September 27 2021

Sep 27, 2021

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

淨土信仰

We need to have a basic concept of dedication. That is, to rely on Amitabha’s free will, and do not care whether our own wishes can be fulfilled through dedication. As Householder Chan Hoi Liang said, “just promise and fulfill if possible.”

It is because we do not know our karmic conditions from past lives, and do not know what arrangement is best for us at present. So, we sincerely recite Amitabha’s Name, dedicate, and leave the rest to Amitabha.

迴向要有一個基本觀念,就是我迴向出去不管能不能達到我的這個願望,都任憑彌陀,就像陳海量居士所寫的──可許則許。

因為,每一個人生生世世的業緣,現在應該是怎樣的安排才是最好的,我們並不知道;既然至誠念佛迴向了,結果就任憑彌陀去安排。

Namo Amituofo!

September 26 2021

Sep 26, 2021

A verse saying “Amitabha-recitation is unsurpassed” from “In Praise of Dharma Practice” by Master Shandao

善導大師《法事讚》「無過念佛」之偈:

The Tathagata incarnates himself in the world of Five Kinds of Turbidity,

For the sake of delivering sentient beings through his expedient teachings according to circumstances,

Sentient beings may be liberated by hearing many of his discourses, or 

By hearing few; but, concentrating on attaining the Three Insights.

By cultivating wisdom and merits to eradicate the two karmic barriers, or

By engaging in practices of meditation and contemplation.

All the teachings will lead to emancipation,

However, none of them is better than the teaching of rebirth in the West through Amitabha-recitation,

Recite the Buddha-Name for a lifetime, as few as ten times, or

Even three or five times; and, upon your death the Buddha will come to receive you.

It is because Amitabha’s vows are so powerful and all encompassing,

That they enable ordinary beings to attain rebirth immediately through Amitabha-recitation.

如來出現於五濁,隨宜方便化群萌;

或說多聞而得度,或說少解證三明;

或教福慧雙除障,或教禪念坐思量;

種種法門皆解脫,無過念佛往西方;

上盡一形至十念,三念五念佛來迎;

直為彌陀弘誓重,致使凡夫念即生。

Namo Amituofo!

September 25 2021

Sep 25, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the General Principles in the Classification of Teachings

淨宗判教 - 總顯其義

Ever since the Pure Land Teachings arrived in China there were many different understandings of what constituted the correct path. This can be seen in the demarcations of the teachings and the discussions about the sutras. There are many comments and arguments. As a result, there is a general opinion / conception / idea that, though ordinary beings can be reborn, they have to undergo various levels and grades of rebirth. Through this process of cultivation for a certain period of time, they reach a higher stage of fruition.

This approach to the Pure Land teachings does not comply with the principles of Pure Land Buddhism. It is made from the standpoint of other schools. Clearly, it is important to have a proper Pure Land School. If there is no Pure Land School, the understanding of the teachings will be unclear and confusing. Conversely, if a school is established, it must be very clear in the demarcation of the teachings, their explanations, and the lineage.

中國自古以來沒有特別建立「淨土宗」,所以在判教、經論上眾說紛紜,導致一般都認為凡夫固然可以往生,可是往生後還要經過種種的品位階級,經過多少時間、修多少行門才能夠達到較高的果位。

這種說法,都不是依淨土的教理來解釋淨土法門,完全是依各自宗派的立場來闡釋,由此可知建立「淨土宗」是多麼的重要!如果沒有建立淨土宗派,在判教上就會模糊、混淆;反之,如果有建立宗派,判教、傳承以及依傳承的解釋就會非常的清楚。

Namo Amituofo!

September 24 2021

Sep 24, 2021

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about “the most important abstinence in the Pure Land School” (Not defying the Buddha’s power)

印光大師「淨宗切戒」之文(切戒藐視佛力)

People who are arrogant always brag about their power conceitedly and look down upon the Buddha’s power.

These people do not understand that, from the day they are born until the day they die, everything is related to reliance on the efforts of other people. Unfortunately, they do not feel ashamed for this.

Even when it comes to the matter of birth and death, they are not willing to accept the Buddha’s power! These are people who have truly lost their minds. Remember, all practitioners of the Pure Land School should refrain from this incorrect attitude.

好高騖勝者,每每侈談自力,藐視佛力。

不知從生至死,無一事不仗 人力,而不以為恥。

何獨於了生死一大事,並佛力亦不願受,喪心病狂,一至於此。

淨宗行者,所當切戒!

Namo Amituofo!

September 23 2021

Sep 23, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings Expressing the Perception of the Pure Land

淨土述懷

The Buddha favors correctness and kindness, and takes pity on deviance and evilness. It is similar to parents and their kids. Although they treat them equally, they pay more attention to and pity those who are handicapped. It is the same with Amitabha. He likes people to practice kindness and not hurt others. Though Amitabha delivers both kind and evil people, he is happier to see a kind person, and is sad to see an evil person. Thus, we should be a kind person and recite Amitabha’s Name for our whole lives.

佛喜正與善,而憐邪與惡;如父母對子女,雖一視平等,然特憐殘障之兒。彌陀亦然,喜人行善,不喜人行惡;雖善惡皆度,然見善人則喜,見惡人則悲。是故,應成善人,而一生念佛。

Namo Amituofo!

September 22 2021

Sep 22, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

Among the 48 vows, each vow carries the connotation of the 18th Vow, because each vow can inspire sentient beings to admire and aspire to the Land of Bliss. In the Land of Bliss, the Three Wretched Realms do not exist; all sentient beings attain the six paranormal powers, dwell in the stage of non-retrogression, and expedite the achievement of Buddhahood. They can then set forth the great Bodhi Mind to abundantly deliver sentient beings of the ten directions. When they admire each of the 48 vows, they will aspire to be born in the Land of Bliss, and recite Amitabha’s Name for rebirth. So, we see how each vow can guide us to be reborn in the Land of Bliss through Amitabha-recitation.

四十八願,每一願、每一願都帶有第十八願的內涵,因為每一願都是讓眾生產生欣慕心、嚮往心,嚮往極樂世界的沒有三惡道,嚮往極樂世界的眾生都能夠獲得六種神通,都能夠住不退轉,都能夠快速證入涅槃,都能夠發大乘心,廣度十方眾生;欣慕每一願每一願的內容,嚮往極樂世界,最後他就會念佛往生。所以每一願、每一願,都是在引導他念佛往生極樂世界。

Namo Amituofo!

September 21 2021

Sep 21, 2021

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Settled Mind (continued)

• We can be reborn in one of the Pure Lands of the ten directions, or the Western Pure Land. We rest our minds on the Western Pure Land;

• Among the practices toward rebirth, there are the myriad virtuous practices and there is recitation of Amitabha Buddha’s Name. We set our minds on Amitabha-recitation;

• In Amitabha-recitation, there is the kind that relies on the power of Amitabha Buddha’s Fundamental Vow and the sort that depends on the power of self-cultivation. We settle our minds in reliance on the power of Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow.

To sum up, we rest our minds on the deliverance of Amitabha Buddha according to his Fundamental Vow, consistently reciting his Name and aspiring to rebirth in his Pure Land. In other words we “have faith in, and accept Amitabha’s deliverance; recite Amitabha’s Name single-mindedly; and aspire to rebirth in Amitabha’s Pure Land.” This settles the minds of Pure Land practitioners, putting them at ease.

安心 (續)

往生淨土中有十方,有西方,而安心於西方;

往生西方行法中,有諸行,有念佛,而安心於念佛;

念佛中,有仗佛本願力,有仗自修持力,而安心於仗佛本願力。

要之,心住彌陀本願救度,一向稱名願往生,亦即「信受彌陀救度,專稱彌陀

佛名,願生彌陀淨土」,此為淨土宗行人之安心。

Namo Amituofo!

September 20 2021

Sep 20, 2021

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Settled Mind - is the psychological state of Pure Land practitioners. “Settled” means to be at ease, to be anchored in contentment. “Mind” refers to thoughts, or mental conditions. To “settle the mind” is to anchor our minds in a secure place.

There are many levels of settling the mind:

• Among all things, there are the wholesome and the unwholesome. We rest our minds on the wholesome;

• Among wholesome things, there is worldly good and extra-worldly good. We fix our minds on extra-worldly good;

• Among extra-worldly virtues, there is the Greater Vehicle and the Lesser Vehicle. We secure our minds in the Greater Vehicle (Mahayana);

• Within the Greater Vehicle, there is non-retrogression in the defiled realm and non-retrogression in a Pure Land. We settle our minds on non-retrogression in a Pure Land;

(to be continued tomorrow)

安心 - 安心,為淨業行人持心之相狀。「安」是安放、安住,「心」即心念,「安心」即是將心念安住一處。

安心有重重

一切法中有善,有惡,而安心於善。

善法中有世善,有出世善,而安心於出世善;

出世善中有大乘,有小乘,而安心於大乘;

大乘中有穢土不退,有淨土不退,而安心於往生淨土不退;

Namo Amituofo!

September 19 2021

Sep 19, 2021

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

淨土信仰

The merit dedication of Amitabha-recitation practice is equal, without any mental discrimination. It is not necessary to dedicate to our enemies and debtors first, and then dedicate to other sentient beings in the Dharma Realms. There is no priority in dedication like those unequal practices; so, we should dedicate and give equally to all sentient beings.

Will the merit and virtues be diminished or eliminated if we dedicate equally to all? NO! It is just like turning on the light in a room. If there is no light in the next room, we can open the door or window to allow light to pass to the other room. Will the light in our room be reduced? No!

念佛的迴向是平等的、沒有分別心的,不用說先迴向給自己的冤親債主,後迴向給其他的法界眾生,沒有這一些先此後彼的不平等作法,都「平等施一切」。

那平等施一切,我們會因此而減少功德或沒有功德嗎?不會。就如同我們把房間的燈打開,隔壁沒有電燈,我們就把自己的窗戶打開,讓光明透過去,這樣我們的光明會因此而減少嗎?不會呀。

Namo Amituofo!

September 18 2021

Sep 18, 2021

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

善導大師《般舟讚》「照覓念佛」之偈:

Each of the light beams illuminates continuously,

Only seeking and illuminating those who recite Amitabha’s Name for rebirth.

If you wish to compare it with all other Buddha-lands in the ten directions,

The Land of Bliss is actually the best for final settlement.

一一光明相續照,照覓念佛往生人; 

欲比十方諸佛國,極樂安身實是精。

Namo Amituofo!

September 17 2021

Sep 17, 2021

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching explaining the Most Important Point in Pure Land Teaching (Self-power cannot be compared with the Buddha’s power)

印光大師 「淨土最要」之文(佛力自力非比)

Pure Land teaching far surpasses all other teachings because it relies on the Buddha’s power, while the other teachings solely rely on self-power. How can we compare self-power with the Buddha’s power? This is the most important point to understand in the cultivation of Pure Land teaching.

淨土法門超勝一切法門者,在仗佛力。

其餘諸法門,皆仗自力。

自力何可與佛力並論乎!此修淨土法門之最要一關也。

Namo Amituofo!

September 16 2021

Sep 16, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings Expressing the Perception of the Pure Land

淨土述懷

The teaching of Amitabha-recitation is a crucial part of Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow of deliverance. It is also the original intent of Shakyamuni’s appearance in the world, and the purpose of our life after birth. If we can aspire to be reborn in the Pure Land, and exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name, all three - Amitabha, Shakyamuni and our minds are aligned. The Buddha’s mind and heart and sentient beings’ minds and hearts are aligned. The vows of the Buddhas and the vows of sentient beings are aligned, a perfect match.

念佛一法,是彌陀救世本願,也是釋尊出世本懷,亦是我等出生人間的目的。但能願生淨土,專念彌陀,則彌陀、釋尊、我等,三者一致;佛心生心,心心相印,佛願生願,願願相契。

Namo Amituofo!

September 15 2021

Sep 15, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

Accepting the 18th Vow, the vow of rebirth through Amitabha-recitation, as the king of all causal vows is the foundation of the complete Pure Land School. It is also the core teaching among the 48 vows. Hence, we know that, generally speaking, the 18th Vow is the king of the 48 vows; and in particular, the 18th Vow is the fundamental vow among the 48 vows.

所謂「以第十八願之念佛往生願為本願王」之思想,是淨土宗教理全體系的基礎,同時也可說是對四十八願的掌握要領。由此可知,若總言四十八願,則第十八願是四十八願之「本願王」;若單言第十八願,則第十八願是四十八願之「根本願」。

Namo Amituofo!

September 14 2021

Sep 14, 2021

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

De facto founder – means the patriarch who founded and synthesized a school. Since Buddhism was brought to China various schools were established, particularly during the Sui and Tang dynasties. Basically, all of the de facto founders of the various schools in China, lived during the Sui and Tang dynasties. This would refer to Master Zhizhe, the de facto founder of Tientai School, and Master Shandao, the de facto founder of the Pure Land School.

When establishing a school let’s use the analogy of building a grand mansion. First, we have to clear and level the land, and build a strong foundation. Then we construct columns on top of the foundation, and complete the entire building. Next we have to do the internal finishing, add fixtures and furniture, and make it convenient and comfortable for living. The first patriarch is the one who clears and levels the land, and the de facto founder is the one who completes the rest of the work. The two of them should not be compared in terms of their contributions and status.

宗祖 - 一宗之開宗祖師稱「宗祖」,是一宗的實際創立者、集大成者。佛教從印度傳入中國,至隋唐時期中國佛教各宗成立,故各宗宗祖皆為隋唐時代的中國境內祖師。如天臺宗宗祖為智者大師,淨土宗的宗祖是善導大師。

譬如將創立宗派比作建一座莊嚴的大廈,先要開荒僻壤、平整土地;後打下堅實的地基;再從地基上立柱;之後大廈全面完工;最後再對大廈細部裝潢,添置器具,以使更加適居周便等。初祖如同開荒僻壤、平整土地,宗祖如同大廈全面完工,兩者貢獻與地位不可同日而語。

Namo Amituofo!

September 13 2021

Sep 13, 2021

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

淨土信仰

Aspiration and dedication have two tiers of meaning, one is interpreted from the point of view of Amitabha Buddha, and the other is interpreted from the point of view of sentient beings who aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss.

To interpret from the point of view of Amitabha Buddha means, Amitabha Buddha makes vows and dedicates [merit] to us. From our point of view means, we set forth the mind of accepting Amitabha’s deliverance and aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss. It also means we redirect our minds toward the Land of Bliss, exclusively focus on the Land of Bliss, and aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss. These comprise our aspiration and dedication.

In regard to our aspiration and dedication, we do not dedicate our merit and virtues to the Land of Bliss; but, direct our minds toward the Land of Bliss, receive and accept Amitabha’s merit and virtues.

「發願迴向」這四個字有兩層意義,一層是由阿彌陀佛這邊來解釋,另一層是從我們願生極樂世界的眾生這邊來解釋。

從阿彌陀佛這邊解釋,是阿彌陀佛發願迴向給我們;從我們這邊來講,是我們發願接受阿彌陀佛的救度,願生極樂世界,回心轉意向著極樂世界,迴向極樂,願生極樂,這就是我們的發願迴向。

而我們的發願迴向,當然不是以我們種種的功德來迴向極樂世界,而是回心向著極樂,領受彌陀的功德。

Namo Amituofo!

September 12 2021

Sep 12, 2021

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

善導大師《般舟讚》「唯覓念佛」之偈

Amitabha has 84,000 splendid forms, each of them is contained in his 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 11 2021

Sep 11, 2021

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about “Two Kinds of Deep Faith” (The natural accomplishment of rebirth through reliance on the Buddha’s power)

印光大師 「兩種深信」之文(佛力自然成辦)

We must believe we are ordinary beings bound by karmic forces, and it is definitely impossible for us to cut off delusions and realize the necessary truths, in order to liberate ourselves from birth and death by relying on our own power. We must have faith in Amitabha Buddha who accomplishes the Great Vow.

If living beings who recite the Buddha’s Name seek to attain rebirth in the Buddha-land, Amitabha Buddha will assuredly bestow upon them his kindness, and come to receive them, near the end of their lives, to be born in the Western Land.

信我是業力凡夫,決定不能仗自力,斷惑證真,了生脫死。

信阿彌陀佛,有大誓願。若有眾生,念佛名號,求生佛國,

其人臨命終時,佛必垂慈接引,令生西方。

Namo Amituofo!

September 10 2021

Sep 10, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings Expressing the Perception of the Pure Land

淨土述懷

To rejoice in faith, attain birth immediately, dwell in the Stage of Non-retrogression, to be embraced by light without forsaking all the way through, and immediately enter the Reward Land upon our last breath.

Amitabha-reciters live within Amitabha’s light every day; so, there is no difference when they live in Amitabha’s land of light.

信心歡喜,即得往生,住不退轉,光明攝取,始終不捨;一息不來,即入報土。念佛人日日在彌陀光明中,無異處在彌陀光明土。

Namo Amituofo!

September 9 2021

Sep 9, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

If there were no 18th Vow, though we learn and practice Buddhism, we would have no way to escape from reincarnation within the Six Realms, especially the Three Wretched Realms. Only the 18th Vow is the saviour that revitalizes our Buddha-nature. It equates to our life, or even transcends our life.

We live and sacrifice for the 18th Vow. All Amitabha-reciters should understand and pay attention to the 18th Vow. We should also view it as our life, and treasure it as our saviour.

如果沒有第十八願,我們即使學佛修行,也沒辦法脫離六道輪迴,尤其是三惡道的沉淪。所以,唯有第十八願才是我們佛性起死回生的救主,等同是我們的生命,甚至超過我們的生命。

我們可以為第十八願而活,也可以為第十八願而獻身。凡是念佛人,應先了解第十八願,重視第十八願,以之為生命,恃之為救主。

Namo Amituofo!

September 8 2021

Sep 8, 2021

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

The First Patriarch – the earliest patriarch, who is related to the school or sect, is called the first patriarch, and provides the foundation upon which the school is established. Among the first patriarchs of the Buddhist schools in China, Master Huiyuan of Mount Lu during the Eastern Jin dynasty was the first patriarch of the Pure Land School. Tracing Buddhism back to India, Nagarjuna Bodhisattva was the first patriarch of the Tientai School. He was born 700 years after the Buddha entered Nirvana.

初祖 - 與宗派淵源關係最早的祖師為「初祖」,是一宗創立的基礎。佛教宗派中的初祖有的為中國祖師,如淨土宗以東晉時代廬山慧遠大師為初祖;有的更加上溯至印度佛教,如天臺宗以佛滅後七百年出世之印度龍樹菩薩為初祖。

Namo Amituofo!

September 7 2021

Sep 7, 2021

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

淨土信仰

(continued) 

Direct straightforward dedication simply requires exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s Name and aspiration to be reborn in Amitabha’s Pure Land. It does not require accumulating any other merit and virtues to return to the Land of Bliss.

Name-recitation is the cause and rebirth is the effect. Through such a cause, there naturally comes the respective effect. So, taking refuge by reciting the Name, naturally includes dedication and aspiration within it.

Thus, Master Shandao says there is a threefold connotation of “Namo” – taking refuge, dedicating, and aspiring. In comparing the three connotations, taking refuge is the main one, because taking refuge naturally implies the mind of dedication and aspiration.

「直爾迴向」就是只要專稱彌陀佛名,願生彌陀淨土,就是迴轉向著極樂世界,不需要其他的功德,而且稱名是因,往生是果。如是因,自然有如是果,所以歸命稱名的本身,自自然然就有發願迴向在裏面。

因此善導大師解釋「南無」有歸命及發願迴向兩種涵義。這兩種當中,以歸命是南無主要的涵義,只是既然是歸命,自然就有願生之心。

Namo Amituofo!

September 6 2021

Sep 6, 2021

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

淨土信仰

There are two kinds of dedication: dedication mixed with other virtues and dedication that is direct and straightforward. Dedication mixed with other virtues means to cultivate various merits and virtues attained through one’s own efforts, and dedicate them to Amitabha Buddha, in order to be received by him. If he does not have any merit attained through virtuous practices, he will have nothing to dedicate.

Thus, his status is not like those who attain rebirth by exclusively reciting Amitabha’s Name even ten times, as said in the 18th Vow.

(to be continued tomorrow)

迴向有兩種:一種是「夾善迴向」;一種是「直爾迴向」。

「夾善迴向」就是修諸功德,以其所作功德迴向給阿彌陀佛作為阿彌陀佛來接引他的交換條件。如果他沒有這些善事功德,就沒有東西可以迴向,因為他並不是像第十八願所講的乃至十念專稱彌陀佛名來往生。

Namo Amituofo!

September 5 2021

Sep 5 2021

A verse about ‘Embraced by Light during Amitabha-recitation’ from ‘In Praise of the Rite of Rebirth’ by Master Shandao

善導大師《往生禮讚》「念佛光攝」之偈:

The body of Amitabha is like a golden mountain.

His splendid marks in the form of light shine over all 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 4 2021

Sep 4, 2021

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about “Two Kinds of Deep Faith” (The natural accomplishment of rebirth through reliance on the Buddha’s power)

印光大師 「兩種深信」之文(佛力自然成辦)

All of us should think about this: If we rely on our own power in cultivation, what kind of power do we have? We only have the power of karmic force.

That is why, throughout millions of eons and thousands of lifetimes, it is difficult for us to attain liberation.

However, if we rely on the power of Amitabha Buddha’s Great Vow, we will naturally accomplish liberation in this life.

大家要曉得:仗自力修持,「自」有何種力?

但是無始以來的「業力」!所以萬劫千生,難得解脫。

仗阿彌陀佛的弘誓大願力,自然一生成辦。

Namo Amituofo!

September 3 2021

Sep 3, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings Expressing the Perception of the Pure Land

淨土述懷

During leisure time, Amitabha-recitation still matters. Just let go of all false thoughts that dart to and fro. Within each thought in faith, a kind of decent taste comes naturally.

暇時當以念佛為事,心中妄念不顧也,任其自來自去;信念之中,自有一番佳味。

Namo Amituofo!

September 2 2021

Sep 2, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

The guiding principle of our teaching is rebirth in the Land of Bliss through Amitabha-recitation. Therefore, we need to accept the 18th Vow as fundamental. If we don’t accept the 18th Vow, and do not follow the explanation of the Shandao lineage, it is not the pristine Pure Land teaching.

We say this because there are many methods for attaining rebirth: Buddha-invocation by Real Mark. Buddha-invocation by contemplation, Buddha-invocation by perceiving Buddha’s image, and Buddha-invocation by name-recitation. Moreover, there are different interpretations and connotations of name-recitation.

Only the interpretation of the Shandao lineage follows the lifeline teaching of Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, Tanluan, and Daochuo, and completely matches the 18th Vow.

我們這個法門的宗旨是念佛往生極樂世界,就要掌握第十八願這個根本,淨土法門如果不掌握第十八願同時不依循善導流來解釋,恐怕就不是純正的淨土法門。

因為往生的方法有講實相念佛、觀想念佛、觀像念佛,還有稱名念佛,而稱名念佛的內涵也各有不同的說法。

唯有善導流的說法──也就是龍樹、天親、曇鸞、道綽、善導這個法脈的教理思想才能完全跟第十八願完全地相符應。

Namo Amituofo!

September 1 2021

Sep 1, 2021

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

The Commentaries Explaining Lineages – a lineage is like a bloodline. It refers to the teaching of a school or sect that is inherited from and transmitted through its lineage. It is very much like inheriting genetic traits from one’s parents and ancestors.

It is the same source, same substance, all the same throughout. “Commentaries” are written by Bodhisattvas. Exegeses are explanations written by the patriarchs. Both of them explain the Sutras. There are two kinds of lineages, one is “the lineage through a person.” It follows the “genealogy” of the patriarchs in a lineage. The other is “the lineage through the Dharma.” It follows the commentaries of the patriarchs in a lineage. A person is the one who transmits the teaching, and the teaching is to be unfolded by persons. So, the two are inseparable.

The inauguration of the Pure Land School is based on the commentaries and exegeses written by the five patriarchs: Nagarjuna and Vasubandhu in India, and Tanluan, Daochuo and Shandao in China. The genealogy of the 13 patriarchs of the Pure Land School in China, though commonly known, was formulated with reference to the performance and morality of the respective patriarchs. So, they lack “the lineage by Dharma” in terms of the teaching.

相承論釋 - 「相承」又稱法脈相承,指一宗一派教法的遞相承接,如生命體之血脈運行,同源,同質,始終一貫。

「論」為菩薩所造,「釋」為祖師所解。論與釋共同解釋正依經典。相承一般表述為兩方面:一、人相承,也稱相承祖師系譜;二、法相承,即相承祖師有關論著。人以傳法,法由人顯,二者不離。

淨土宗的創立,以印度龍樹、天親菩薩,中國曇鸞、道綽、善導大師共五位祖師相關論釋為相承,而一般習知的中國淨土宗十三祖系譜,以「功高德盛」為立祖原則,在法義上並無相承關係。

Namo Amituofo!

August 31 2021

Aug 31, 2021

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

淨土信仰

The six characters “Na-Mo-A-Mi-Tuo-Fo” contain the threefold meaning of: taking refuge, merit-dedication, and rebirth-aspiration. They also contain all of the necessary credentials for rebirth. “Namo” itself means taking refuge, having faith, merit-dedication, and aspiration for rebirth. “Amituofo is the practice of the practitioner.”

Thus, it can be said that, within the six characters faith, aspiration, and practice are fully included. All three of these have already been prepared by Amitabha Buddha for us. So, we need not prepare anything more.

「南無阿彌陀佛」這六個字,具足歸命、發願迴向以及往生的資糧三者。「南無」本身,就是歸命的意思,也就是「信」;「亦是發願迴向之義」,就是「願」;「言阿彌陀佛者,即是其行」,就是「行」。

可說這六字名號裏面,「信、願、行」通通具足;這信願行是阿彌陀佛為我們準備好的,我們不必另外準備。

Namo Amituofo!

August 30 2021

Aug 30, 2021

A verse about rebirth in the Buddha-land of Rewards through Name-recitation, quoted from "the Praise of Dharma Practice" by Master Shandao

善導大師《法事讚》「稱名入報」之偈:

The Land of Bliss is a realm of unconditioned nirvana;

It is 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!

August 29 2021

Aug 29, 2021

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching explaining “No teaching, if discarded, can liberate us” (The Buddha’s power to liberate us from karmic offenses)

印光大師 「捨此無別」之文(佛力能救業力)

We ought to know there are immeasurable teachings in Buddhism. For an ordinary being bound by karmic forces who wants to be liberated from the cycle of birth-and-death immediately, if he discards this teaching of rebirth in the Western Land through the practice of Amitabha-recitation with faith and aspiration, even the Buddha will be unable to advise him of an equivalent teaching.

須知佛法,法門無量,若欲以通身業力之凡夫,現生即得了生脫死, 離此信願念佛求生西方一法,佛也說不出第二個法門了。

Namo Amituofo!

August 28 2021

Aug 28, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings Expressing the Perception of the Pure Land

淨土述懷

A big bell can produce a huge sound. However, it produces no sound if it is not hit. Though Amitabha can absolutely deliver us, he will only do so if we accept his boundless Compassion. Just as a big bell produces a huge sound when it is hit, Amitabha’s Name enables us to attain rebirth only if we recite it.

Amitabha Buddha is everywhere throughout all time. His kindness and Compassion are unlimited, and his Wisdom is infinite. As long as we recite his Name, Amitabha will immediately appear. It is just like hitting the bell and producing the sound.

洪鐘雖響,不扣不鳴;彌陀雖度,不歸不救。洪鐘扣之則鳴,彌陀念之則生。

阿彌陀佛無時不在,無處不在,無限慈愛,無有不知,無有障礙。我們只要念佛,彌陀應聲即現,猶如扣鐘,一扣即鳴。

Namo Amituofo!

August 27 2021

Aug 27, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

Among the 48 vows, the words ‘should they not be born there, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment’ are found only in the 18th Vow, not in the 19th or 20th Vows.

So, the 18th Vow is the fundamental vow among the 48 vows. It is only the 18th Vow upon which the unique pristine Pure Land School is founded. It is because, without the 18th Vow, none of the sentient beings of the ten directions can be reborn. If there were no 18th Vow, there would be no Pure Land School.

四十八願當中,「若不生者,不取正覺」這八個字只有第十八願才有,第十九願沒有,第二十願也沒有,所以第十八願是四十八願的根本,也唯有第十八願,是淨土宗專一純粹之所在,也是淨土宗的根本。因為若沒有第十八願,就沒有十方眾生之往生,若沒有第十八願,也不能建立起淨土宗根本的教理。

Namo Amituofo!

August 26 2021

Aug 26, 2021

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

The Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra – written by Master Shandao during the Tang dynasty, is one of the scriptures upon which the Pure Land School was founded. This Commentary explains the Contemplation Sutra in detail in four fascicles. It is generally called the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra in Four Fascicles, or the Commentary on Contemplating the Buddha of Infinite Life Sutra. It is also called the Commentary that is Definitive through All time, or the Commentary that is Assured and Certified, etc.

The four fascicles that comprise the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra are: the Profound Meaning, in fascicle 1, which broadly reveals the fundamental doctrines of the Contemplation Sutra as a whole, before the Contemplation Sutra is explained in more detail in a number of following paragraphs. 

The Preface Chapter explains the preface of the Sutra. The main chapter consists of - the Meaning of the Meditative Virtues (explaining the 13 contemplations); the Meaning of the Non-Meditative Virtues(which explains the Nine Levels of Rebirth), and the manner of Dissemination.

The main objective of the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra is to open the Pure Land Dharma gate, and to correct the misinterpretations of the Contemplation Sutra. It is definitive through all time and enables practitioners of the Five Vehicles to equally enter Amitabha’s Buddha-land.

《觀經疏》- 《觀經疏》,唐善導大師著,為淨土宗開宗立教之根本教典。本疏為詳細解釋《觀經》之書,總四卷,一般稱為《觀經四帖疏》,具名《觀無量壽佛經疏》,也稱為《楷定疏》《證定疏》等。

《觀經疏》四卷分別為:《玄義分》一卷,即在隨文解釋《觀經》之前,預先從總體上揭示《觀經》一部的根本義理;《序分義》一卷,解釋序分經文之義;《定善義》一卷,解釋正宗分定善十三觀之文義;《散善義》一卷, 解釋正宗分九品及流通分之文義。

《觀經疏》的主旨,在楷定古今對《觀經》的錯解,廣開淨土門,使五乘齊入報土。

Namo Amituofo!

August 25 2021

Aug 25, 2021

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

淨土信仰

The main points of dedication are:

1. The sincere mind – the sincere and earnest mind. Through sincerity we can contact Amitabha; sincerity is a characteristic of Amitabha. If a person is sincere, the Buddha knows and responds. “Sincerely”, as said in the 18th Vow, refers to “the sincere mind”. The phrase “sincerely dedicate and aspire to be reborn in that land” alsodescribes the sincere mind, a mind of devotion.

2. Tranquility – if we have a specific aim, or a particular target, we have to pursue it calmly and minimize our false thoughts as much as possible. It then becomes easier to connect with the Buddha, and the desired effect may arrive more quickly.

迴向的基本要點:

第一「誠心」。就是至誠慇切的心,所謂「誠能通天」、「至誠格神」、「人有誠心,佛有感應」。第十八願所講的「至心」,就是至誠心。「至心迴向,願生彼國」也是一種至誠心,就是虔誠的心。

第二「寂靜」。如果有特定要求某一個目標、某一種對象的話,那就必須寂靜下來,儘量少妄想雜念,便容易感通,這樣效果就會比較快。

Namo Amituofo!

August 24 2021

Aug 24, 2021

A verse stating “the vow on Name-recitation alone is most intimate”, quoted from the Praise of Dharma Practice by Master Shandao

善導大師《法事讚》「念佛最親」之偈: 

Of Amitabha’s 48 Great Vows, the vow on name-recitation alone is most intimate.

When we think of Amitabha Buddha, he thinks of us ; if we focus on Amitabha, he knows it.

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!

August 23 2021

Aug 23, 2021

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching Advising the Practice of the Particular Teaching

印光大師「帶業往生」之文(佛力帶業往生)

Amitabha Buddha is the Magnificent Name with a myriad of virtues. It can act like a great furnace. Our karmic offenses, accumulated in many past lives, are like snowflake in the air.

For an ordinary being bound by karmic forces, his karma will be extinguished because of reciting the Buddha’s Name. It is just like snowflake that get too close to a burning furnace. They will disappear immediately.

Moreover, when those karmic forces are removed, all of the virtuous roots will naturally grow and splendidly flourish. So, why do we doubt our ability to attain rebirth? Why do we doubt the Buddha’s arrival to welcome us home?

阿彌陀佛萬德洪名,如大冶洪爐。吾人多生罪業,如空中片雪。

業力凡夫,由念佛故,業便消滅。如片雪近於洪爐,即便了不可得。

又況業力既消,所有善根,自然增長殊勝,又何可疑其不得生,與佛不來接引乎!

Namo Amituofo!

August 22 2021

Aug 22, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings Expressing the Perception of the Pure Land

淨土述懷

(continued)

The moonlight shines equally and universally over the great land. However, when there is no dew in the grass, the moonlight cannot cast a shadow on it. The Buddha’s mind is vast and can universally save foolish ordinary beings. However, if they don’t have faith, they cannot see the Buddha.

Though the moon’s light can reach everywhere, it only dwells upon those who look at the moon with a sincere heart. Though the Buddha can save all people, he only accompanies those who think of him and recite his Name.

明月平等,普照大地;然無露之草,不留明月。佛心廣大,普救凡愚;然無信之人,不見佛心。

月影雖無所不至,唯宿仰望者心中;佛願雖無人不救,唯與念佛者同在。

Namo Amituofo!