Basic Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
152. A Brief Explanation of the Text of the Infinite Life Sutra - “ Auspicious Appearance of the Five Virtues”
(continued)
“World-Honored One, World Hero, World Eye, World Valiant One and World-Honored One” are the names of the virtues of a Buddha.
The term “World-Honored One” signifies the most revered and unsurpassed being in the world. '
“World Hero” refers to a great hero of the world, as seen in Mahavira Hall.
“World Eye” means the eye of the world, capable of guiding sentient beings toward the path of Nirvana.
“World Valiant One” refers to a fearless figure in the world.
”Heavenly Honored One” signifies that the Buddha is the supreme being among the heavens and the most revered among the revered.
The term “Today” refers to the setting of the Dharma assembly described in the Infinite Life Sutra, where the Buddha manifests in this way.
The phrase “abiding in the extraordinary Dharma” describes the Buddha’s appearance, as previously mentioned:
'Today, the World-Honored One stands before you in a perfect state of joy, his features are pure and radiant, his majestic countenance shines brilliantly like a clear mirror, reflecting both inside and out. His dignified presence is extraordinary, surpassing all measures. Never before has such unparalleled beauty been seen.'
The Buddha's physical appearance exudes an unimaginable sense of joy, with transcendance both inside and out, and a pure radiance.
So, if his external appearance is like this, what about his inner state? He abides in the extraordinary Dharma. His extraordinary outward form is a reflection of the extraordinary Dharma within.
And what is this 'extraordinary Dharma'? It is the power of deliverance as stated in Amitabha Buddha’s Fundamental Vow.
The phrase “reciting Amitabha’s Name in accord with his Fundamental Vow and enabling ordinary beings to enter the Reward Land,” is the most wondrous and extraordinary teaching among all miraculous and special Dharmas."
(to be continued tomorrow)
152 「五德瑞現」文略解(續)
「世尊、世雄、世眼、世英、天尊」，這都是佛的德號。「世尊」是世間最為尊 重，無能超越的；「世雄」是世間大雄，比如「大雄寶殿」；「世眼」是世間眼目， 能指示眾生涅槃正道；「世英」是世間英傑；「天尊」，佛是天中之天、尊中之 尊。
「今日」講的就是《無量壽經》法會的現場，佛陀顯現是這樣子。 所謂「住奇特之法」，就是佛陀的表相是這樣，因為前面說：
今日世尊，諸根悅豫，姿色清淨，光顏巍巍，如明鏡淨，影暢表裡。威容顯 耀，超絕無量，未曾瞻睹殊妙如今。
佛的身相顯出一種不可思議的愉悅，內外透達，姿色清淨。
這樣的外相，他的內心、內在是怎樣的呢？住奇特之法。奇特之相，是因 為內在有奇特之法。那麼，這個「奇特之法」是什麼法呢？就是彌陀的本願救 度。
所謂「本願稱名，凡夫入報」，這是一切奇妙、特異之法中，最為奇妙、特 異的。
(待續)
Namo Amituofo!
