Basic Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
152. A Brief Explanation of the Text - “ Auspicious Appearance of the Five Virtues”
(continued)
The phrase "where all Buddhas abide" refers to the six-character Name of Amitabha Buddha or Namo Amituofo in Mandarin. From this foundation, teachings such as the Avatamsaka Sutra and Lotus Sutra unfold. The various Mahayana and Hinayana scriptures serve as ways to guide beings; but, the Buddhas’ true, unwavering position is the path of Amitabha-Recitation, based on Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow of Deliverance.
With this teaching, all beings, both ordinary and advanced, can attain rebirth in a single lifetime. This is called "the practice of the guiding teacher". Therefore, Shakyamuni Buddha is praised as "the eye of the world".
If one does not guide sentient beings through the path of Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow, then the "eye" of wisdom is not truly bright. This is why Master
Shandao is called "Shan-dao" (Good Guide), as he embodied the true practice of a guiding teacher.
(to be continued tomorrow)
152 「五德瑞現」文略解(續)
「諸佛所住」就是彌陀本願六字名號，從這當中展現出來講《華嚴經》、《法 華經》，大乘、小乘諸種經典，那是遊化。諸佛所住、如如不動的本位，就是念 佛之法、本願救度之法。
以這個法可以引導一切凡聖一生成佛，這叫「導師之行」，所以才讚歎為 「一切世間之眼目」。
如果不以本願救度引導眾生，這樣的眼目還不怎麼亮。所以，善導大師叫 「善導」，「導師之行」。
(待續)
Namo Amituofo!
