Apr. 20, 2025
Basic Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
152. A Brief Explanation of the Text of the Infinite Life Sutra - “ The Auspicious Appearance of the Five Virtues”
(continued)
Today, as Shakyamuni Buddha is about to expound on Amitabha Buddha’s fundamental vow of deliverance, his mind completely abides in Amitabha’s vow. Here, the term "abide" signifies that Shakyamuni Buddha, in his very being, is fully aligned with Amitabha Buddha, their minds in perfect harmony. This state of abiding refers to dwelling in the profound teaching of "reciting Amitabha’s Name based on his Fundamental Vow, enabling ordinary beings to be reborn in the Pure Land."
Not only is this true for Shakyamuni Buddha; but, it is also the shared fundamental aspiration of all Buddhas. That is why it is called "where all Buddhas abide"
In other words, Amitabha Buddha’s Fundamental Vow is the essential aspiration of all Buddhas; it fulfills their true fundamental purpose. When Buddhas preach various sutras, such as the Avatamsaka Sutra, the Lotus Sutra, or other teachings of the Mahayana and Hinayana traditions, these serve as expedient means. However, their ultimate foundation lies here, in Amitabha’s Vows of Deliverance.
(to be continued tomorrow)
152 「五德瑞現」文略解(續)
今天釋迦佛將要開說彌陀本願救度，內心就安住在阿彌陀佛的本願。這 裡的「住」就是釋迦牟尼佛當體跟阿彌陀佛完全一致，心心吻合，這叫「住」， 安住在「本願稱名，凡夫入報」的奇特之法當中。
不僅釋迦這樣，這也是諸佛的共同本懷，所以叫「諸佛所住」。
也就是說，一切諸佛以彌陀本願為本懷，這是諸佛的本位。講別的經，那 是一種方便，他根本的本位是在這裡。
(待續)
Namo Amituofo!
