A Discussion on Excerpts from the Scriptures of the Pure Land School
淨土宗精要法語討論
18. Passing through a Universe Of Raging Fire to Hear the Dharma (continued)
Question 18.2: The phrase “Passing through fire to hear the Dharma” suggests that one should be willing to sacrifice even his life to hear this teaching. Does this contradict the Pure Land path, which is characterized by ease and peace?
Answer: No, there is no contradiction. This teaching is extremely rare and difficult to encounter, yet it has the power to universally save the physical, mental, and spiritual lives of sentient beings. One should be willing to sacrifice everything in pursuit of it.
However, once someone has received the teaching, that person can practice with peace and assurance. Furthermore, in order to enable more sentient beings to benefit from it, people should dedicate their lives to both practicing it and sharing it with others.
18. 《無量壽經》過火聞法 (續)
18.2 問：「過火聞法」，為聞此法，寧捨身命，這與淨土門易行安樂的特色是否矛盾？
答：不矛盾。此法太稀有難得，能夠普救眾生身命慧命，得聞之前，值得犧牲一切去追求它；得聞之後，方可安心起行。為能使它利益更多眾生，盡此身命，自行教他。
Namo Amituofo!
