Clarifying Doubts About the Pure Land (I)
淨土釋疑(一)
Answer to Question 6 (continued)
As for Master Shandao, he went to see Master Daochuo. When Master Daochuo explained the Infinite Life Sutra to him, all the doubts in Master Shandao’s heart were completely resolved. From that moment on, he abandoned other practices and devoted himself entirely to reciting Amitabha’s Name.
Some people pursue a sudden awakening of their faith; but, when they fail to have that experience, they give up reciting the Name altogether and continue chasing after that so-called state of faith. However, life is impermanent. If one were to die now, they would fall back into samsara. That is why all you need to do is recite Amitabha’s Name. Faith is already contained within the very act of reciting the Name.
The real concern is when a person recites Amitabha’s Name; but, simultaneously feels it is not enough, leading them to seek other paths.
So what should be done? One must stay close to good spiritual teachers and listen to their guidance. At the same time, it is essential to regularly gather with like-minded Pure Land practitioners to study and discuss the teachings together.
As for fellow practitioners who hold differing views, it is best to avoid them, to prevent stumbling in one’s faith. This is because we are all still fragile and can easily waver. Therefore, it is crucial to frequently engage with fellow practitioners and good teachers. After all, in this fleeting life, there is nothing more important than this.
續答:
至於善導大師,善導大師是去見到道綽禪師,道綽禪師給他講《無量壽經》的時候,善導大師心中的疑惑就斷除了,其他法門也就放棄了,一心稱念這句名號。
有人追求「一念的信心」,又體悟不到,於是放棄稱名,一直要追求那個信心的境界。但是,人生無常,現在死了就輪迴去了。所以,你只要稱名。何況在稱名當中,信心就在裏邊了。所怕的是,你一方面稱名,一方面認為不夠,結果修其他法門去了。
那怎麼辦呢?必須環繞在善知識的旁邊聽,同時,信仰相同的蓮友常常相聚研討。
至於見解不同的蓮友,我們要避開,免得被絆倒,因為我們都很軟弱,容易跌倒。所以,要跟同修、善知識常常討論,常常在一起,因為人生沒有比這個更大的事情了。
Namo Amituofo!
