January 28, 2023

Jan 28, 2023

The 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

19. A Verse to Praise the Dwelling with Non-Retrogression for All Those Reborn There

Wish to be reborn. Wish to be reborn.

The Land of Saha is not a place one would want to be reborn in, because it is extremely painful.

Because the Land of Bliss is unconditioned, it is truly splendid.

All sentient beings of the nine levels of aptitude can attain and dwell in the state of non-retrogression, if they dedicate their merits and aspire to be reborn there.

They will become Avinivartaniya Bodhisattvas who are no longer reborn. There, not only are the new-born Bodhisattvas infinite in number ; but, the Bodhisattvas in the tenth stage or below cannot be counted.

The assembly of pure Bodhisattvas is as vast as the great sea and as many as the fine dusts in the Ganges River. Those who have the necessary karmic conditions will be included in the assembly upon arrival.

They will always see the Buddha while walking, standing, sitting, and lying down.

They will also utilize paranormal powers to deliver sentient beings, whether they are traveling or staying at home.

The six kinds of consciousness are naturally enlightened, totally free, and without any obstructions.

They don’t need to rely on the power resulting from meditative virtues. I urge all good advisors, who aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, to concentrate their focus solely on the West.

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 make offerings to the Buddha.

19. 讚生皆不退偈

願往生 願往生

娑婆極苦非生處 極樂無為實是精

九品俱迴得不退 阿鞞跋致即無生

非直初生無限極 十地以下劫難窮

如此大海塵恆沙 有緣到者入其中

四種威儀常見佛 行來進止駕神通

六識縱橫自然悟 未藉思量一念功

普勸同生善知識 專心專注往西方

眾等迴心皆願往 手執香華常供養

Namo Amituofo!

January 27, 2023

Jan 27, 2023

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Three Blessed Fields (continued)

Field of gratitude – is the gratitude to parents and teachers who nurture and educate us. In reference to gratitude to parents - water cannot drown it and fire cannot destroy it, it is higher than mountains, and deeper than oceans. Thus, it is described as “as vast as a limitless sky”. If we acknowledge their grace, offer thanks for their grace, and try to repay their grace, the blessings are abundant. If we forget that gratitude, turn away from that gratitude, or work against that gratitude, the karmic penalties will be very heavy.

Field of compassion – For those who suffer from poverty and sadness, one can gain blessings through almsgiving and being sympathetic to them.

三福田

恩田

父母師長,有養育、教誨之恩。父母之恩,水不能溺,火不能滅。父母之恩,比山高,比海深,所謂「昊天罔極」。若知恩、感恩、報恩,福德甚大;若忘恩、背恩、逆恩,罪惡極重。

悲田

於貧窮悲苦之人,悲愍之、布施之,能生福德。

Namo Amituofo!

January 26, 2023

Jan 26, 2023

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

The Three Blessed Fields

They are: the field of respect, the field of gratitude, and the field of compassion. Just as a farmer who plows a field can benefit from its harvest, by practicing the three blessed fields, one can attain blessed virtues.

Field of respect – By respecting and making offerings to the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) blessed virtues grow. A Buddha is a fully enlightened being.

The Dharma consists of the words spoken by Shakyamuni Buddha, which are the light of the universe, and our eyes and ears of guidance. Sangha is the order that upholds and transmits the Buddhist teachings, keeping them forever without extinction. So, respecting and making offerings to the Three Jewels is a great and blessed field.

(to be continued tomorrow)

三福田

三福田指敬田、恩田、悲田。猶如農夫耕田,能有收穫;敬事三田,可生福德。

敬田

於佛法僧三寶,尊崇、供養,能生福德。佛是大覺者,佛所說的法是宇宙的光明、眾生的眼目,僧是住持佛法、傳承佛法、保持佛法於不滅,所以尊崇、供養三寶就有大福田。

Namo Amituofo!

January 25, 2023

Jan 25, 2023

 Short Dharma Teaching about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

(continued)

If this is the case it shows that, on the one hand, such a person doesn’t understand Amitabha’s awesome majestic power or the merit and virtues he uses to deliver us.

He doesn’t understand that Amitabha made vows and practiced for us, the grace that Amitabha shares with us, or what we would be without Amitabha’s deliverance. On the other hand it also shows that, no matter what, we are basically sentient beings with severe afflictions and heavy obstructions; so, many of us cannot be delighted even when we should be.

Nevertheless, even under these circumstances, because of Amitabha’s deliverance, afflicted ordinary beings like us can arouse the pure mind of aspiration despite our afflicted minds. (as said by Master Shandao) No matter how afflicted we are, our minds can be at peace, level and harmonious. To encourage this our daily lives should be ordinary, simple, and regular.

如果是這樣的話,表示一方面他沒有體會到阿彌陀佛救度我們的大威神力、救度我們的功德、為我們怎麼樣的發願、怎麼樣修行、對我們有怎麼樣的大恩大德、我們跟阿彌陀佛有什麼樣的關係,而且我們如果沒有彌陀救度的話,我們又會是怎麼樣;另一方面也顯示我們本來就是煩惱強盛、業障深重的眾生,應該歡喜卻歡喜不起來。

不過即使是這樣,我們煩惱的眾生面對彌陀的救度,如果能夠像善導大師所講「在煩惱的心中,生起清淨的願生之心」的話,即使再怎樣的煩惱苦惱,但是內心卻是安詳、平靜、平和、祥和的,同時過著一種平凡、平常、平淡、平實的生活。

Namo Amituofo!

January 24, 2023

Jan 24, 2023

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

淨土信仰

Amitabha-reciters like us speak of “immediately” and “at this moment”. Rebirth is assured in this lifetime, right now. Non-retrogression, enabled by the Buddha’s infinite merit and virtues, is also attained in the present life. Once reborn in the Land of Bliss we will transcend the Bodhisattva’s Ten Grounds, and quickly become Buddhas.

An Amitabha-reciter who knows, “non-retrogression enabled by the Buddha’s merit and virtues is instantly attained,” is sure to have the rare experience of great joy and great fortune. However, some people may not be as excited and joyful, have no feeling, or even have a frown. Why?

(to be continued tomorrow)

我們念佛人都即時當下,現在就平生業成,現生不退於佛格,一旦往生極樂世界就立刻頓超十地,而且快速成佛。

念佛人看到「即時不退於佛格」,應該有一種難遭難遇的大歡喜、大慶幸,可是有的人往往歡喜不起來,也沒有大感受,甚至苦苦惱惱的,整天一張苦瓜臉。為什麼?

Namo Amituofo!

January 23, 2023

Jan 23, 2023

A verse about “reaching that pure land filled with adornments”, quoted from the “In Praise of the Rite of Rebirth”

善導大師《往生禮讚》「至彼嚴淨國」之偈:

Reaching that land adorned by pure merit and virtues

One can speedily attain paranormal powers.

One must receive a prediction from the Buddha of Infinite Life

To achieve Equal Enlightenment.

至彼嚴淨國,便速得神通;

必於無量尊,受記成等覺。

Namo Amituofo!

January 22, 2023

Jan 22, 2023

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Classification of Teachings – the Sacred and the Pure Land teachings

淨宗判教 – 聖淨二門判

Among the various teachings of the Sacred Path, a practitioner must be capable of cultivating zealously without retrogression, because he merely relies on his own power when practicing these skills.

In the teaching of Amitabha-recitation in the Pure Land path, regardless of the aptitude and capacity, power and skills, of the intelligent or slow-witted practitioner, we only rely on Amitabha’s vow power.

聖道各種法門,須有修行的能力,精進不退,唯靠自己功夫。

淨土念佛法門,不論利鈍之機功,無利無鈍,唯依彌陀願力。

Namo Amituofo!

January 21, 2023

Jan 21, 2023

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about “violation of the Dharma by breaking the precepts”

印光大師法語「破戒違法」之文

For those who practice Amitabha-recitation, if you ask for worldly blessings in the next life, you will violate the Dharma and break the precepts.

The teaching of Amitabha-recitation teaches people to aspire to be reborn in the West.

This is the Buddha’s teaching that people must follow. If you don’t follow it , it is called “violation of the Dharma and breaking the precepts”.

念佛,若求來生福報,即是破戒違法。

念佛法門,乃是教人求生西方的法門。

此是佛教人必定要依之法,汝不肯依,故名破戒違法。

Namo Amituofo!

January 20, 2023

Jan 20, 2023

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

淨宗傳承之第十八願

“Even ten times” as said in the 18th Vow is the cause, which is name-recitation by sentient beings. “Should not be born there, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment” (as said in the 18th Vow) is the power of perfect Enlightenment, which is taking Amitabha’s vow power as the external condition. The reward of rebirth in the Land of Bliss refers to the passage on the accomplishment of the 18th Vow that says, “instantly attain rebirth and dwell in the state of non-retrogression.”

Having the cause and the condition, the reward is naturally obtained when the conditions ripen in harmony. So, cause means the intimate connection with Amitabha, and condition is the augmentative condition. In this way it will naturally blossom with fruit, which means the reward of attaining rebirth to become a Buddha.

「眾生稱念為『因』」就是第十八願之「乃至十念」,彌陀願力為緣就是第十八願「若不生者,不取正覺」的正覺的力量;「往生報土為『果』」,就是第十八願成就文的「即得往生,住不退轉」。

有了因,有了緣,因緣和合就自然能夠獲得果,所以因就是親因,緣就是增上緣,自然能夠開花結果,成就往生成佛的果報。

Namo Amituofo!

January 19, 2023

Jan 19, 2023

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

善導大師《法事讚》 轉《阿彌陀經》31偈語

18. A Verse Advising Sentient Beings to Renounce Suffering

Wish to be reborn. Wish to be reborn.

Through teaching Sariputra [in the Amitabha Sutra], Shakyamuni Tathagata is actually teaching all suffering sentient beings.

The Six Realms in the Saha Land are not safe and peaceful for permanent residence. All ordinary beings there keep moving aimlessly in darkness, like dreaming in an endless night.

Though sacred and ordinary beings live together in the Land of Saha, they do not know each other. By easily getting angry, people are always fighting with each other and committing many offenses due to ignorance.

Because of ignorance, they are trapped with no freedom in the Six Realms. When can they treat each other equally, without discriminating between love and hatred, superiority and inferiority?

They do not have sufficient virtuous karma to eliminate the suffering of birth-and-death, and they are not aware of the retribution due to their karmic offenses resulting from greed.

Those beings who have the body of an ass wrapped with human skin will certainly be reborn in the animal realm or in the Three Wretched Realms.

Upon hearing and believing this, we are so sad that our hearts are broken. We vow to renounce all worldly glories immediately.

Let us hope that all sentient beings dedicate their merit and aspire to be reborn in the Pure Land. Let’s hold fragrant flowers in our hands and always make offerings to the Buddha.

18. 勸眾厭離苦偈

願往生 願往生

釋迦如來告身子 即是普告苦眾生

娑婆六道非安處 冥冥長夜闇中行

聖化同居不相識 動生瞋毒鬥無明

為此無明繫六道 愛憎高下何時平

既無善業排生死 由貪造罪未心驚

犯此人皮裹驢骨 三塗自入不須爭

我等聞之心髓痛 誓願頓捨世間榮

普願迴心生淨土 手執香華常供養

Namo Amituofo!

January 18, 2023

Jan 18, 2023

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Embrace and Transformation by the Name in the form of Light (continued)

This Name possesses the majestic and awe inspiring power of Amitabha Buddha’s merit and virtues. It enables us to easily reach our target of rebirth through recitation for this entire life, or even one or ten recitations near the end-of-life. It is because of the profound and weighty vows made by Amitabha Buddha.

We ought to know this Name is light, and the light is the Name. Amitabha Buddha enables us to attain benefits in the present and future life through his Name in the form of light, and thus to be delivered.

光號攝化

這句名號有阿彌陀佛的威神功德力量在裡面,使得我們上盡一形念佛也好,或者臨終才遇到這個法門、只念十聲一聲也好,都容易達到我們所求的目標,容易往生,因為阿彌陀佛的誓願深重。

故知,這句名號就是光明,光明本身也是名號。阿彌陀佛以這光明名號來救度我們,讓我們現當二益都能得到。

Namo Amituofo!

January 17, 2023

Jan 17, 2023

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Embrace and Transformation by the Name in the form of Light

“Embrace and transformation by the Name in the form of light” refers to Amitabha Buddha; who delivers, transforms, and embraces sentient beings with his Name in the form of light. Master Shandao says in the Praise of the Rites of Rebirth, “Amitabha Buddha made a profound, weighty vow to embrace all beings with his light and transform them with his name. He asks only that they have faith, aspire to rebirth in the Pure Land, and recite his name. Whether one recites for an entire lifetime, ten times, or even just once, rebirth is easy because of the power of Amitabha’s vow.”

Amitabha Buddha made 48 great vows in his causal ground. His 18th Vow is by far the most important for us. In it he promises to embrace and transform all sentient beings in the ten directions with his Name in the form of light. In this way he enables them to recite his Name with confidence. This Name is like a treasure chest. You can reach in to grasp what you want, no matter whether they are benefits for the present life or for the future life. You can get them by reciting the Name.

(to be continued tomorrow)

光號攝化

「光號攝化」,就是阿彌陀佛以他的光明和六字名號來攝化、救度眾生。

善導《往生禮讚》云: 彌陀世尊,本發深重誓願,以光明名號攝化十方,但使信心求念;上盡一形,下至十聲、一聲等,以佛願力,易得往生。

阿彌陀佛因地發下四十八大願,尤其第十八願,以光明名號來攝化十方所有眾生,使十方眾生有信心稱念這句名號,不論是現世利益還是當來利益,這句名號就像百寶箱,可以任運、隨意地支取,要支取多少,都可以以念佛為之。

Namo Amituofo!

January 16, 2023

Jan 16, 2023

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

淨土信仰

(continued)

Many Amitabha-reciters don’t fully understand the principle of Amitabha’s 18th Vow, the Fundamental Vow of Deliverance. Because of this they will be worried near the end-of-life, even though they recite Amitabha’s name. Seeing them restless and in pain may also lead other people to wonder whether they are reborn or not. This is mainly because they don’t understand the Buddha’s Vow. If they really understood Amitabha’s Vow and the principle of Amitabha-recitation, they would not doubt and rest in peace and stability.

This is the way that we should recite Amitabha’s name - Just recite Amitabha’s name with your present aptitude and capacity. For rebirth, you simply recite Namo

Amituofo exclusively. Don’t take worldly matters and relationships too seriously, and simply try your best to fulfill your duties and responsibilities. This is the basic mindset that every Amitabha-reciter should have.

很多念佛的人,往往因不了解阿彌陀佛第十八願的本願救度道理,所以雖然有念佛,卻心生不安,到了臨終之時,還苦苦惱惱,甚至於讓別人擔心他到底是否有往生,那都是因為他對佛心不了解;如果了解佛心,了解念佛的道理,不管他怎麼樣的念佛,他的心都是安穩的,不會懷疑。

所以,我們就是這樣在念佛的:你是什麼樣的根器,就以你現在的根器去念佛;對往生而言,你就是專念這句南無阿彌陀佛,只是在人情世事方面要看淡,對於應盡的本分仍要盡力。這是每一個念佛人應具備的根本心態。

Namo Amituofo!

January 15, 2023

Jan 15, 2023

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

淨土信仰

(continued)

Such a person feels great comfort, joy, and excitement at this critical moment (near death), as he knows the suffering of reincarnation, suffering of his physical body, and the suffering in the mundane world will come to an end. He anticipates the joy in the Land of Bliss, which is bestowed upon him unconditionally.

So, by understanding the concept of Amitabha Buddha’s deliverance, and the infinite compassion of his mind, an Amitabha-reciter can still feel at ease and filled with joy and peace, even if he is incapable of reciting Amitabha’s name near the end-of-life.

If a person recites Amitabha’s name without understanding the Buddha’s: compassion, wisdom, paranormal powers, and vow power, he may suffer needlessly.

(to be continued tomorrow)

像這樣的念佛人,在這個時候,他的心中有極大的安心、歡喜、踴躍,知道人生輪迴的苦、肉體的苦、世間的苦,已經要盡了,眼前有極樂之樂,平白地要送給他了。

所以,一個念佛人對阿彌陀佛的救度,對佛心有這樣的了解,他在臨終病苦,無法念佛的時候,他的心中依然有安慰,有極大的喜樂。

如果念佛卻對阿彌陀佛的佛心不了解,或是對阿彌陀佛的慈悲智慧、神通願力不了解,這樣他就會苦惱。

Namo Amituofo!

January 14, 2023

Jan 14, 2023

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

淨土信仰

(continued)

Because Amitabha Buddha appears first, our minds will not be inverted, and we are assured of rebirth with right mindfulness when our life ends. At that time our breathing has not ceased, so it is called “ the near end-of-life.” This means we can see Amitabha Buddha while still breathing, even if we are in a coma.

If he suffers an illness, and wants to recite Amitabha’s name; but, because he is in too much pain, he can’t. He can still feel at ease because he knows Amitabha Buddha will come to receive him when the time comes. So, he will wait quietly for Amitabha Buddha to appear.

(to be continued tomorrow)

因為是阿彌陀佛先來,然後我們在命終之時,才能夠心不顛倒,正念現前,決定往生!這個時候,還沒有斷氣之前,稱之為臨終,在尚未斷氣臨終的時候,我們念佛人就會看到阿彌陀佛出現,不管他是否昏迷,即使昏迷,也會在昏迷中看到阿彌陀佛。

如果在病痛中,他也知道不是他不想念佛,只因現在痛苦到無法念佛,但是他的心中有安慰,知道時間一到,阿彌陀佛就會來接引他!所以靜靜地等待阿彌陀佛的出現。

Namo Amituofo!

January 13, 2023

Jan 13, 2023

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

淨土信仰

Because an Amitabha-reciter understands the Buddha’s mind, he naturally has no doubts or fears about his own rebirth. Why? The Sutra says, “Light permeating all the worlds in the ten directions, and embracing an Amitabha-reciter without forsaking.”

An Amitabha-reciter is embraced by Amitabha Buddha’s light at all times and forever.. It is similar to water that will not leak out when held in a well made cup.

As an Amitabha-reciter is always embraced by Amitabha’s light, Amitabha Buddha will always be accompanied by Avalokitesvara, Mahasthamaprapta and a multitude of bodhisattvas. They will appear before him in the pure great ocean. As said in the Amitabha Sutra – “as that person approaches death, Amitabha Buddha and various sacred beings will appear before him”.

(to be continued tomorrow)

念佛人因為了解佛心,他對自己的往生自然就沒有懷疑驚懼。為什麼呢?經典云:「光明遍照十方世界,念佛眾生攝取不捨」。

一個念佛人,他時時刻刻、永永遠遠、從現在到臨終,都在阿彌陀佛的光明攝取之中!猶如水盛在杯子內,它不會流到外面。

念佛人都在阿彌陀佛的光明之中,而且到了臨終之時,《阿彌陀經》云:「其人臨命終時,阿彌陀佛與諸聖眾,現在其前」,阿彌陀佛就會帶著觀音、勢至、清淨大海眾菩薩,顯現在我們的面前。

Namo Amituofo!

January 12, 2023

Jan 12, 2023

A verse about “the Sea of Amitabha’s Vows of Wisdom” quoted from “In Praise of the Rite of Rebirth”

善導大師《往生禮讚》「彌陀智願海」之偈:

The sea of Amitabha’s vows of wisdom

Is unfathomable in depth and distance

Those who wish to be reborn upon hearing the Name

Can all be reborn in that Land

彌陀智願海,深廣無涯底;

聞名欲往生,皆悉到彼國。

Namo Amituofo!

January 11, 2023

Jan 11, 2023

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings about Classification of Teachings – the Sacred and the Pure Land teachings

淨宗判教 – 聖淨二門判

The Sacred Path requires reliance upon one’s own power. This means - to practice a myriad of virtues and the Six Paramitas while in the Land of Saha; in order to sever delusions, realize truths, enter the sacred assembly, and attain fruitions.

The Pure Land Path is the reliance on Amitabha’s vow power for rebirth in the Pure Land, where our delusions will be severed, we will realize truths, and enter the state of Enlightenment.

「聖道門」是依自己的力量,在此娑婆修六度萬行,以斷惑證真,入聖得果。「淨土門」是乘彌陀願力,往生淨土,在淨土斷惑證真,趣入菩提。

Namo Amituofo!

January 10, 2023

Jan 10, 2023

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about “the certainty of falling into the wretched realms”

印光大師法語「必墮惡道」之文

The benefits obtained from attaining rebirth are much greater than those obtained from attaining the Way.

往生所得之利益,比得道更大。

Namo Amituofo!

January 9, 2023

Jan 9, 2023

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

“To sincerely and joyfully entrust”, as stated in the 18th Vow, is to accept Amitabha’s deliverance and recite accordingly. It further means, our status of rebirth has already been acquired. We will enter the reward land within a lotus flower at the end of this life and be reborn as the lotus flower blossoms. This is not the case with other teachings. In those teachings, if a practitioner wishes to be reborn, he must aspire to rebirth and dedicate all of his merits to that purpose. He will then be reborn encased within a lotus bud.

We believe and accept the Pure Land teaching, which instructs us to exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name. We don’t need to practice meditation, contemplation, or learn the Threefold Tantric practices. However, if Pure Land practitioners wish to meditate, it should be OK. They can simply recite the Name while seated. However, they should not be attached to reaching a particular level of attainment.

第十八願的「信樂」是隨順彌陀救度,而且是現在已經獲得往生的身份,命終的時候就進入報土,蓮花化生。其他法門就不是這樣,如果想往生,必須迴向才能往生,而且是胎生。

我們信受淨土法門,就是專稱這句名號,不必坐禪,不必觀想,不必修學密宗的三密相應,不必的。可是如果有人喜歡打坐,那也可以,就以靜坐的方式稱念這句名號,當然你不是執著你的功夫。

Namo Amituofo!

January 8, 2023

Jan 8, 2023

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

善導大師《法事讚》 轉《阿彌陀經》31偈語

17. A Verse in Praise of Amitabha’s Deliverance of Sentient Beings for Ten Eons

Wish to be reborn. Wish to be reborn.

Amitabha, the Master of Deliverance is, of course, seated in the center. His floral altar is most refined and uniquely magnificent.

It is decorated with hundreds and trillions of Mani pearls alternating with an assortment of other jewels. Every single leaf is splendid, and naturally and uniquely formed.

Ten eons have elapsed since Amitabha first sat in the center. His mind connects to all sentient beings in the Dharma Realm by shining his compassionate light upon them.

Those who are touched by his light are free from the afflictions of the Six Dusts. They will see the Buddha near the end-of-life and go to the Western Pure Land.

Upon arrival, their lotus flower blooms, and they enter the Great Assembly. All kinds of ignorance and afflictions are naturally extinguished.

The Three Kinds of Thorough Knowledge are naturally realized with recourse to the Buddha’s vow-power. Paranormal powers are acquired instantly as soon as they join their palms.

That Buddha and a multitude of Sravakas and Bodhisattvas are as many as infinite grains of sand.

I wish to make a strong determination in this lifetime, and join the community of sacred beings at the end of my life.

The multitudes admire the Buddha and unanimously aspire to be reborn. Let’s hold fragrant flowers in our hands, and always make offerings to the Buddha.

17. 讚十劫度生偈

願往生 願往生

彌陀化主當心坐 華臺獨迥最為精

百億摩尼間雜寶 葉葉莊嚴相自成

正坐以來經十劫 心緣法界照慈光

蒙光觸者塵勞滅 臨終見佛往西方

到彼華開入大會 無明煩惱自然亡

三明自然乘佛願 須臾合掌得神通

彼佛聲聞菩薩眾 塵沙算數亦難窮

願我今生強發意 畢命往彼聖人叢

眾等傾心願往生 手執香華常供養

Namo Amituofo!

January 7, 2023

Jan 7, 2023

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

The Two Benefits - in the Present Life and in the Next Life

“Present” means the present life and “next” means the next life. The “two benefits” refers to the two kinds of benefits. One refers to the safety and stability of our physical body and spiritual mind in the present life, and the other refers to rebirth in the Pure Land near the end-of-life.

The two benefits, in the present life and in the next life, are the product of Amitabha-recitation. These two kinds of benefits are included in this unique Name, and in the single practice of Amitabha-recitation. To practice reciting the names of other Buddhas and other sources of virtues such as: reciting the Chapter on Universal Doors, the Diamond Sutra, the Sutra on the Medicine Master, or reciting the name of the Medicine Master, one can only gain the single benefit in the present life. It is only through the recitation of Amitabha’s Name that one can possess benefits in the present life and in the next life.

Generally, there are fifteen kinds of benefits in the present life and in the next life:

1. Amitabha positions himself above our heads

2. Protected by the Buddha’s light

3. Supported by all the Buddhas

4. Accompanied by Bodhisattvas

5. Safeguarded by spirits

6. Elimination of bad karma

7. Accumulation of good fortune and wisdom

8. Avoidance of disasters

9. Longevity and health

10. A good death

11. Attainment of the karma of assurance

12. End of the reincarnation cycle

13. Rebirth in the Pure Land

14. Attainment of Buddhahood

15. Comprehensive deliverance of sentient beings

The first eleven kinds of benefits are in the present life, while the last four benefits are gained by rebirth in Amitabha’s Pure Land.

現當二益

「現」是現世,「當」是當來,「二益」是兩種利益。「現當二益」即指現世身心安穩,臨終往生淨土這兩種利益。

現當二益即是念佛,此兩種利益都攝在一句名號當中,攝在念佛一行當中。修持餘佛餘行,如修持《普門品》《金剛經》《藥師經》、稱念藥師佛等, 也都能獲得「現世一益」;但獨有「現當二益」,是唯有彌陀才擁有的。

「現當二益」略說有十五種:第一、彌陀住頂;第二、佛光護身;第三、諸佛護念;第四、菩薩相隨;第五、冥眾護持;第六、消除罪障;第七、增長福慧;第八、離諸厄難;第九、能得壽康;第十、將獲善終;第十一、入正定聚;第十二、斷除輪迴;第十三、往生淨土;第十四、成就佛果;第 十五、廣度眾生。其中前十一種屬於「現世利益」,後四種屬於「往生利益」。

Namo Amituofo!

January 6, 2023

Jan 6, 2023

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

淨土信仰

Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow is our life, our hope, our light, as well as our source of peace and joy.

Through Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow we are assured of being liberated at the end of this life and anticipate becoming a Buddha upon reaching the Pure Land. Without Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow, we will continue to be reborn for ten thousand eons, without any hope of liberation at the end of this life. We look up to the sky while sighing and crying loudly, and desperately try to grasp that land in our bleeding hands. This desperate suffering cannot be described adequately in words and cannot be imagined.

阿彌陀佛的本願是我們的生命、我們的希望、我們的光明,也是我們安心喜樂的來源。

有阿彌陀佛的本願,我們今生解脫有望、成佛可期;沒有阿彌陀佛的本願,我們將萬劫沉淪、解脫無期,終此一生,將仰望長天,聲嘶啞而哀嚎;匍匐大地,流血淚而悲泣。那種絕望的痛苦,是語言無法形容,人心難以想像的。

Namo Amituofo!

January 5, 2023

Jan 5, 2023

A verse about “the six roots always matching the truth” quoted from “In Praise of the Rite of Rebirth” by Master Shandao

善導大師《往生禮讚》「六根常合道」之偈:

The Six Sense Organs always align with the Buddhist Way

They are never connected to the Three Wretched Realms, not even their names.

Giving advice to those who are concerned

Let us exit this city of suffering together.

六根常合道,三塗永絕名; 寄言有心輩,共出一苦城。

Namo Amituofo!

January 4, 2023

Jan 4, 2023

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Classification of Teachings – the Sacred and Pure Land teachings

淨宗判教 – 聖淨二門判

The Sacred Path is the reliance on one’s own power - to practice a myriad of virtues, the Six Paramitas, to sever delusions in the Saha Land; in order to realize truths, to enter the sacred assembly, and attain fruitions.

The Pure Land Path is the reliance on Amitabha’s vow power for rebirth in the Pure Land, through which we can sever delusions, realize truths, and enter the state of Enlightenment.

「聖道門」是依自己的力量,在此娑婆修六度萬行,以斷惑證真,入聖得果。「淨土門」是乘彌陀願力,往生淨土,在淨土斷惑證真,趣入菩提。

Namo Amituofo!

January 3, 2023

Jan 3, 2023

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about “certain to fall into the wretched realms”

印光大師法語「必墮惡道」之文

If we are not born in the Western Land, we will surely fall into the wretched realms in future.

不生西方,將來必墮惡道。

Namo Amituofo!

January 2, 2023

Jan 2, 2023

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

“To sincerely and joyfully entrust”, as mentioned in the 18th Vow, is to obey, follow and accept Amitabha’s deliverance. It further means, the status of rebirth has already been acquired. Thus, allowing us to enter the reward land at the end of this life and be reborn within a lotus flower. It is not like that in other teachings. If practitioners wish to be reborn, they must dedicate their merit and virtues, aspire to rebirth, and attain rebirth within a lotus bud.

We believe and accept the Pure Land teaching, which relies upon the exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s Name. We don’t need to practice meditation, contemplation, or learn the Threefold Tantric practices. However, if Pure Land practitioners like to meditate, it should be OK, they can then recite the Name while sitting. However, they should not become attached to their own skills.

第十八願的「信樂」是隨順彌陀救度,而且是現在已經獲得往生的身份,命終的時候就進入報土,蓮花化生。其他法門就不是這樣,如果想往生,必須迴向才能往生,而且是胎生。

我們信受淨土法門,就是專稱這句名號,不必坐禪,不必觀想,不必修學密宗的三密相應,不必的。可是如果有人喜歡打坐,那也可以,就以靜坐的方式稱念這句名號,當然你不是執著你的功夫。

Namo Amituofo!

January 1, 2023

Jan 1, 2023

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

善導大師《法事讚》 轉《阿彌陀經》31偈語

16. A Verse to Praise Amitabha’s Vows and Practices that Lasted Eons

Wish to be reborn. Wish to be reborn.

That Buddha pursued ascetic practices while in his causal ground. He was courageous and vigorous in his practice, focused and zealous, without any retrogression.

Once seated there, for a hundred eons and longer, he could practice the difficult-to-practice virtues without tiredness.

He benefits himself through benefitting others, by eliminating all of their evil offenses.

Moreover, he does not forsake his “enemies,” because of his great compassion

All sentient beings, including spirits, are comprehensively awakened and delivered. All of them can reach the state of Bodhi with the same cause and the same practice.

They vow to be reborn in the adorned pure land; so, they can see, hear, and realize the unconditioned joyous Dharma.

All sentient beings 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.

16. 讚歷劫行願偈

願往生 願往生

彼佛從因行苦行 勇猛專精無退時

一坐百劫長時劫 難作能作不生疲

自利利他同斷惡 不捨怨憎由大悲

有識含靈皆普化 同因同行至菩提

誓願莊嚴清淨土 見聞歡喜證無為

眾等迴心皆願往 手執香華常供養

Namo Amituofo!

December 31, 2022

Dec 31, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

(continued)

The Two Benefits - in the Present Life and in the Next Life

Generally, there are fifteen kinds of benefits in the present life and in the next life:

1. Amitabha positions himself above our heads

2. Protection by the Buddha’s light

3. The Support of all the Buddhas

4. Accompanied by Bodhisattvas

5. Safeguarded by spirits

6. Elimination of bad karma

7. Accumulation of good fortune and wisdom

8. Avoidance of disasters

9. Longevity and health

10. A good death

11. Attainment of the karma of assurance

12. The End of the reincarnation cycle

13. Rebirth in the Pure Land

14. Attainment of Buddhahood

15. Comprehensive deliverance of sentient beings

The first eleven kinds of benefits are gained while in the present life, while the last four benefits take effect after rebirth in the Pure Land.

現當二益

「現當二益」略說有十五種:第一、彌陀住頂;第二、佛光護身;第三、諸佛護念;第四、菩薩相隨;第五、冥眾護持;第六、消除罪障;第七、增長福慧;第八、離諸厄難;第九、能得壽康;第十、將獲善終;第十一、入正定聚;第十二、斷除輪迴;第十三、往生淨土;第十四、成就佛果;第 十五、廣度眾生。

其中前十一種屬於「現世利益」,後四種屬於「往生利益」。

Namo Amituofo!

December 30, 2022

Dec 30, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

The Two Benefits (in the Present Life and in the Next Life)

“Present” is the present life and “next” is the next life. The “two benefits” refer to the two kinds of benefits, one being the safety and stability of our physical bodies and spiritual minds in the present life, and the other being rebirth in the Pure Land at the end-of-life.

The two benefits (in the present life and in the next life) relate to Amitabha-recitation. These two kinds of benefits are included in Amitabha’s Name, and in the single practice of Amitabha-recitation. To practice the teachings of other Buddhas or reciting their names to accumulate other virtues, such as: reciting the Chapter on the Universal Doors, the Diamond Sutra, the Sutra on the Master of Medicine, or reciting the name of the Master of Medicine, one can gain a single benefit in the present life. It is only Amitabha who possesses the two benefits, in the present life and in the next life.

現當二益

「現」是現世,「當」是當來,「二益」是兩種利益。「現當二益」即指現世身心安穩,臨終往生淨土這兩種利益。

現當二益即是念佛,此兩種利益都攝在一句名號當中,攝在念佛一行當中。修持餘佛餘行,如修持《普門品》《金剛經》《藥師經》、稱念藥師佛等, 也都能獲得「現世一益」;但獨有「現當二益」,是唯有彌陀才擁有的。

Namo Amituofo!

December 29, 2022

Dec 29, 2022

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

淨土信仰

Among all teachings of cultivation, Amitabha-recitation is the only one that does not interfere with the performance of one’s daily work. Among all teachings of cultivation, Amitabha-recitation is the only one that allows a person to cultivate without leaving the secular world. So, Amitabha-recitation does not interfere with your work, and your work does not interfere with Amitabha-recitation. A person can practice these transcendental teachings without leaving his work in the secular world. Though practicing transcendental teachings, a person is not required to stay away from the secular world.

所有的修行法門當中,能夠不妨礙作務的就是念佛法門;所有的修行法門當中,能夠讓他不離開紅塵,也能夠修行的就是念佛。所以,念佛不妨礙作務,作務不妨礙念佛。不離世間法,而能修出世法;雖修出世法,也可不離世間法。

Namo Amituofo!

December 28, 2022

Dec 28, 2022

A verse about ‘staying longer at the border of the Pure Land because of deeper doubt” quoted from “In Praise of the Rite of Rebirth”

《往生禮讚》「疑多邊地久」之偈:

A Buddhist practitioner with more doubt will stay at the border of the Pure Land longer.

It is difficult for them to be reborn in a higher level because they have few virtues

Let’s not discuss all of the other vows [of Amitabha Buddha]

Those who can be reborn in the West have already attained peace of mind.

疑多邊地久,德少上生難;

且莫論餘願,西方已心安。

Namo Amituofo!

December 27, 2022

Dec 27, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching about Classification of Teachings – the Sacred and Pure Land teachings

淨宗判教 – 聖淨二門判

The Sacred Path has its own theoretical system, while the Pure Land Path also has its own. They are different with different scopes. If the two systems are mixed, it leads to confusion. You must decide, do you uphold and practice the Sacred Path or the Pure Land Path?

So, Pure Land practitioners must clearly know what the Sacred Path is and what the Pure Land Path is; otherwise, it becomes neither fish nor fowl. If you use the theory of the Sacred Path to explain the Pure Land Path, it is no longer the Easy Path.

聖道門有聖道門的體系理論,淨土門有淨土門的體系理論,是各不相同、各有範圍的,如果把二者摻雜在一起,那到底你所修持的是聖道?還是淨土?這樣就混亂了。

所以,學淨土法門首先要釐清什麼是「聖道法門」?什麼是「淨土法門」?不然的話會變成四不像,把聖道法門的理論用來解釋淨土門,那就不是淨土門的易行道了。

Namo Amituofo!

December 26, 2022

Dec 26, 2022

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about “the certainty of falling into one of the wretched realms”

印光大師法語「必墮惡道」之文

To be born as a human being in the next life is more difficult than to attain assured rebirth near the end-of-life. Seeking rebirth in the Western Land is much easier than seeking to become a human being in the next life.

來生做人,比臨終往生還難。求生西方,比求來生做人尚容易。

Namo Amituofo!

December 25, 2022

Dec 25, 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, “Those who sincerely and joyfully entrust themselves to me, wish to be reborn in my Land, and recite my name even ten times”, will be reborn. The method of rebirth mentioned in the 18th Vow reveals the Buddha mind of Amitabha.

With respect to sentient beings, all of the high, medium, and low aptitudes are included. There are almost no conditions. It enables all those who can set forth the Bodhi Mind and those who cannot, and all those who can or cannot accumulate all merits and virtues to be reborn. Thus, the 18th Vow thoroughly reveals Amitabha’s infinite compassion and incomparable power.

第十八願只說:「至心信樂,欲生我國,乃至十念」,就必使他往生。第十八願所講的這一種往生方法,可以說完全是阿彌陀佛的佛心的流露,對眾生來講是包含上、中、下任何根器,因為這當中幾乎是沒有什麼條件,它的門檻非常的低,低到幾乎沒有門檻,使得能發菩提心、不能發菩提心,能修諸功德、不能修諸功德,都能夠往生,徹底顯露佛平等的慈悲,徹底彰顯佛偉大的力量, 這都在第十八願當中。

Namo Amituofo!

December 24, 2022

Dec 24, 2022

善導大師《法事讚》 轉《阿彌陀經》31偈語

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

15. A Verse to Praise Amitabha’s Light and Life as his Rewards in Virtues

Wish to be reborn. Wish to be reborn.

Through reaching eternal Nirvana, Amitabha Buddha always exists in the cosmos.

His life has been prolonged to an immeasurable extent.

It lasts thousands, millions, billions, and trillions of eons, as many as sands of the Ganges River.

Once seated, Amitabha Buddha remains motionless. His body can emit light permeating the boundless cosmos.

The features of Amitabha Buddha’s body are filled with goodness, genuine and golden in color. Majestically, he delivers sentient beings while sitting alone.

When any ordinary or sacred beings in the ten directions recite his Name, Amitabha Buddha splits his body and dispatches numerous manifested Buddhas to go and welcome them.

When Amitabha-reciters are ready to be reborn, their Dharma bodies travel through space with the speed of a single thought, and join the Buddha’s Assembly. Their bodies and lives become the same as and equal to Amitabha Buddha’s.

All people should dedicate their merits and aspire to be reborn in the Pure Land. Let’s hold fragrant flowers in our hands, and always make offerings to the Buddha.

15. 讚果德光壽偈

願往生 願往生

果得涅槃常住世 壽命延長難可量

千劫萬劫恆沙劫 兆載永劫亦無央

一坐無移亦不動 徹窮後際放身光

靈儀相好真金色 巍巍獨坐度眾生

十方凡聖專心向 分身遣化往相迎

一念乘空入佛會 身色壽命盡皆平

眾等迴心皆願往 手執香華常供養

Namo Amituofo!

December 23, 2022

Dec 23, 2022

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Oneness in Name and Body

“Name” means “Namo Amituofo”, the great six-syllable name. “Body” means Amitabha Buddha himself. Amitabha’s six-syllable name and Amitabha’s Buddha-body are one-in-two and two-in-one. They are together, just two sides of the same coin. This is referred to as “oneness”.

That is to say, Amitabha’s name contains Amitabha Buddha himself. Amitabha Buddha is his Name, like a piece of paper with a front side and a back side. Without the front side, there could be no back side, and vice versa. Thus, it is called “Oneness in Name and Body”

名體一如

「名」是指「南無阿彌陀佛」六字洪名,「體」是指阿彌陀佛本身;彌陀六字名號跟阿彌陀佛的佛體、佛身是一而二、二而一,是在一起的,是一體的兩面,所以叫作「一如」。

也就是名號的本身就是阿彌陀佛的本身,而阿彌陀佛的本身也就是名號,好像一張紙,有正面,有反面,離開了正面沒有反面,離開了反面沒有正面,這叫「名體一如」。

Namo Amituofo!

December 22, 2022

Dec 22, 2022

Short Dharma Teaching about Faith in Pure Land Buddhism

淨土信仰

Reciting Namo Amituofo adorns the Pure Land with all kinds of virtuous roots. It can do this because this Buddha’s name was accomplished in the fruition ground by Dharmakara Bodhisattva, who accumulated a myriad of virtues through a multitude of Bodhisattva practices. A myriad of practices while in the causal stages and a multitude of virtues that were accumulated in the fruition ground are included in this six-syllable Name. So, all virtuous Dharmas, merits and virtues are naturally absorbed by simply reciting the six-syllable name (Namo Amituofo).

念南無阿彌陀佛,就是一切善根莊嚴淨土。因為這句佛號是阿彌陀佛在因地所累積的菩薩萬行,成就了果地的萬德。因位的萬行、果地的萬德,全都包含在這句六字名號裏面。所以只要稱念六字南無阿彌陀佛,一切善法、功德自然具足。

Namo Amituofo!

December 21, 2022

Dec 21, 2022

A verse about ‘plentiful joy with no unfavorable paths” from “In Praise of the Rite of Rebirth” by Master Shandao

善導大師《往生禮讚》「樂多無廢道」之偈:

There is plentiful joy with no unfavorable paths

The sound of name-recitation spreads far and wide, so it is not difficult to hear it

Why do people crave the Five Kinds of Turbidity?

They constantly burn themselves by playing with its fire.

樂多無廢道,聲遠不妨聞;

如何貪五濁,安然火自焚。

Namo Amituofo!