April 24, 2023

Apr 24, 2023

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Receiving the Assurance of Nirvana (continued)

“Sentient beings who merely recite his Name for - the remainder of their lives, ten times, one time, or even within one thought near the end-of-life; this name-recitation is done for the sake of receiving the reward of blessings in this life. You can also be born in a heavenly realm in future. However, those who aspire to be reborn in that Land [of Bliss] through sincere dedication, will be reborn in that Land. Thus, they are assured of rebirth immediately, and dwell in the state of non-retrogression.

Receiving the Assurance of Nirvana is a benefit received in the present life (out of the two kinds of benefits - in the present and in future lives). Other schools believe that receiving the assurance of Nirvana is attained only after rebirth in the Land of Bliss. However, the Pure Land School believes it can be attained in the present life.

入正定聚

眾生只要上盡一形,乃至臨終十聲、一聲、一念,念其名號 —— 這個念佛不是只為了現世的福報,或者將來求生人天,而是「至心迴向,願生彼國」,這樣就「即得往生,住不退轉」,當下就獲得往生身分了。

「入正定聚」屬「現當二益」中的現世利益。以一般法門來看,認為往生極樂之後才能入正定聚,但是我們淨土法門不然,是現在就能獲得。

Namo Amituofo!

April 23, 2023

Apr 23, 2023

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Entering the Assurance of Nirvana

The Assurance of Nirvana is Avinivartaniya or the State of Non-retrogression.

The passage on the Fulfillment of the 18th Vow in the Infinite Life Sutra reads: “All sentient beings who, having heard his Name, rejoice in faith, remember him even once and sincerely transfer the merit of their virtuous practices to that land, aspiring to be born there, will attain birth and dwell in the Stage of Non-retrogression.”

Master Tanluan says in his Commentary on the Shastra on Rebirth: “If a person merely hears about the purity, peace and joy of that Land [of Bliss], and aspires to be reborn there, he can attain rebirth and immediately receive the Assurance of Nirvana. It reveals that receiving the Assurance of Nirvana is attained in the present life, and it is not necessary to wait to be reborn in the Land of Bliss after the present life ends.

(to be continued tomorrow)

入正定聚

「正定聚」,就是「阿鞞跋致」「不退轉」。

《無量壽經》第十八願成就文說:諸有眾生,聞其名號,信心歡喜,乃至一念, 至心迴向,願生彼國,即得往生,住不退轉。

曇鸞大師《往生論註》說:若人但聞彼國土清淨安樂,剋念願生,亦得往生,即入正定聚。顯示「入正定聚」是在現生所獲得的,不必等到命終往生極樂世界之後。

Namo Amituofo!

April 22, 2023

Apr 22, 2023

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

淨土信仰

We are unable to fully comprehend this teaching of becoming a Buddha to deliver sentient beings. The teaching is bestowed as Amitabha’s proactive, equal, non-discriminative and unconditional reward. The basis of this teaching is the exclusive recitation of “Namo Amituofo”.

我們無法想像的,可以成佛、度眾生的這個法,阿彌陀佛主動、平等、無差別、沒有條件地布施給我們,這個法就是「南無阿彌陀佛」。

Namo Amituofo!

April 21, 2023

Apr 21, 2023

A Verse about Compassionate Advice and Cautions - quoted from “In Praise of Dharma Practice” by Master Shandao

善導大師《法事讚》慈悲勸誡偈

Mortal beings continuously sink in the sea of birth-and-death in the Land of Saha. They always remain in the Three Wretched Realms and the Asura Realm.

They suffer from wearing animal skins with horns on their heads, and have never heard the name of any sacred being.

Being taught about these painful lives experienced during endless eons, they should vow to give up mortal life and take refuge in Amitabha.

The multitudes are joyful in both body and mind. Let’s hold fragrant flowers in our hands and always offer them to the Buddha.

久住娑婆常沒沒,三惡四趣盡皆停;

披毛戴角受眾苦,未曾聞見聖人名。

憶此疲勞長劫事,誓願捨命見彌陀;

眾等身心皆踴躍,手執香華常供養。

Namo Amituofo!

April 20, 2023

Apr 20, 2023

Pure Land Patriarch - Master Daochuo

道綽大師

(continued)

It is the same for all practitioners who are learning Buddhism, and it is the same for them to aim at realizing the “fruit”. However, one way is painful and the other is painless ; one way is difficult and the other is easy. Actually, it is the purpose of this book - the Collection on Peace and Joy: to eliminate suffering and render happiness, to give up the difficult path and take the easy one, to discard self-power and take refuge in other-power, to set aside the Sacred Gate and enter the Pure Land Gate. Thus it says, “Only by entering the Pure Land Gate can we enter”. It is also verified in the Sutra and says, “why not give up the difficult practices and follow the easy one on the Way. “

同樣都在學佛,同樣都以證果為目的,然而一者苦一者樂,一者難一者易;拔苦與樂,捨難取易,拋自力歸他力,擱聖道門入淨土門,正是本書(《安樂集》)之目的,故說「唯有淨土一門可通入路」,又說:「經教既爾,何不捨難依易行道矣!」

Namo Amituofo!

April 19, 2023

Apr 19, 2023

Pure Land Patriarch - Master Daochuo

道綽大師

(continued)

It is because the practices of the Sacred Path mainly emphasize interpretation and understanding through wisdom, which are included in the karmic practice. So, when the understanding is shallow, the practice is deficient. If the practice is deficient, they will not achieve realization. This is why the Buddha says, “In the Dharma-Ending Era , not a single person can attain enlightenment or realization.

In the Pure Land teaching, listening to the Three Sutras is the “teaching”, and believing in the Other-Power is the “principle” ; exclusive name-recitation is the “practice”, and attaining rebirth and becoming a Buddha are the “realizations”.

(to be continued tomorrow)

因為聖道門之行以「智解」為主,而此智解是包含「行業」的,故「解微」便是「行缺」,行缺則「證無」;因此佛說「末法時中,未有一人得證者」。

而淨土門聞三經之「教」,信他力之「理」,依稱名之「行」,得往生成佛之「果」。

Namo Amituofo!

April 18, 2023

Apr 18, 2023

Pure Land Patriarch - Master Daochuo

道綽大師

(continued)

A practitioner should realize the principle through the practices of the threefold karma - body, mouth and mind. Thus, principle and practice are established in the relationship between “ following” and “ being followed”. The principle is to be followed, while the practice is to follow.

Moreover, the principle to be followed initiates the practice to follow. So, following this practice will lead to realization of the “fruit” (reward). Thus, practice and reward are established in the relationship between “to realize” and “to be realized”. The practice is to realize, and the reward is to be realized. However, for people in this world of wickedness and turbidity in this Dharma-Ending Age, it is impossible to genuinely realize the principles of the “Real Mark of all Dharma” or “ the unobstructed penetration” between each of the phenomena,” through one’s own threefold karma. This is the meaning of “shallow understanding of profound principles or laws”.

(to be continued tomorrow)

將此「理」實現在自己的身口意三業之上謂之「行」,故理與行是建立在能依與所依的關係上,理是所依,行是能依。

又以所依之理起能依之行,依此行而證「果」,故行與果是建立在能證與所證的關係上,行是能證,果是所證。

然而末法之時,濁惡之機,將此聖道門所說的諸法實相或事事無礙之理如實地顯現在自己的三業之上,根本不可能,這便是「理深解微」。

Namo Amituofo!

April 17, 2023

Apr 17, 2023

Pure Land Patriarch - Master Daochuo

道綽大師

The second of the two reasons [why we cannot successfully practice the Buddhist teachings of the Sacred Path ] is “shallow understanding of profound principles or laws”.

Principles and understanding are relative. Understanding is active, while a principle is passive. There are four categories of teachings on the Sacred Path. They are “teachings, principles, practices, and realization.” A teaching plays an active role in our understanding, while a principle plays a passive role. Shakyamuni’s teachings play an active role in our understanding , and the principle explained through the teaching plays a passive role.

In that way, it is like following the principle explained by the teaching of the “Real Mark of all Dharmas” in the Lotus Sutra, or following the principle explained by the teaching of “unobstructed penetration between each of the phenomena” in the Flower Adornment Sutra, or following the principle explained by the teaching of the “non-duality of inconceivable emancipation” in the Vimalakirti Sutra, or following the principle explained by the teaching that “all sentient beings possess the Buddha Nature” in the Nirvana Sutra.

(to be continued tomorrow)

關於「二由」中之二「理深解微」的問題:

理與解是相對之語,解是能解,理是所解。聖道法門的內容由「教理行果」之四法所組織,教是能詮,理是所詮;以釋尊之「教」為能詮,此教所顯明的「理」為所詮。

如依《法華經》顯明「諸法實相」之理,依《華嚴經》顯明「事事無礙」之理,依《維摩經》顯明「不思議解脫不二門」之理,依《涅槃經》顯明「一切眾生悉有佛性」之理。

Namo Amituofo!

April 16, 2023

Apr 16, 2023

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

淨宗判教 – 聖淨二門判

(continued)

It is because, on the Pure Land Path, we rely on the accomplishments of Amitabha. Amitabha’s accomplishments are readily available, and the credentials necessary for rebirth in the Land of Bliss are also readily available. Where are they? They are within his Great Name of myriad virtues - Namo Amituofo.

So, even a person who has committed the Five Gravest Transgressions and the Ten Unwholesome Deeds, can still be reborn; providing that he exclusively recites Amitabha’s Name, and aspires to be reborn.

因為是靠彌陀成就的,而彌陀成就是現成的,極樂世界已經現成,往生極樂世界的功德資糧也已經現成,在哪裡?在這句萬德洪名──「南無阿彌陀佛」。

所以,一個人即使五逆十惡,到了臨終能夠回心,稱念彌陀、願生極樂,也能夠往生。

Namo Amituofo!

April 15, 2023

Apr 15, 2023

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

淨宗判教 – 聖淨二門判

On the Sacred Path practitioners have to cultivate through their own power, until their vows and practices are perfectly completed, and only then attain perfect Enlightenment. However, on the Pure Land Path, which is based on Amitabha’s accomplishments, practitioners need only have faith, aspiration, and exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name. This enables them to be reborn in the Pure Land, where they will become Buddhas.

With respect to these two paths, if practitioners fail to learn and practice perfectly on the Sacred Path, it is likely that they will fail, isn’t it? Actually, most of them fail. However, those on the Pure Land Path become Buddhas! Why is this?

(to be continued tomorrow)

聖道門是自己成就,要有修行,願行圓滿,然後成佛;可是淨土法門是彌陀成就,要有信願,專念彌陀,往生成佛。

就這兩門來講,聖道門如果學不成的話,豈不是墮落?但往往大多是學不成的。而淨土門是成佛!為什麼?

Namo Amituofo!

April 14, 2023

Apr 14, 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

27. A Verse about Affirmation by all Buddhas in the Zenith

Wish to be reborn. Wish to be reborn.

There are as many Buddhas in the Zenith, as there are grains of sand in the Ganges River. They all extend their tongues to affirm this teaching, for the sake of ordinary beings in the Land of Saha.

Among those who commit the Ten Unwholesome Deeds and the Five Gravest Offenses, most are suspicious of and slander the Dharma. They believe in deviant views, serve ghosts, and are close to devas and demons.

They regard false thoughts as blessings, and have even more calamitous obstructions and tragedies in return. They may be bedridden for years. Their eyes and ears may be damaged, and their legs and hands may be broken.

These are some of the retributions for worshiping demons. Why don’t they recite Amitabha’s Name and never forsake it? The power of Amitabha’s vow is equal for all.

It enables sentient beings to dedicate their recitations to rebirth, and hold their own fragrant flowers in their hands. They will be transported to the Land of Bliss within one thought, and live in a state of peace with no setbacks.

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

上方證誠相偈

願往生 願往生

上方諸佛如恆沙 還舒舌相為娑婆

十惡五逆多疑謗 信邪事鬼餒神魔

妄想求恩謂有福 災障禍橫轉彌多

連年臥病於床枕 聾盲腳折手攣橛

承事神明得此報 如何不捨念彌陀

彌陀願力皆平等 但使迴心華自捧

一念逍遙快樂國 畢竟常安無退動

眾等迴心願生彼 手執香華常供養

Namo Amituofo!

April 13, 2023

Apr 13, 2023

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

View of Sinful Offenses and View of Deliverance

From the point of view of the Sacred Path, the practitioner sets forth the mind of departure by contemplating the law of impermanence. He then cultivates through self-power, hoping to eradicate karmic obstructions, and become liberated from reincarnation within the Six Realms.

Those on the Pure Land Path realize that we are iniquitous, ordinary, mortal beings; incapable of cultivating the Sacred Path through our own power. However, we are incredibly fortunate that Amitabha Buddha created the Land of Bliss and the Great Six-Syllable Name for us. Thus, by merely aspiring to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, and exclusively reciting Amitabha’s Name, we are assured of being embraced by Amitabha’s deliverance, and received by him to be reborn in the Land of Bliss near the end-of-life.

That is why, in the Pure Land teaching, this view of sinful offenses and deliverance should be included.

罪惡觀、救度觀

以聖道門來講,是以「無常觀」發「出離心」,之後以自己的力量去修行,期盼以自己的力量消除業障,解脫生死輪迴。

淨土法門是進一步體會到自己是「罪惡生死凡夫」,所有的法門都修不成,無有出離之緣,幸好阿彌陀佛為我們這種造罪眾生建設極樂世界,完成六字洪名,只要願生極樂世界、專稱彌陀佛名,就必定現在蒙受彌陀的救度、臨終往生極樂世界。

所以,淨土法門還要加上「罪惡觀」和「救度觀」。

Namo Amituofo!

April 12, 2023

Apr 12, 2023

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

淨土信仰

According to the Pure Land teaching, a thousand out of a thousand who believe will be reborn; ten thousand out of ten thousand who believe will be reborn.

Even those who commit the Five Gravest Transgressions, the Ten Unwholesome Deeds, and those with other extremely heavy karmic offenses; though they should fall into one of the hells, Amitabha Buddha will save them. If they don’t believe in Amitabha and aspire to be reborn in his Pure Land, the Buddha will not save them. It is because they don’t believe, don’t rely upon, or accept the grace of the Buddha’s Deliverance.

淨土法門千信即千生,萬信即萬生。

犯五逆十惡,極重罪人,應墮阿鼻,佛可以救;若不信佛,佛不能救。因為不信佛、不靠佛、不接受佛的救度之恩。

Namo Amituofo!

April 11, 2023

Apr 11, 2023

A Verse of Dedication from the Pure Land School - quoted from the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra by Master Shandao

善導大師《觀經疏》「淨宗迴向偈」

May the resulting merit

Be distributed to all beings without discrimination.

May all of us aspire to attain perfect Enlightenment,

And be reborn in the Land of Peace and Joy.

願以此功德,平等施一切, 同發菩提心,往生安樂國。

Namo Amituofo!

April 10, 2023

Apr 10, 2023

Pure Land Patriarch - Master Daochuo

道綽大師

(continued)

In terms of material life, the techniques to increase productivity and applications progress a thousand miles a day. However, cutting off delusions and the realization of truth are decreasing rapidly, like a waterfall pouring downward. This is a matter of fact. We are seeing the truth of the Buddha’s prediction - “During the Dharma Ending Era, not a single person will attain the Buddhist Way.”

Thus, we see the importance of sharing a teaching that is appropriate for the aptitudes of people today. It is like prescribing the appropriate medicine for a particular kind of disease. As it is written, “ a medicine is good if it can cure, regardless of its price; and a teaching is wonderful if it is suitable for the right people.”

A practitioner who has the Bodhi Mind and its wisdom is not cheating when he makes his selection of a proper practice. Master Daochuo followed the Buddha’s teaching when he revealed that, in the Dharma Ending Era, only by entering the “door” of the Pure Land teaching can we gain access to the Way.

This statement is the Agada (a medicine that cures all physical and mental illnesses) for all sentient beings, and is the sailing ship that carries us across the vast sea of suffering.

因此「教赴時機」的重要性正如應病與藥,所謂「藥無貴賤,對症者良;法無高下,應機者妙」。

一個行者,有道心則不自欺,有智慧則能抉擇;如今道綽大師依聖言量而明示「末法濁世,唯有淨土一門,可通入路。」此語真是芸芸眾生的阿伽陀藥,茫茫苦海的不退風航。

Namo Amituofo!

April 9, 2023

Apr 9, 2023

Pure Land Patriarch - Master Daochuo

道綽大師

The first of the two reasons [why we cannot practice Buddhist teachings] is “the Great Sacred(Buddha) is distant from us”. Many scholars think the eras of Proper Dharma, Semblance Dharma and Ending Dharma are applicable to all people. However, if a person has superior roots of wisdom, he can still accomplish the Proper Dharma even if he lives in the Dharma Ending era. Conversely, if a person has inferior roots of wisdom, he will be unable to accomplish the Proper Dharma, even if he lives in the Age of Proper Dharma. Therefore, people in the three different eras cannot be considered superior or inferior. Most practitioners on the Sacred Path hold this view. However, practically speaking, this view is just empty talk.

After the passing of Shakyamuni Buddha, the power of his personal influence gradually weakened and the morality of society gradually declined. Most people today are unable to progress on their paths to enlightenment no matter how hard they try. This is a phenomenon seen everywhere in Buddhism today.

(to be continued tomorrow)

於「二由」中之一「去大聖遙遠」的問題:有學者認為時代性的「正法、像法、末法」是就橫的方面約人而論的,若上根利智之人,雖處末法之今時,亦有正法之成就;若下根陋劣之人,雖處正法佛世,亦如末法之無成;故正像末之三時在人,不在時代性之上下。聖道門者大多持這種看法,然而以實際而言,這些都只不過是空論罷了。

隨著佛陀入滅年代的久遠,感化的力量次第微弱,社會的風氣愈益澆薄;修行有心無力,證果遙遙無期,這是教界當今的現象,可說觸目皆是。

Namo Amituofo!

April 8, 2023

Apr 8, 2023

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

淨宗判教 – 聖淨二門判

(continued)

Those on the Pure Land Path have already attained the aptitudes and capacities of sacred beings by scrupulously reciting Amitabha’s Name for rebirth in the Land of Bliss. Aspiration for rebirth in the Land of Bliss is the Bodhi Mind of our Pure Land Path. We only accept this Bodhi Mind and no other because, through rebirth in the Land of Bliss, we can become a Buddha, and comprehensively deliver sentient beings. All requirements such as: how we manifest in order to sacrifice ourselves for sentient beings, how we practice the SIx Paramitas, and accumulate a myriad of virtues, are included through rebirth in the Land of Bliss.

So, don’t worry about whether you know enough to deliver sentient beings through sharing the Dharma, or whether you can become a Buddha. You should only focus on being reborn!

我們淨土門就是已經覺悟到自己不是那一種根機、根器,所以只有老老實實地念這一句名號,往生極樂世界。往生極樂世界是我們這個淨土門的菩提心,我們的菩提心不講什麼,就是往生極樂世界,因為往生極樂世界則成佛也在裏面,廣度眾生也在裏面,將來要如何示現為眾生奉獻犧牲,行六度萬行,在往生極樂世界裏面都完全具足了。

所以說,不怕不會說法度眾,只怕不能成佛;不怕不能成佛,只怕不能往生,所以我們只要一心求得往生。

Namo Amituofo!

April 7, 2023

Apr 7, 2023

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

淨宗判教 – 聖淨二門判

(continued)

So, a practitioner of the Sacred Path must be capable of sacrificing his head, eyes, brain, blood, throne, properties, or children. If he does not have this level of resolve, he is excluded from the Sacred Path. Giving is the first of the Six Paramitas that he practices life after life. There are different kinds of giving, namely, external giving and internal giving.

External giving includes giving money or giving Buddhist teachings, while internal giving includes the sacrifice of one’s body. So, a practitioner of the Sacred Path who practices the Bodhisattva teachings should donate his organs to those who need them before he dies. If he cannot do so, he is not fully practicing the Bodhisattva teachings.

(to be continued tomorrow)

所以頭、目、腦、血,或是國王、家產、兒女的佈施,都要能夠做得到的,如果沒有這種心,那聖道門是無份的,因為既然是要生生世世行六度萬行,六度當中第一就是「佈施」,佈施有外佈施、內佈施。

外佈施比如金錢佈施,或是佛法佈施,內佈施就是身體佈施。所以一個修聖道門行菩薩道的人,以菩提心來講,他最好還沒有命終的時候,就先把器官割掉給別人,如果連這一點都做不到的話,談不上行菩薩道。

Namo Amituofo!

April 6, 2023

Apr 6, 2023

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

淨宗判教 – 聖淨二門判

The Sacred Path requires those who follow it to return to the Land of Saha life after life; in order to come across the opportunity to learn Buddhism, practice the Six Paramitas and a myriad of virtues life after life, even if you sacrifice your head, brain and eyes. This is called the Sacred Path.

So, those who follow the Sacred Path must possess the characteristics and aptitudes of sacred beings like Shakyamuni Buddha, who fed the eagle with his flesh and the tiger with his body, in order to accomplish the Buddhist Way. He sacrificed his life to a Yasha, and jumped from a cliff, in pursuit of half a Buddhist verse.

(to be continued tomorrow)

聖道門的定義是,生生世世要在娑婆世界保持人身,遇到佛緣而學佛的,且生生世世當中都要廣修六度萬行,即使奉獻了頭目腦血的話,也應該甘之如飴,這個才是聖道門。

所以修持聖道門要有聖人的根器,就像釋迦牟尼佛為了成就佛道,生生世世以來,曾經割肉餵鷹、捨身餵虎;為了求佛法得半偈,也從雪山跳下來,犧牲給羅剎。

Namo Amituofo!

April 5, 2023

Apr 5, 2023

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about “ scenes of our homeland ”

印光大師法語「故鄉風月」之文

One should aspire to be reborn.

Though the creeks and hills along the roads in this world are familiar.

It is natural to return, even though one cannot return by oneself.

Who cares about the scenes of the homeland?

應當發願願往生,客路溪山任彼戀; 

自是不歸歸便得,故鄉風月有誰爭?

Namo Amituofo!

April 4, 2023

Apr 4, 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

26. A Verse about the Attestations of all Buddhas in the Nadir

Wish to be reborn. Wish to be reborn.

Buddhas in the Nadir are as many as the sands in the Ganges River. Each of them delivers sentient beings in their own countries.

They attest to and praise Shakyamuni’s appearance in the world of Five Kinds of Turbidity, in order to accomplish the difficult task of delivering ignorant ordinary beings.

The Buddha expediently enables sentient beings to eliminate their evil karma according to circumstances, and instructs them to go forward to the West.

All of our wholesome karma is dedicated, and the transformed Buddha automatically comes to receive us near the end-of-life.

Wise people with sharp roots are delighted to hear this Dharma teaching, as they are frightened when they suddenly recollect the Three Wretched Realms.

Those who are frightened are advised to repent. Otherwise they will fall into the deep trench of their karmic offenses.

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.

下方證誠相偈

願往生 願往生

下方諸佛如恆沙 各於本國度眾生

證讚釋迦出五濁 能為難事化群萌

善巧隨宜令斷惡 偏心指授向西行

一切福業皆迴向 終時化佛自來迎

利根智者聞歡喜 忽憶三塗心即驚

驚心毛豎勸懺悔 恐罪不滅墮深坑

眾等迴心生淨土 手執香華常供養

Namo Amituofo!

April 3, 2023

Apr 3, 2023

Common Knowledge in Pure Land Teaching

淨土小常識

Passing through Fire in order to Hear Amitabha’s Name

The Infinite Life Sutra says, “Even if a huge fire were to fill the universe of a thousand million worlds, you should pass through it in order to hear this sutra, arouse joyful faith, uphold and chant it, and practice in accordance with its teachings.”

Even if a great fire were to fill the universe of a thousand million worlds, we should rush through that fire, in order to hear about Amitabha’s deliverance. Why? Because, by doing so, we can be fully emancipated from the burning house of this Saha world.

Otherwise we will continue to be reborn in the universe of a thousand million worlds and burn unceasingly. So, shouldn’t we prefer to suffer a bit now, in exchange for putting an end to continuously being burned by the fire in the Three Domains?

過火聞佛名

《無量壽經》說:設有大火,充滿三千大千世界,要當過此,聞是經法, 歡喜信樂,受持讀誦,如說修行。

假使三千大千世界充滿了大火,我們也要衝過大火去聽聞彌陀的救度,為什麼?現在超越大火,聽聞彌陀的救度,就能夠解脫,否則依然是無窮無盡地受三千大千世界之大火所燃燒。

所以,寧可現在辛苦、痛苦,也不將來繼續受永恆無盡的三界之火的燃燒。

Namo Amituofo!

April 2, 2023

Apr 2, 2023

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

淨土信仰

To learn the Pure Land teaching, one must accept that he is not capable of being a practitioner of the Three Meritorious Deeds. However, by simply relying on Amitabha’s deliverance, he is already replete and transcends the Three Meritorious Deeds. Amitabha Buddha treats us as his beloved children and shares this teaching with us.

There may be love in this world, but not no respect, like filial love which is casual. In society, people may generally respect each other, but they have no filial love. Nevertheless, Amitabha Buddha treats us as a loving parent, both loving and respecting us. His sole aim is for us to accept his deliverance. Amitabha Buddha’s compassion is so boundless that we can never truly know how to repay his grace.

學淨土法門,要自認是「三福無份」的眾生,但是只要依靠彌陀的救度,就能具足、超越三福。阿彌陀佛把這法門布施給我們,祂善巧方便的來當我們的兒子,愛敬我們。

世界上的人有愛,未必有敬,譬如親子、夫妻,很恩愛,但會流於隨便;社會上一般人彼此恭敬有禮貌,卻未必有親情。可是阿彌陀佛把我們當成祂的父母,既敬又愛,目的只有一個,就是希望我們接受祂的救度。阿彌陀佛的慈悲,真的是無限的慈悲,讓我們不曉得要怎樣去感恩報答。

Namo Amituofo!

April 1, 2023

Apr 1, 2023

A verse saying ‘ Believe and teach others to believe’ quoted from “In Praise of the Rite of Rebirth” by Master Shandao

善導大師《往生禮讚》「自信教人信」之偈:

We who believe should teach others to believe.

This is twice as difficult.

However, the Buddha of Infinite Compassion transmits this teaching universally.

We should strive to repay the grace of the Buddha.

自信教人信,難中轉更難; 大悲傳普化,真成報佛恩。

Namo Amituofo!

March 31, 2023

Mar 31, 2023

Pure Land Patriarch - Master Daochuo

道綽大師

(continued)

Master Tanluan explained why they were called difficult and easy. What makes the path difficult is its reliance on self-power. What makes the other path easy is its reliance on other-power. Now, Master Daochuo inherited these concepts from the two previous patriarchs and logically and systematically established the categories of the Sacred Path and the Pure Land Path, based on the Buddhist teachings in his era.

The categories are more contemporary and more suitable for the aptitude and capacity of the practitioners of his time and today. Of course all of these categories were firmly based on many sutras and commentaries.

曇鸞大師闡明之所以難、之所以易,在於是全自力或全他力。而如今道綽大師繼承此二位祖師之鴻判,更就時代性、根機性,廣引眾多經論之文,使一代教法之難易二道、自他二力成為有邏輯性、系統性的聖淨二門判。

Namo Amituofo!

March 30, 2023

Mar 30, 2023

Pure Land Patriarch - Master Daochuo

道綽大師

(continued)

The formulation of the Sacred Path and the Pure Land Path were inherited from Nagarjuna Bodhisattva, who also defined and named the two teachings of the Difficult Path and the Easy Path. Another patriarch of our lineage (Master Tanluan)defined and named the two teachings of Self-Power and Other-Power.

Nagarjuna Bodhisattva analyzed the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha and divided them into those of the Difficult Practices and the Easy Practices. He explained that the Difficult Path totally relies on self-powered practices. He compared them to walking a long distance, which can be painful, tiring, and runs the risk of injury. The Easy Path totally relies on Amitabha’s deliverance. He compared it to sailing on a ship in smooth waters, and we are quickly and easily delivered to Amitabha’s Pure Land.

(to be continued tomorrow)

此聖道淨土二門說,是遠承龍樹菩薩之難行易行二道判,及近繼曇鸞大師之自力他力二力論而來。

龍樹菩薩將釋尊所說一切教法,分析歸納成為難行與易行二道,並說明難行道是全靠自力修行,猶如步行,是苦,其內容是「諸、久、墮」;而易行道是全靠彌陀救度,猶如乘船,是樂,其內容是「一、速、必」。

Namo Amituofo!

March 29, 2023

Mar 29, 2023

Pure Land Patriarch - Master Daochuo

道綽大師

The demarcation of the Sacred and the Pure Land teachings : Whether the time /era is favorable or unfavorable, whether the aptitude /capacity matches, and whether the teaching is aligned with our way of thinking. The Buddhist teachings are divided into the Sacred Path and the Pure Land Path based on the above.

On the Sacred Path, a practitioner has to rely on his own power, to practice the Six Paramitas and accumulate a myriad of virtues in the Land of Saha; in order to cut off all delusions, and realize the ultimate truths. Only then can we join the sacred assembly and attain the fruits as our reward.

On the Pure Land Path, a practitioner has to be reborn in the Pure Land with recourse to Amitabha’s vow power. Only there can he cut off all delusions, realize the ultimate truths, and enter the Bodhi Way.

(to be continued tomorrow)

聖淨二門判:就「時」之利不利與「機」之堪不堪而思惟相應的「教法」,將一代佛教分判為聖道門與淨土門兩種。

「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!

March 28, 2023

Mar 28, 2023

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

淨宗判教 – 聖淨二門判

(continued)

What is the Bodhi Mind in the Pure Land Path? In the Pure Land Path, the mind that aspires to be reborn in the Land of Bliss is the Bodhi Mind. If we cannot be reborn in the Land of Bliss, and instead say “I have to aspire to the Bodhi Mind in this world and practice the Bodhisattva teachings” for my entire life”, it is impossible. For instance, if someone teases your husband, you cannot sleep well; or if someone is attracted to your wife, you become uneasy. If we can’t even handle such simple daily occurrences, how can we believe we can practice the Bodhisattva teachings life after life?

那麼淨土門的菩提心是什麼呢?在淨土門中,願生極樂世界之心就是菩提心。我們如果不能夠到極樂世界,在這一輩子說要發菩提心行菩薩道,那是不可能的。只要人家對妳的先生拋媚眼,妳就睡不著覺了;或是人家對你的太太有意思,自己就開始提防了,還談什麼生生世世行菩薩道?

Namo Amituofo!

March 27, 2023

Mar 27, 2023

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

淨宗判教 – 聖淨二門判

(continued)

How can the practices of Bodhisattva teachings be realized? If other people ask for your house, you must give it to them ; if you don’t, you are not truly aspiring to the Bodhi Mind or fully practicing the Bodhisattva teachings.

Similarly, if they ask for your eyes, you should give them your eyes. It is the same for your: liver, kidneys, wife, husband, daughters, sons, property, and royal status, etc.

All should be given away. We should endure whatever is difficult to endure, practice whatever is difficult to practice, and give whatever is difficult to give. You have to practice in this way and accumulate merits and virtues continuously for three great countless eons. This is called “practicing blessings and wisdom for three great countless eons, and cultivating these characteristics and goodness for a hundred kalpas.” This is known as pursuing the Bodhi Mind. We simply cannot accomplish the Difficult Path. Moreover, if we aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss by relying on the Bodhi Mind of the Sacred Path, it is regarded as pursuing “mixed practices”.

(to be continued tomorrow)

那菩薩行的顯現是什麼呢?人家如果要你的房子,你的房子就要奉獻出去,不奉獻出去就不是在發菩提心行菩薩道。人家要你的眼睛,你的眼睛就要布施;人家要你的肝臟,你的肝臟就要布施;要你的腎臟,腎臟也要布施;要你的太太、你的先生都全要布施;要你的兒女也要布施;要你的財產、要你的王位都要布施出去,所謂難忍能忍、難行能行、難捨能捨。

這樣一生一生不斷地去累積三大阿僧祇劫的功德,所謂「三祇修福慧,百劫種相好」,這就是聖道門的菩提心。這種難行道我們做不來,而且以聖道門的菩提心來求往生極樂世界,仍是屬於雜行。

Namo Amituofo!

March 26, 2023

Mar 26, 2023

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

淨宗判教 – 聖淨二門判

All Buddhists, whether on the Sacred Path or the Pure Land Path, should aspire to realize the Bodhi Mind. The Bodhi Mind means focusing our minds on becoming Buddhas. We should approach our study of Buddhism always with this goal in mind.

Those on the Sacred Path seek to be reborn in the Land of Bliss to become a Buddha, without relying on Amitabha Buddha’s deliverance. They are born in the Land of Saha and practice the Bodhisattva teachings life after life. When they are born as humans, they must practice the Six Paramitas and a myriad of virtues. If they are born as animals, they have no way of practicing almsgiving or the other Paramitas. Is their path difficult or easy? It is extremely difficult.

First, they must pursue the Bodhi Mind life after life without ceasing. The Bodhi Mind is realized by practicing the Bodhisattva teachings.

(to be continued tomorrow)

凡是學佛的人,不管聖道門、淨土門,都必須要發菩提心,因為學佛就是為了成佛,發菩提心就是成佛的發心。

就聖道門來講,不是靠阿彌陀佛的救度,而往生到極樂世界去成佛,聖道門是在這個娑婆世界生生世世行菩薩道,生而為人就是學佛行六度萬行,即使出生在畜生道,也是在行布施,這到底是困難還是容易呢?是非常困難的。

第一點,他必須要維持生生世世都不忘失這菩提心,而這菩提心的顯現,就是菩薩行。

Namo Amituofo!

March 25, 2023

Mar 25, 2023

Master Yinguang’s Short Teaching about “Mere recitation of Namo Amitabha ”

印光大師法語「唯念彌陀」之文

The Buddha’s deliverance and almsgiving is equally available to all. He must deliver me if he delivers sentient beings comprehensively. We are kind of like orphans without any shelter. What would be better for us to think of than Amitabha?

如來拯濟無方,廣度眾生須度我; 吾輩竛竮沒寄,不念彌陀更念誰。

Namo Amituofo!

March 24, 2023

Mar 24, 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

25. A Verse about Affirmation by all Buddhas in the North

Wish to be reborn. Wish to be reborn.

Buddhas in the North are as many as the sands in the Ganges River. All of them extend their tongues to verify what Shakyamuni says.

The Buddha appeared in the world for the sake of sentient beings like us. He adapts his Dharma teachings according to the aptitudes, circumstances, and time in which his students lived.

Because the aptitude of people and the timing interact, people are enlightened upon hearing the Dharma. They follow the Dharma as taught and practice without any doubts.

They recite the Name for seven days without interruption. They are so excited both physically and mentally, but feel great pity for those who cannot recite the Name.

They are glad to hear the unique Dharma from their homeland. All Buddhas attest to this teaching and have determined that it is the way to return home.

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.

北方證誠相偈

願往生 願往生

北方諸佛如恆沙 皆舒舌相證牟尼

為我凡夫來出世 隨緣說法應時機

時機相感聞即悟 如說修行不致疑

七日稱名無間雜 身心踴躍喜還悲

慶得稀聞自家國 諸佛證判得還歸

眾等迴心皆願往 手執香華常供養

Namo Amituofo!