September 22, 2022

Sep 22, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Merit-Dedication of Other-Power (continued)

The Infinite Life Sutra says, “If I should not become a great benefactor, in lives to come for immeasurable kalpas, and be able to save the poor and afflicted everywhere, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.” It also says, “I will open the Dharma-Store for the multitudes, and endow them all with treasures of merit.”

Pure Land teaching is the Dharma Store accomplished by Amitabha Buddha for us. This Dharma store is the great six-syllable name. Amitabha Buddha is the great benefactor who gives his merit and virtues to us, so that we can leave the suffering of reincarnation within the Six Realms, and leave the spiritual poverty that prevents us from achieving Buddhahood. It shows that the cause and effect of our rebirth in Amitabha’s Pure Land is entirely Amitabha’s merit-dedication of Other-Power to us.

他力迴向

《無量壽經》說:「我於無量劫,不為大施主,普濟諸貧苦,誓不成等覺」。又說:「為眾開法藏,廣施功德寶」。

淨土法門,是阿彌陀佛為我們所完成的「法藏」,這個法藏就是六字名號。阿彌陀佛以「大施主」的身分將功德布施給我們,使我們離開六道輪迴之「苦」,離開不能成佛之「貧」。顯示往生彌陀淨土之因果,完全都是阿彌陀佛他力迴向給我們的。

Namo Amituofo!

September 21, 2022

Sep 21, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Merit-Dedication of Other-Power (continued)

Merit-Dedication of Vow Power means the power of the 18th, or Fundamental Vow, that Dharmakara Bodhisattva made while in his causal ground. In total he made 48 vows for delivering sentient beings. Just as Master Shandao says in his “In Praise of Pratyutpanna”, “Every single vow was made for sentient beings”. This indicates that Dharmakara made vows and practiced for sentient beings while in his causal ground; and, as Amitabha, transferred the merit and virtues of his vows and practices to sentient beings in the ten directions. All of this is to enable them to attain rebirth and become Buddhas.

Merit-Dedication of Buddha-Power means the fruition of Amitabha Buddha’s awesome and majestic power. The Contemplation Sutra says, “Light permeating the worlds in the ten directions, embracing Amitabha-reciters without forsaking”. Since Amitabha became a Buddha, his light permeates the worlds in the ten directions. For those who haven’t recited Amitabha’s Name, his light can nourish them and help the seeds of their Buddha nature to germinate so they begin reciting. This light embraces and protects those who recite, and enables them to be reborn. Though the causes and effects are different, the meaning of merit-dedication is the same. If there were no such merit-dedication, we would have no teaching of Amitabha-recitation.

(to be continued tomorrow)

他力迴向

「願力迴向」,指「阿彌陀佛因位之本願力」。彌陀因中,為救度眾生而發四十八大願,故善導大師《般舟讚》說:「一一誓願為眾生」。意指彌陀因位之時,為眾生發願修行,將其願行功德迴向給十方眾生,令諸眾生,往生成佛。

「佛力迴向」,指「阿彌陀佛果上之威神力」。《觀經》說:「光明遍照十方世界,念佛眾生攝取不捨」。彌陀成佛之後,光明遍照十方世界,未念佛者,則煦育熏發,使其念佛;已念佛者,則攝取照護,接引往生。因果雖殊,迴向之義相同。若無此迴向,即無念佛法門。

Namo Amituofo!

September 20, 2022

Sep 20, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Merit-Dedication of Other-Power

The Merit-Dedication of Other-Power is also known as the Merit-Dedication of Vow-Power, or the Merit-Dedication of Buddha-Power, because Other-Power refers to vow power and Buddha power.

Other-Power refers to the power in Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow. Merit-dedication is dedication and transference, from one person to another. Master Tanluan explains this in the Commentary on the Shastra of Rebirth, “ Amitabha dedicates and transfers his own merit and virtues to all sentient beings.”

(to be continued tomorrow)

他力迴向

「他力迴向」又名「願力迴向」,又名「佛力迴向」,因為他力即是「願力、佛力」。

「他力」指阿彌陀佛的本願力;「迴向」是迴轉趣向,此指迴自向他。曇鸞大師《論註》解釋說:「以己功德,迴施一切眾生。」即阿彌陀佛將他的功 德迴向給眾生。

Namo Amituofo!

September 19, 2022

Sep 19, 2022

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

淨土信仰

(continued)

Nevertheless, if we want to know what the Heart Sutra talks about, or what the Chapter of Universal Doors talks about, or what the Earth Store Sutra talks about, we can read them and try to understand. However, we can only know and understand a little. We cannot practice those teachings successfully. Because of this, they do not help us very much in resolving the matter of reincarnation within the cycle of birth-and-death. Isn’t that so?

Sutra-recitation has its own merit and virtues, because all matters are governed by the Law of Cause and Effect. However, if we devote time to sutra recitation, we won’t have enough time to sufficiently recite Amitabha’s name.

So, in terms of rebirth in the Land of Bliss, exclusive recitation of Namo Amituofo is more than enough, and recitation of sutras is not necessary. Similarly, fortranscendental deliverance of our ancestors, to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, exclusive Amitabha-recitation is all that is necessary. Recitation of other sutras is not. We can talk about the teachings on rebirth and recite the Amitabha Sutra, to become more clear about the concepts that define the Pure Land path.

當然,我們若要了解《心經》是在講什麼?《普門品》是在講什麼?《地藏經》在講什麼?我們就去看、去了解,了解就好了。因為,了解歸了解,我們也做不來,既然做不來,就等於對我們的生死輪迴沒有多大幫助,對不對?

當然誦經有誦經的功德,任何事都有它的因果嘛!不過你都沒有時間念佛了,哪有時間誦那些經! 所以,為自己的往生極樂世界,專念「南無阿彌陀佛」就可以了,不用再去誦其他的經。要超度祖先往生極樂世界,也是專念佛,不用另誦其他的經,最多只是開示往生極樂世界的道理,或是誦《阿彌陀經》,對以上所說的這個道理我們要分別清楚。

Namo Amituofo!

September 18, 2022

Sep 18, 2022

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

淨土信仰

The main sutras of our school are the Infinite Life Sutra, the Contemplation Sutra, and the Amitabha Sutra. If we want to recite sutras, it is fine for us to recite only the Amitabha Sutra. You need not recite the Heart Sutra, the Chapter of Universal Doors, the Earth Store Sutra, or the Sutra of Medicine Buddha. You need not recite them, because you do more than enough by simply reciting Amitabha’s Name. How can you have spare time to recite other sutras?

With respect to merit and virtues, Amitabha’s Name consists of a myriad of virtues; so, the merit and virtues gained through Amitabha-recitation are much greater than from sutra recitation. Moreover, Amitabha-recitation can be practiced by anybody, at any time, in any place, and with whatever you are doing. What about sutra-recitation? If you are illiterate, you can’t recite. If there isn’t an appropriate place or not enough time, you also cannot recite. Moreover, sutra-recitation is certainly not more splendid than Amitabha-recitation. Isn’t that so?

(to be continued tomorrow)

我們這個法門主要的經就是《無量壽經》、《觀無量壽經》與《阿彌陀經》。如果想要誦經,只要誦《阿彌陀經》就好了。至於《心經》、《普門品》、《地藏經》、《藥師經》這些可以都不用誦,因為你連念佛都沒有時間了,怎麼還有時間誦其他經呢?

若論功德來說,佛號就是萬德洪名,念佛功德比誦經的功德還高。而且念佛是任何人都可以念,任何時間都可以念,任何地方都可以念,做任何工作都可以念。而誦經呢?若不識字就無法誦,沒有適當地方就不適合誦,沒有足夠時間也不能誦,何況,誦經又沒有比念佛功德還殊勝,對不對?

Namo Amituofo!

September 17, 2022

Sep 17, 2022

A verse about “ultimate freedom with no fetters” quoted from ‘In Praise of Pratyutpanna’ by Master Shandao

《般舟讚》「畢竟逍遙」之偈:

Upon arrival in Amitabha’s Land of Peace and Joy,

We attain the ultimate freedom, which is the state of Nirvana.

Everywhere are the adornments of Nirvana.

Thus, all offensive obstructions are cleared by seeing the matter or smelling the fragrance.

一到彌陀安養國,畢竟逍遙即涅槃。

涅槃莊嚴處處滿,見色聞香罪障除。

Namo Amituofo!

September 16, 2022

Sep 16, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Classification of Teachings – Other-Power and Self-Power

淨宗判教 – 自他二力判

Our teaching is called the Teaching of Other-Power. “Other-Power” refers to the power of Amitabha Buddha, not any other Buddhas or Bodhisattvas. Moreover, it is absolute reliance on Other-Power, pristine reliance on Other-Power.

It means that our rebirth relies on the Name – Namo Amituofo. For clearing calamities, avoiding jeopardies, enriching blessings, and extending longevity in the present life, we rely on Namo Amituofo. Especially for rebirth in the Land of Bliss to become Buddhas, we also rely on Namo Amituofo. This is known as absolute reliance on Other-Power, pristine reliance on Other-Power. We don’t rely on our own merit in our practice.

So, from here in the present life to the Land of Bliss in our next life, we entirely and totally rely on this Name – Namo Amituofo!

我們這個法門叫做「他力法門」。這個「他」,唯指阿彌陀佛的力量,並非指其他諸佛菩薩。而且是絕對靠他力,純粹靠他力。

意思就是說,我們往生靠這句南無阿彌陀佛;現世的消災免難、增福延壽,也是靠南無阿彌陀佛;甚至往生極樂世界在極樂世界成佛,也是靠這句南無阿彌陀佛,這叫做絕對他力、純粹他力,不靠我們本身的功行。

所以從生前以至往生極樂世界以後,通通都靠這句南無阿彌陀佛。

Namo Amituofo!

September 15, 2022

Sep 15, 2022

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about “Entirely the Buddha’s Power” (analogy of sailing on a ship across the sea)

印光大師法語「全是佛力」之文(坐船過海之喻)

(continued)

The analogy of sailing on a ship across the sea is drawn. We are guaranteed to reach the other shore if we are willing to come on board, because it is the power of the ship, not our capacity that allows us to do so. It is basically the same with rebirth in the Land of Bliss, through Amitabha-recitation with faith and aspiration. We should entirely rely upon the Buddha’s power, not our power, in the course of cultivation of the Way.

此如坐火輪船過海,但肯上船,即可到於彼岸;乃屬船力,非自己本事。信願念佛、求生西方亦然,完全是「佛力」,不是自己「道力」。

Namo Amituofo!

September 14, 2022

Sep 14, 2022

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about “Entirely the Buddha’s Power” (using the analogy of sailing on a ship across the sea)

印光大師法語「全是佛力」之文(坐船過海之喻)

In Buddhist teachings, there are immeasurable paths, whether they are the Great Vehicle and the Small Vehicle, or the Expedient Teaching and the Real Teaching. In all of these teachings, a practitioner is required to eliminate greed, hatred, and delusion through abiding by the precepts, practicing meditation, and gaining wisdom. In this way, they are completely purified without any residue, in order that they can be liberated from the cycle of birth-and-death.

However, this is as difficult as ascending to heaven, and is beyond the abilities of mundane people like us. However, if we truly believe, earnestly aspire, and recite Amitabha’s Name for rebirth in the West, we can be reborn wholly with recourse to Amitabha’s compassionate power, despite our limited capacities and lack of meritorious virtues.

(to be continued tomorrow)

佛法法門無量,無論大小權實,一切法門,均須以戒定慧,斷貪瞋癡,令其淨盡無餘,方可了生脫死。

此則難如登天,非吾輩具縛凡夫所能希冀。

若以真信切願、念佛求生西方,則無論功夫深淺、功德大小,皆可仗佛慈力,往生西方。

Namo Amituofo!

September 13, 2022

Sep 13, 2022

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

淨宗傳承之第十八願

Master Shandao does not explain the meaning of “Excluded, however, are those who commit the five gravest offenses and abuse the right Dharma” in the 18th Vow. In these teachings, such as the Teaching of Contemplation and Recitation, the Praise of the Rite of Rebirth, etc. is revealed that there is no problem due to this passage or anything to discuss.

This indicates that sentient beings in the ten directions include, of course, those sentient beings who commit the five gravest offenses and abuse the right Dharma. It reveals that those people can equally attain rebirth if they can change their minds, aspire to be reborn, and recite Amitabha’s Name.

《觀念法門》、《往生禮讚》乃至善導大師其他有關解釋第十八願的法語當中,統統沒有解釋「唯除五逆,毀謗正法」這兩句,這似乎顯示沒有這兩句話的問題存在。

這表示,十方眾生本來就包含五逆謗法的眾生,不管五逆、謗法,只要他回心轉意,願生稱名,同樣平等地往生。

Namo Amituofo!

September 12, 2022

Sep 12, 2022

31 Verses Explaining the Amitabha Sutra from the “Praise of Dharma Practices” by Master Shandao

善導大師《法事讚》 轉《阿彌陀經》31偈語

12. A Verse to Praise the Jewelled Birds Preaching the Dharma

Wishing to be reborn, wishing to be reborn

The Land of Bliss is adorned with all kinds of jewels. It is truly rare and wonderful, because of what we hear and what we have ever heard.

The jeweled birds extol the Buddha’s assembly as they fly through the air. They sing various passages and teachings of the Dharma, all with the same message – practice Amitabha-recitation.

Unceasingly, the sounds of the Dharma are played all day and night. People are inspired and enlightened by the tender, elegant, musical sounds.

Sometimes they speak of the Five Roots of Virtue and the Seven Practices Leading to Enlightenment. At other times they speak of the Eightfold Path and the teaching of compassion.

At other times they speak of leaving the wretched realms in other worlds; or they speak of the hells that block the ways to heavenly and human realms.

Sometimes, they speak of engaging in ascetic practices for long periods of time; or they speak of the unsurpassed cause of Bodhi.

At other times, they speak of the non-meditative virtues and the Six Paramitas; or they speak of the meditative virtues that allow one to enter the deep state of meditation.

Upon hearing these Dharma teachings, all of the Bodhisattvas and Sravakas split their bodies to turn the wheels of the Dharma.

The multitude should dedicate their merit and aspire to be reborn in the Pure Land. Let’s hold fragrant flowers in our hands and always offer them to the Buddha.

12. 讚寶鳥說法偈

願往生 願往生

極樂莊嚴間雜寶 實是稀奇聞未聞

寶鳥臨空讚佛會 文文句句理相同

晝夜連聲無有息 哀婉雅亮發人心

或說五根七覺分 或說八聖慈悲門

或說他方離惡道 或說地獄封人天

或說長時修苦行 或說無上菩提因

或說散善波羅蜜 或說定慧入深禪

菩薩聲聞聞此法 處處分身轉法輪

眾等迴心皆願往 手執香華常供養

Namo Amituofo!

September 11, 2022

Sep 11, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

The Form and Shape of the Three Domains

The Three Domains refer to the Desire Realm, the Form Realm and the Formless Realm. These are the realms that ordinary beings enter and exit in the cycle of birth-and-death.

Regarding the form and shape of the Three Domains, Master Tanluan says, “The Three Domains are the form of: falseness, contamination, invertedness, destruction, recycling, and endlessness.

Among sentient beings in the Three Domains, both cause and effect are false and unreal. They are: contaminated, impure, inverted, lacking in knowledge and view, and destructive. As they are impermanent and constantly changing, they keep recycling within the various realms endlessly.

He also says, “These Three Domains are all nether homes where ordinary beings reincarnate in the cycle of birth-and-death.” In addition he says, “These Three Domains are produced by the flawed and deviant path. No one knows how to leave there, as all of them live in a dream in endless sleep.”

三界相狀

「三界」指欲界、色界、無色界,是凡夫生死往來的境界。

三界之相狀,曇鸞大師說:「三界是虛假相、污染相、顛倒相、破壞相、輪轉相、無窮相。」

三界眾生,因、果都是虛假的,不是真實的;都是污染的,不是清淨的;都是顛倒的,不是正知正見的;都是破壞的,念念都在無常轉變,不是永恆存在的;都是在地獄、餓鬼、畜生等當中一直輪轉,無有窮盡。

又說:「此三界,蓋是生死凡夫流轉之暗宅」,「此三界皆是有漏邪道所生,長寢大夢,莫知悕出」。

Namo Amituofo!

September 10, 2022

Sep 10, 2022

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

淨土信仰

Regarding reciting sutras, the previous and current texts are different. If we don’t notice this, we may not know what we are reciting about, or understand the sutras. Even if we pay attention and listen; it may not be clear, not to mention if we listen with distracted minds. So, we basically won’t understand.

Amitabha-recitation is not the same. The previous sentence is Namo Amituofo, and the sentence after is also Namo Amituofo. Every single sentence is Namo Amituofo. No matter how your mind is wandering, you can still hear it. Even if you do not recite, but just hear it, this name will still enter your Alaya consciousness and be stored there. It can then become a “seed” for merits and virtues.

有關誦經,經文的前後文各不相同,如果不注意聽的話就不知道對方在念什麼,不能句句聽得明白;即使留心聽,也不一定能很清楚,更何況無心聽,根本聽不明白。

但念佛就不一樣了,念佛是前面一句「南無阿彌陀佛」,後面也是一句「南無阿彌陀佛」,聲聲念念都是「南無阿彌陀佛」,再怎麼樣無心的人都會聽到。即使沒有念,只有聽,這一句佛號也會進入阿賴耶識的倉庫中,成為我們的種子,成為功德。

Namo Amituofo!

September 9, 2022

Sep 9, 2022

A verse about “immediate realization upon entry” quoted from ‘In Praise of Pratyutpanna’ by Master Shandao

善導大師語錄《般舟讚》「一入即證」之偈:

A person who exclusively recites Amitabha Buddha’s Name for one to seven days,

Will be instantly reborn in the Land of Peace and Joy at the end of this life.

Upon entering Amitabha’s land of Nirvana,

He will attain the state of non-retrogression and realize the perseverance of no-birth.

一日七日專稱佛,命斷須臾生安樂;

一入彌陀涅槃國,即得不退證無生。

Namo Amituofo!

September 8, 2022

Sep 8, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Classification of Teachings – Other-Power and Self-Power

 淨宗判教 – 自他二力判

Only the teachings of self-powered practices set stages for the gradual accomplishment of the Way. The stages for the gradual accomplishment of the Way require mastering certain practices in order to advance to the next step. Our teaching is transcendental; so obviously, there is no need to have steps or stages. If there were, we wouldn’t be properly practicing the Pure Land teaching.

There are no steps or stages in the Pure Land teaching, which is direct and transcendental. Rebirth is assured now, and the accomplishment transcends the Small Vehicle and the Middle Vehicle.

一般自力修行法門才會安立道次第。道次第就是有階梯、有階位，很明顯，我們這個法門是超越的，不須經過這些階梯；如果須要經過這一些階梯的話，那就不必學淨土了。

淨土法門沒有階梯、沒有階位，是直接超越，現在就肯定能夠往生，而且已經超越小乘、中乘。

Namo Amituofo!

September 7, 2022

Sep 7, 2022

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about “sayings to propagate the Dharma” – mistakes made by mixing the two teachings.

印光大師法語「自謂弘法」之文（法門相混之錯）

(continued)

We should know that Buddha-power is inconceivable. It cannot be compared with the power of cultivation of ordinary beings who are entangled with afflictions. Buddha-power enables the clearing of all delusions and doubts in the minds of ordinary beings.

In the era of the Buddha’s teaching, the Pure Land teaching was unique. Its cultivation practices and realizations, in terms of causes and fruitions, were and are different. For this reason, it cannot be compared “apple to apple” with other teachings in the General Path.

使知佛力不可思議，不能以具縛凡夫修持之力相為並論，則凡一切疑惑不信之心，化為烏有。

於一代時教中，獨為特別法門，其修證因果，不得以通途教義相繩。

Namo Amituofo!

September 6, 2022

Sep 6, 2022

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about “sayings that propagate the Dharma” – mistakes made by mixing two very important teachings.

印光大師法語「自謂弘法」之文（法門相混之錯）

Many masters who have been following the General Teachings of the Pure Land Path have written commentaries, in which their mistaken understandings misled other people. Many of them, not just a few, also say they propagate the Dharma to benefit people.

The initial mistake they made was their lack of awareness of the greatness and smallness, and the difficulty and easiness between Buddha-power and self-power. They forcefully twist the teaching of reliance on self-power to match the teaching of reliance on Buddha-power, in order to balance and harmonize them. That is the reason they made such a mistake.

(to be continued tomorrow)

古今多有依普通法門論淨土法門，由茲自誤誤人，而又自謂宏法利生者，不勝其多。

其最初錯點，在不察佛力與自力之大小難易，以仗佛力之法門，硬引仗自力之法門，而欲平論，致有此失。

Namo Amituofo!

September 5, 2022

Sep 5, 2022

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

淨宗傳承之第十八願

(continued)

The meaning of the words “ If you are not reborn there, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment” is vast and very deep. If you cannot be reborn, I cannot become a Buddha. I must enable you to be reborn to enable me to be a Buddha. You cannot be reborn without me. If I exist as Amitabha Buddha, you can be reborn in my Pure Land of Bliss..

Amitabha Buddha offers his body of complete enlightenment in exchange for the deliverance of all sentient beings from the bondage of reincarnation in the Three Domains and Six Realms, and their rebirth in the Land of Bliss, where they will become Buddhas. So, when referring to the meaning of these words, don’t they mean that Amitabha Buddha ties his achievement of Buddhahood to our rebirth? We become an inseparable entity. If we are not reborn there , there will be no Amitabha Buddha. And, if there is no Amitabha Buddha, we cannot be reborn .

「若不生者，不取正覺」這兩句八字，意義非常深遠。你不能往生，我不成佛；我必須讓你往生，我才能成佛。沒有我，你不能往生；如果有我，你就能往生。

阿彌陀佛以正覺之佛身為質，救贖十方一切罪惡眾生離開六道輪迴，往生極樂成佛。這八個字有這種含義，豈不是阿彌陀佛的成佛跟我們的往生是綁在一起的？綁在一起是一體不離，如果沒有我們的往生，就沒有阿彌陀佛；沒有阿彌陀佛，就沒有我們的往生。

Namo Amituofo!

September 4, 2022

Sep 4, 2022

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

淨宗傳承之第十八願

Amitabha Buddha doesn’t really require a specific number of recitations when he says “even ten times.” As long as you exclusively recite his name, then everything is fine. He says, “ if you are not reborn there, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.”

Thus, if you are not able to be reborn, he will not become a Buddha. He must continue to practice until you can be reborn and he can become a Buddha. In this respect, the relationship between Amitabha Buddha and those sentient beings who recite Amitabha’s name ( in accordance with the 18th Vow), is direct, close, and even inseparable.

(to be continued tomorrow)

阿彌陀佛祂沒有條件，祂說乃至十念，你只要專念祂的名號，就可以了。之後說「若不生者，不取正覺」。你如果這樣不能往生，祂就不成佛，祂必須要再繼續修行，達到你能往生，祂才能成佛。所以依第十八願的念佛眾生跟阿彌陀佛是直接的，密切的，甚至是一體不分的。

Namo Amituofo!

September 3, 2022

Sep 3, 2022

31 Verses Explaining the Amitabha Sutra from the “Praise of Dharma Practices” by Master Shandao

善導大師《法事讚》 轉《阿彌陀經》31偈語

11. A Verse Urging Us to Admire the Pure Land

Wishing to be reborn, wishing to be reborn

The Buddhist Hall is pure and rarely seen, because it is very difficult to hear Amitabha’s Pure Land teaching.

Though difficult-to-hear and difficult-to-see, we have now encountered it. We should practice Amitabha-recitation with double exclusivity as said by the Buddha.

We recite so we can be embraced and received by the compassionate Buddha, and see the jeweled altar appear in front of us when we are near the end-of-life.

As we see the lotus platform, we become filled with excitement!

We follow the Buddha freely and return to Naturalness.

Amitabha’s land is Naturalness.

Return to reality instantly, in the state of flawlessness (no-outflow) and no-birth.

We follow the Buddha wherever he goes and pauses.

We realize the body of unconditioned Dharma Nature.

The multitude should dedicate their merit, aspire to be reborn in the Pure Land, hold fragrant flowers in their hands, and always offer them to the Buddha.

11. 勸欣慕淨土偈

願往生 願往生

道場清淨稀難見 彌陀淨土甚難聞

難聞難見今得會 如說修行專意專

願佛慈悲遙攝受 臨終寶座現其前

既見華臺心踴躍 從佛逍遙歸自然

自然即是彌陀國 無漏無生還即真

行來進止常隨佛 證得無為法性身

眾等迴心皆願往 手執香華常供養

Namo Amituofo!

September 2, 2022

Sep 2, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Feather Light

Feather light is so light that it flies here and there when blown by a light breeze. The Sutra says, “In the Buddhist Way, bodhisattvas of the ten stages of faith move up and down like the lightest feather. Those ordinary beings of the ten stages of faith are also called feather light. Master Daochuo says in the Collection on Peace and Joy, “Ordinary beings nowadays are called feather light, with even just a thought of faith.

Ordinary beings like us are described as feather light, as our mental power is blunt and feeble, moves forward and backward, or performs good and bad deeds easily according to the circumstances.

輕毛

「輕毛」，像毛髮那麼輕，隨便一點點風一吹，他就會隨風或東或西。經言，於佛道有進有退之十信位菩薩，多喻為輕毛。此外，十信以下之凡夫亦稱輕毛。

道綽大師《安樂集》言：「當今凡夫，現名信想輕毛。 」

「輕毛」是形容我們一般的凡夫，心力很拙劣、很脆弱，會隨著環境而進進退退，或造善或造惡。

Namo Amituofo!

September 1, 2022

Sep 1, 2022

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

淨土信仰

If our family permits, Amitabha-reciters should make offerings to our principal Buddha. In our recitation center, we should make offerings to one Buddha only – Namo Amituofo. We should decorate our altars with a couplet on each side, one being “Light permeating the worlds in the ten directions”, and the other being “Embracing sentient beings who recite the Name without forsaking”. We should make an offering of incense every morning and evening, then bow to the Buddha three times. If you cannot find an appropriate place for making offerings, it is fine. As long as you always recite the Name of our principal Buddha (Namo Amituofo) wherever you can, it’s still OK. This is because the true principal Buddha is not outside, but inside our sincere and devoted minds. One’s Inner mind is the most beautifully adorned and pure Buddhist hall.

Nevertheless, we are still ordinary beings, and we have to live as ordinary beings. Unless we truly have no place, we should make offerings to our principle Buddha.

一個念佛人，若家裡許可，要供奉我們的本尊。我們的佛堂只要有一尊「南無阿彌陀佛」就可以了，對聯用「光明遍照十方世界，念佛眾生攝取不捨」。

平常早晚燒香，禮佛三拜。若是沒有適當地方可供奉，也沒關係，只要時時、處處都念本尊「南無阿彌陀佛」就好，因為，真正的本尊不在外，而是在我們正信虔敬的內心，內心就是最清淨莊嚴的佛堂。

只不過我們還是凡夫，凡夫有凡夫的生活，除非沒有地方，不然，還是有必要供奉我們的本尊。

Namo Amituofo!

August 31, 2022

Aug 31, 2022

“Without exiting Samadhi”- a verse quoted from ‘In Praise of Pratyutpanna’ by Master Shandao 

善導大師《般舟讚》「不出三昧」之偈::

Assuming awesome body postures of four kinds while always in the meditative state.

Without exiting Samadhi, Bodhisattvas can manipulate their paranormal powers.

Each Bodhisattva arrives at the Buddha’s assembly through paranormal powers.

They hear the Dharma and realize no-birth during every single assembly.

四種威儀常在定，不出三昧作神通；

一一神通到佛會，會會聽法證無生。

Namo Amituofo!

August 30, 2022

Aug 30, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Classification of Teachings – Other-Power and Self-Power

淨宗判教 – 自他二力判

The Pure Land School is a teaching based on the absolute dedication of “other-power”. This means Amitabha Buddha took five eons to meditate upon and countless eons to practice various virtues. This enabled him to accomplish the Land of Bliss, a realm of Nirvana in its oneness, and a state of circumstantial and direct rewards. Subsequently, Amitabha Buddha, who resides in the Land of Bliss, freely shares all of these with sentient beings in the ten directions. This is called the absolute dedication of “Other-Power”, which is the root and lifeline of the Pure Land School.

淨土宗乃是絕對他力之迴向,亦即彌陀經過五劫思惟,兆劫積行,成就依正主伴、同一涅槃之極樂世界,將此世界全部迴向與十方眾生。故知, 彌陀絕對他力之迴向,是淨土宗之根源也、生命也。

Namo Amituofo!

August 29, 2022

Aug 29, 2022

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about “ the fruition of Buddha’s Enlightenment” is the “practitioner’s Bodhi Mind in the causal ground” – don’t mix the two teachings.

印光大師法語「果覺因心」之文(法門不能相混)

The Pure Land teaching’s greatness has no limit. All phenomena are the noumenon itself. All cultivation practices arise from the self-nature.

The practice is extremely ordinary and simple; but, the benefits are extremely splendid and wonderful.

It is because the practitioner takes the fruition of the Buddha’s Enlightenment to be his own Bodhi Mind while in the causal ground,

That he also attains the fruition of the reward that can thoroughly penetrate the original source of all of the causes of his karmic offenses.”

淨土法門,其大無外,全事即理,全修即性。

行極平常,益極殊勝。

良由「以果地覺,為因地心」,故得「因該果海,果徹因源」。

Namo Amituofo!

August 28, 2022

Aug 28, 2022

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

淨宗傳承之第十八願

The 18th Vow says, “If they are not reborn, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment”. Amitabha Buddha has attained perfect Enlightenment; so, Amitabha-reciters must attain rebirth at the end of their present lives. Once they are born in Amitabha’s Pure Land, they will dwell in the state of non-retrogression, as said in the text of accomplishment of the 18th Vow.

第十八願說:「若不生者,不取正覺。」阿彌陀佛已經成正覺了,所以念佛的人就如「成就文」所解釋的「即得往生,住不退轉。」

Namo Amituofo!

August 27, 2022

Aug 27, 2022

31 Verses Explaining the Amitabha Sutra from the “Praise of Dharma Practices” by Master Shandao

善導大師《法事讚》 轉《阿彌陀經》31偈語

10. A Verse to Praise the Celestial Music and the Floral Rain

Wishing to be reborn, wishing to be reborn

Amitabha’s Buddha-land is most splendid. It is vast and level, truly refined.

The celestial sounds of music are heard everywhere. The surface of the ground is paved with a matrix of precious gems.

Beautiful flowers are naturally dispersed by angelic beings day and night. The sound of the Dharma always fills the air, so that all living beings can easily hear it.

Sentient beings in that Land are peaceful. They fill the hems of their robes with exquisite flowers and go to visit and make offerings to the Buddhas dwelling in the ten directions.

After making offerings each of them personally receives merit and virtues from the Buddhas. Subsequently, all of their attachments, defilements, and habitual negative behaviors vanish forever.

Everything comes and goes according to their wish. All are benefitted by the permanent truths.

They can then return to their original location in a flash. After meals they stroll around an altar adorned with seven jewels.

The multitude unanimously admires the Pure Land and aspires to be reborn there. Let’s hold fragrant flowers in our hands, and always make offerings to the Buddha.

10. 讚天樂雨花偈

願往生 願往生

彌陀佛國最為勝 廣大寬平實是精

天樂音聲常遍滿 黃金為地間奇珍

晝夜六時華自散 法音常說自然聞

彼國眾生更無事 衣裓盛華詣十方

一一親承修供養 塵勞垢習永消亡

種種隨心皆稱意 無不利益是真常

欻爾飛騰還本國 飯食經行七寶臺

眾等傾心皆願往 手執香華常供養

Namo Amituofo!

August 26, 2022

Aug 26, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Sentient Beings in the Ten Directions

“Ten directions” refers to the worlds in the ten directions, i.e. all worlds and all lands.

A “sentient being” is defined as a living being whose consciousness and spirit are able to feel and perceive. It generally refers to all such beings within the Six Realms. Broadly speaking, it refers to ordinary beings reincarnated within the Six Realms: celestial beings, human beings, Asuras, hell beings, hungry ghosts, and animals. It also refers to the four kinds of sacred beings – Sravakas, Pratyekabuddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Buddhas. Collectively, they are called sentient beings in the Ten Dharma Realms

“Sentient beings in the ten directions”( as said in Amitabha’s 18th Vow) refers to all of the other nine Dharma Realms, except that of the Buddhas.

十方眾生

「十方」指十方世界,即所有一切世界、一切國土。

「眾生」又翻譯為有情、含識或含靈。一般指六道迷界的有情眾生;廣義的眾生包括天、人、阿修羅、地獄、餓鬼、畜生等六道輪迴的凡夫,以及聲聞、緣覺、菩薩、佛四種聖人,即六凡和四聖,總稱為十法界眾生。

阿彌陀佛第十八願所說的「十方眾生」,就是除佛以外的九法界眾生,當然包含「你我」在內。

Namo Amituofo!

August 25, 2022

Aug 25, 2022

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

淨土信仰

Though we practice virtues and accumulate merit in our lives, we must remain in the cycle of reincarnation, because we generally have abundant offenses and a few virtues as a result. This makes it necessary to suffer life after life. Thus, it can be said that the only really virtuous karma and merit are gained through Amitabha-recitation for rebirth in the Land of Bliss.

人生在世雖然也會行善積德,但往往都是惡多善少,必定會墮落,輪迴不出,生生世世都要受苦受難。所以說起來,真正的善業和功德,就是念佛往生極樂世界。

Namo Amituofo!