can hear, and light is the Name that we cannot hear. They are two in one and one for two.

南無阿彌陀佛也叫「光明名號」,因為這一句名號跟阿彌陀佛無礙的光明是一體的兩面,名號是有聲音的光明,光明是無聲音的名號,兩者是一而二、二而一的。

Namo Amituofo!

January 15 2021

Jan 15, 2021

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

Being an Amitabha-reciter doesn’t mean we need not learn, or propagate other teachings. For instance, we have to try our best to be sincere and scrupulous in our relationships, avoid evil and cherish good, be an upstanding citizen by showing civic-mindedness, respecting the law, and understanding other Buddhist theories.

However, we must prioritize. We must mainly understand the Pure Land teaching and keep the Name in our minds. We must solve the great matter of birth-and-death, then we should do other things according to our capacities and conditions.

If we can do it in this way and we feel good when we do other things, fine. There is no reason to feel regret if we can’t practice those teachings well. It is because our ability to remember those teachings declines as we age and approach the near end of this life.

念佛的人不是其他的法門就不要學、不要弘揚,還是要的。比如說,還是要儘量的敦倫盡分,閑邪存誠,諸惡莫作,眾善奉行,也要瞭解其他的教理。

只是有主有從,最主要的是淨土教理要先瞭解,然後把這一句佛號存在心中,生死先解決,其他隨緣隨力來做。

能這樣,那其他的做得到固然好,做不到也不會有遺憾,因為到臨終的時候一切大腦中的記憶都會忘光的。

Namo Amituofo!

January 14 2021

Jan 14, 2021

A verse explaining ‘with recourse to the Buddha’s vow power’ from ‘In Praise of Dharma Practice’

《法事讚》「乘佛願力」之偈:

The Three Domains are different levels within the burning house in which we live.

It’s better to be reborn in the West with recourse to the Buddha’s vow power.

三界火宅難居止,乘佛願力往西方。

Namo Amituofo!

January 13 2021

Jan 13, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Commentary on the Treatise of Rebirth

《往生論註​》

(continued)

It is not wrong to say that wholesome rewards result from wholesome deeds, and unwholesome retributions result from unwholesome deeds. However, whether it is a wholesome reward or an unwholesome retribution, we are unable to liberate ourselves from reincarnation. Thus, ceasing reincarnation and becoming a Buddha is unattainable through the merit and virtues caused by human and celestial karma.

What we pursue today is the end of reincarnation and becoming a Buddha. When pursuing these goals, wholesome karma is false and unreal.

This teaching is always misinterpreted. People think they need not do good things or accumulate virtues. It is not like that. We keep doing good and accumulating virtues in this world, because it is our moral duty and responsibility as a human being, and as a Buddhist. We must do good things in accord with our capacities and our role under the allowable conditions, even though we know they are within the scope of human and celestial rewards.

「善有善報,惡有惡報」固然不錯,但是不論是善報惡報,都無法使人脫離輪迴。我們今天所追求的是沒有輪迴的,是成佛的,所以以「沒有輪迴」,以「成佛」那樣高的標準來看人天的善業功德,這些善業功德在佛的面前都是虛假的。

但是,這樣的教理往往被人誤解,以為這樣我何必行善積德,好事就不用做了。其實不是這樣。我們在人間行善積德,不只是做人的本份,也是學佛的本份,應該隨緣隨分隨力的去做,只是要知道,這只是人天果報而已。

Namo Amituofo!

January 12 2021

Jan 12, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Commentary on the Treatise of Rebirth

《往生論註​》

Master Tanluan says in the Commentary on the Shastra of Rebirth, “All kinds ofhuman and celestial virtues, and human and celestial rewards and retributions, whether they are cause or effect, all are inverted - upside down, and all are unreal and false. So, they are called unreal virtues.”

The rewards resulting from the Five Precepts and the Ten Wholesome Deeds are regarded as unreal, from the Buddha’s point of view of reality. When we hear these truths they are very stunning!

Generally, when learning Buddhism, it is important to “avoid doing evil and to practice various good deeds”. However, it is said here that all of the virtuous deeds we do are false and unreal. Why?

(to be continued tomorrow)

曇鸞大師《往生論註》言:「凡夫人天諸善,人天果報,若因若果,皆是顛倒,皆是虛偽,是故名不實功德。」

五戒十善的因所得的果,從佛的眼光、真實面來看,其因其果,都不是真實,反而是虛假的。這段文對我們來說是非常震撼的。

一般來說,學佛重要的是去惡行善,所謂「諸惡莫作,眾善奉行」,可是這裡卻說我們所做的善事都是虛假的。為什麼?

Namo Amituofo!

January 11 2021

Jan 11, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Truth of Impermanence

諸行無常

Everyone has his own karma. Because of this karma, we meet and gather together, become spouses, fathers, sons, and friends. However, when the karmic conditions end, we separate and continue to bear our individual karma from the past. We receive different retributions and continue in the endless cycle of reincarnation. Thus, nothing is unchanged.

We should be mindful of impermanence, understand that all phenomena are unreal and exist only momentarily. We should remember these truths and try to practice non - attachment.

每一個人都有他的業,因為這個業大家相逢、相處,甚至做夫妻、做父子、做朋友;等業緣一盡,各人就由過去所帶來不同的業,再去受不同的、無窮盡的輪迴果報,所以並不是永不改變的。

我們要有這樣的無常觀,了解眼前這一切都只是一時虛假的存在而已,不用太執著。

Namo Amituofo!

January 10 2021

Jan 10, 2021

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

念佛警策

No matter how we talk about our teaching, it cannot deviate from Amitabha’s deliverance and Amitabha-recitation, in accordance with his Fundamental Vow.

These are the core teachings and principles that explain the teaching. So, any time we hear this teaching, we should treat it as if we are hearing it for the first time. In that way it will always be fresh and new. Don’t think you have heard it, or learned it, or understood it. We should not feel bored; but, always be delighted to learn these core teachings and principles. Why? It is because they are the roots of our teaching, the life of Amitabha and Amitabha-reciters

我們這個法門再怎麼講都離不開彌陀本願救度與彌陀本願稱名,都是環繞這個核心與宗旨在闡釋,所以不論何時我們聽聞的時候每次都要把它當作第一次聽聞,萬古常新,永遠都是新鮮的,不要認為已經學習過了、已經聽過了、了解了。應該對我們這個核心宗旨非常的好樂不厭倦,為什麼?因為這是法門的根源,也可以說是彌陀的生命,也是念佛人的生命。

Namo Amituofo!

January 9 2021

Jan 9, 2021

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

淨土信仰

Normally, it only takes about Three Great Asamkhyakalpas to achieve Buddhahood, through cultivating blessings and wisdom, and attaining the marks and splendors in a hundred kalpas. However Amitabha Buddha took 5 kalpas to make his vows, and took countless eons to cultivate and accumulate the infinite bodhisattva virtues before he achieved Buddhahood.

Three Great Asamkhyakalpas is not comparable to countless eons. Why did Amitabha Buddha need such a long time to accumulate abundant merit and virtues?

It is because he wanted to deliver sentient beings in the ten directions, not only liberate them from reincarnation within the Six Realms; but, also enable them to be reborn in the Pure Land and become buddhas expediently.

Sentient beings in the ten directions include those alive at present, those approaching death, those who are in Bardo form after their last breath, and those who have fallen into the Three Wretched Realms. Above all, all sentient beings within the nine Dharma realms are included in Amitabha’s deliverance.

成佛原本只要三大阿僧祇劫就可以,所謂「三祇修福慧,百劫種相好」,可是阿彌陀佛卻經過五劫的時間發願,經過兆載永劫積植菩薩無量德行之後才成佛。

三大阿僧祇劫的時間跟兆載永劫根本不能比啊!為什麼要經過這麼長久的時間,累積那麼多的功德呢?因為要救度十方眾生;不但要將十方眾生救離六道輪迴,而且使他們往生淨土就快速成佛。

所謂十方眾生,包括現在還活著的人,即將臨終的人,也包括已經斷氣在中陰身的人,及已經墮落到三惡道的人,總之九法界的眾生通通包括在內。

Namo Amituofo!

January 8 2021

Jan 8, 2021

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

Those who take refuge are Buddhist believers and learners. How do they serve people? They have faith in the Buddha and treat people with respect, love, and forgiveness. They are conscientious and humble.

Be sincere and scrupulous in your relationships. Avoid evil and cherish good. Be an upstanding citizen by showing civic-mindedness and respecting the law.

Practice kindheartedness and kindness in speech and actions. Do good things. No killing. Eat less meat and work toward being a complete vegetarian.

皈依者即是信佛學佛之人,其行事為人:對佛有信心、有敬心,對人有愛心、恕心,對己有愧心、良心。

敦倫盡份,閑邪存誠,諸惡莫作,眾善奉行。

存好心,說好話,做好事。仁民愛物,不殺生,少吃肉,素食更佳。

Namo Amituofo!

January 7 2021

Jan 7, 2021

A verse stating ‘all are qualified’ from ‘In Praise of Pratyutpanna’

《般舟讚》「人人有份」之偈:

Suddenly thinking of the joy in that land,

No one should doubt, as all are included and will be reborn there.

忽爾思量彼快樂,人人有份不須疑。

Namo Amituofo!

January 6 2021

Jan 6, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings concerning the Commentary on the Treatise of Rebirth

《往生論註》

In the Commentary on the Shastra of Rebirth, Master Tanluan said, “All those born in that Pure Land, all practices performed by those bodhisattvas, celestial and human beings are all propelled by Amitabha Tathagata’s Fundamental Vow Power.”

All sentient beings and bodhisattvas born in the Land of Bliss rely on Amitabha’s Vow Power in delivering sentient beings.

Master Tanluan also posed a question. “Why is this so?” He answered, “If it were not for the Buddha’s power, the 48 vows would become useless. “ Without the power of Amitabha Buddha, the 48 vows become void.

曇鸞祖師《往生論註》說:「凡是生彼淨土,及彼菩薩人天所起諸行,皆緣阿彌陀如來本願力故。」

凡是往生到極樂世界的眾生,以及已經往生到極樂世界的菩薩,這些菩薩所做的救度眾生的事情,都是依靠阿彌陀如來的本願力。

曇鸞祖師又設問說:「何以言之?」接著自答說:「若非佛力,四十八願便是徒設。」是因為有佛力,如果沒有阿彌陀佛的力量,四十八願便是虛設。

Namo Amituofo!

January 5 2021

Jan 5, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Truth of Impermanence

諸行無常

Though there is an existence in what we see at this moment, it is just a momentary harmonization of causes and karmic conditions. As it is conditional, whether it is wholesome or unwholesome, good or bad, it must eventually depart and disperse.

Once it vanishes, it instantly becomes emptiness and has no more existence.

雖然眼見的當下是存在,但那是一時的因緣和合,業緣到了,才有那種現象。既然是「緣」,無論善緣、惡緣,好緣、壞緣,是「緣」就總有離散的時候,一旦離開,當下成空,不再存在。

Namo Amituofo!

January 4 2021

Jan 4, 2021

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

念佛警策

The intention of Master Honen is that one should take Amitabha-recitation as of the utmost importance. Whatever hinders the practice of Amitabha-recitation should be renounced and discarded; whatever boosts the practice of Amitabha-recitation should be pursued. These are really the benchmarks for an Amitabha-reciter in dealing with all mundane matters.

法然上人意,一切無如念佛為要!凡妨礙念佛之事皆應厭捨,凡助成念佛之事皆當奉行。此實為念佛人處理一切世務之準繩。

Namo Amituofo!

January 3 2021

Jan 3, 2021

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

淨土信仰

We encounter the Pure Land teaching in this lifetime due to a particular cause. It is because we formed a karmic connection with Amitabha Buddha in a past life.

However, at that time our mind of rebirth-aspiration was not earnest enough, and our mind of exclusive Amitabha-recitation was not pure and singular. Not until this future life (this lifetime), are we able to attain this effect (fruition).

All sentient beings who make a karmic connection with Amitabha Buddha are accompanied by him life after life. He forever guides them, inspiring their faith until they can believe and accept his 18th Vow.

我們今生今世遇到淨土法門,不是沒有原因的,是我們宿世與阿彌陀佛結下的緣,在當時我們往生之心不夠懇切,專念之心不夠純一,致使我們只結這個緣,等到未來世(即今生今世)才得到這個果。

凡是與阿彌陀佛結緣的眾生,阿彌陀佛生生世世都會跟隨他,不放捨地引導他,啟發他的信心,使他信受進入第十八願。

Namo Amituofo!

January 2 2021

Jan 2, 2021

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

For Buddhists, the objects in which we take refuge are the Three Jewels. The Three Jewels then become our teachers, as much as our Dharma masters and Sangha family. However, Pure Land learners should try to become close with Pure Land Dharma places, Dharma masters, and Dharma companions. They should respect other Dharma places, etc.; but, they should not pursue those teachings. This is to prevent being diverted to the path of miscellaneous practices.

佛弟子皈依的對象是「三寶」,故三寶皆我之師,非僅皈依某道場或某法師而已。但,若學淨宗者,即應親近淨宗道場、師父、同行,餘則可敬而不可學,以免徒生干擾,走向雜修雜行之路。

Namo Amituofo!

January 1 2021

Jan 1, 2021

A verse about ‘advising all sentient beings’ from ‘In Praise of Pratyutpanna’

《般舟讚》「普勸有緣」之偈 :

The Buddha advises all those who have a karmic connection with the Pure Land to always recite Amitabha’s Name.

They are the classmates of Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta.

Those who can recite Amitabha’s Name are superior among humankind.

All of them aspire to be reborn within the family of all buddhas.

普勸有緣常念佛,觀音大勢為同學;

若能念佛人中上,願得同生諸佛家。

Namo Amituofo!

December 31 2020

Dec 31, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Commentary on the Treatise of Rebirth

《往生論註》

The conclusion of the Commentary on the Treatise of Rebirth, written by Master Tanluan, states “Because of the causal condition of the Buddha’s power, one will naturally attain rebirth as a result of Amitabha-recitation even ten times. “

Thus, we know that Amitabha-recitation even ten times assures the attainment of rebirth with recourse to the Buddha’s vow power. “Practice what we believe” means “with the causal condition of believing the Buddha”. “Not practicing and not believing” means there is no causal condition of believing the Buddha, and no reliance on the Buddha’s vow power, so rebirth is not attained.

In other words, why do sentient beings who recite Amitabha’s Name even ten times attain rebirth? It is because Amitabha-recitation assures the “attainment of rebirth through the causal condition of the Buddha’s power.” Those who are able to believe, should practice this way.

曇鸞大師於《往生論註》之結論言:「緣佛願力故,十念念佛,便得往生。」以此明知:十念之念佛,即是乘佛願力,便得往生;信而行之,即是「信佛因緣」;不信不行,即非信佛因緣,亦非乘佛願力,不得往生。

換言之,何以「十念念佛」之眾生,便得往生?因為「念佛」即是「緣佛願力」故,便得往生。信者信此,行者行此。

Namo Amituofo!

December 30 2020

Dec 30, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Truth of Impermanence

諸行無常

Our bodies are composed of the four elements of Earth, Water, Fire (Energy) and Air. However, their nature is “suffering and emptiness”. With this body, we all suffer from gradual aging and various kinds of illness. With our last breath we experience the suffering of death, the realization that our body does not exist forever, and we return to emptiness. This is why it is said that “the Four Elements are suffering and emptiness.”

我們的身體由「地、水、火、風」四種元素組成,本質是「苦、空」。有這個身體,就有逐漸老邁的苦,就有種種病痛的苦,最後一氣不來,就是死亡的苦,不能永遠存在,終歸苦空,所以說四大苦空。

Namo Amituofo!

December 29 2020

Dec 29, 2020

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

念佛警策

People are always thinking. If they do not recite Amitabha’s Name, they will have constant miscellaneous thoughts. While we recite the Buddha’s Name we emit his radiant light. However, when our minds are full of miscellaneous thoughts, we only emit dim light.

人皆有念,不念佛便念雜念;念佛出佛光,念雜念出灰暗光。

Namo Amituofo!

December 28 2020

Dec 28, 2020

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

淨土信仰

With the merit and virtues resulting from the accomplishment of Perfect Enlightenment, Amitabha Buddha dedicates and shares them with sentient beings of the ten directions. This is also taken as the functional cause that enables sentient beings in the ten directions to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, to become Buddhas, and deliver sentient beings comprehensively.

That is to say, the merit and virtues cultivated by Amitabha Buddha are the merit and virtues shared with sentient beings of the ten directions. To leave the Saha World, to escape from reincarnation, and attain rebirth in Amitabha’s Pure Land.

Once there to ultimately become a Buddha and deliver sentient beings comprehensively, we need Amitabha Buddha’s Perfect Enlightenment, because it possesses all of these functional powers.

阿彌陀佛是以祂所完成正覺的功德來迴向、布施給十方眾生,作為十方所有眾生往生極樂世界、在極樂世界成佛、廣度眾生的功能。

也就是說,阿彌陀佛所修行的功德,就是十方眾生的功德,十方眾生要離開娑婆世界、脫離生死輪迴、往生彌陀淨土、在彌陀淨土究竟成佛、廣度十方眾生,只要有阿彌陀佛的正覺,這些功能就通通具備。

Namo Amituofo!

December 27 2020

Dec 27, 2020

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

淨土宗宗風俗諦

“A greeting is a bridge between hearts.” When we meet fellow Buddhists, we should greet them by saying Namo Amituofo with love and gentleness on our faces.

Amitabha Buddha is our golden brand name. With this brand name, we are blessed with fortune and radiance while travelling anywhere. It brings us joy and peace wherever we go.

「打招呼是心跟心的橋樑」,碰面時「和顏愛語,先意承問」的打一聲「阿彌陀佛」的招呼吧!「阿彌陀佛」是我們的金字招牌,有此招牌,出入蒙福,無不吉祥,無不燦爛,所到之處,皆帶來喜樂與平安。

Namo Amituofo!

December 26 2020

Dec 26, 2020

A verse about ‘urging sentient beings universally’ from ‘In Praise of Pratyutpanna’

《般舟讚》「普勸眾生」之偈:

Let me advise all sentient beings to take care of their threefold karma,

Recite Amitabha’s Name while walking, standing, sitting and lying down.

Never forgetting the suffering in hells,

Setting forth the augmentative mind of rebirth-aspiration

Vowing not to commit the karma that leads us to the Three Wretched Realms.

And not pursue the karmic reward of human and celestial joy.

普勸眾生護三業, 行住坐臥念彌陀;

一切時中憶地獄, 發起增上往生心;

誓願不作三塗業, 人天樂報亦無心。

Namo Amituofo!

December 25 2020

Dec 25, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings regarding the Commentary on the Treatise of Rebirth

《往生論註》

In the beginning of the Commentary on the Treatise of Rebirth, Master Tanluan briefly interprets Nagarjuna Bodhisattva’s definitions of the Difficult Path and the Easy Path. At the same time, he drew a conclusion that the former path is difficult because “it is merely through self-power, with no other-power to support it”.

What about the Easy Path? What is meant by “easy”? Master Tanluan elaborated, “Just because of the causal condition of believing the Buddha”. This statement is very important!

“Just because” means only. The only condition is “believing the Buddha”. “Believing the Buddha” refers to Amitabha Buddha.

曇鸞祖師在《往生論註》最開頭,把龍樹菩薩易行道和難行道的內涵稍微解說,同時作了一個結論說,難行道之所以為難,就是因為:「唯是自力,無他力持。」

那易行道呢,什麼叫做「易」呢?曇鸞祖師在這裏加以發揮, 解釋說:「但以信佛因緣。」這句話非常重要。

「但」就是唯有、獨有、唯一、獨一,這個叫做「但」。沒有第二個, 也沒有第三個, 唯一這個「信佛」。「信佛」是指信阿彌陀佛。

Namo Amituofo! 

December 24 2020

Dec 24, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings concerning the Truth of Impermanence

諸行無常

(continued)

All buddhas in the ten directions realize the Real Mark of various Dharmas, which is the nature of no-production and no-extinction. This allows their minds to dwell peacefully within the Real Mark. Their minds never develop the various afflictions due to discrimination, such as right or wrong, good or bad. As a result, they will not have the retribution of birth and death, governed by “wholesome” and “unwholesome” karma in the future.

十方諸佛就是證悟到了無生無滅的諸法實相,而且心安住於實相,所以心中永遠不會再起心動念,衍生種種是非好壞等煩惱,因此也就不會有未來善惡輪迴的生死果報。

Namo Amituofo!

December 23 2020

Dec 23, 2020

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings concerning the Truth of Impermanence

諸行無常

All existence, whether spiritual, physical, tangible or intangible, are unreal in substance, because they are produced through the harmonization of causes and conditions, and extinguished through the dispersion of causes and conditions. Thus, they are empty of self-nature, and there is no matter or living being that are everlasting.

Without the knowledge of the Law of No-Birth, ordinary beings remain ignorant and deluded. This creates our various mental afflictions and discriminations that are the cause of our continued reincarnation within the Three Domains and Six Realms.

(to be continued tomorrow)

所有存在的諸法,不管精神界或物質界,有形無形,本身都沒有一個實在的本體,都是因緣和合而生,因緣離散而滅,所以本性是空,沒有永不變化之人事物可言。

凡夫因為對這個無生的道理迷而不知,所以見到是非好壞就在心中生起種種的籌量、計較、煩惱,因此心就有了生滅,所以永遠在三界六道輪迴。

Namo Amituofo!