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)
This path of exclusive Amitabha-recitation (reciting Amitabha’s Name) and rebirth in the Pure Land is the Easy Path. It is the supreme path, both effortless and unsurpassed. Teaching sentient beings to exclusively recite Amitabha Buddha’s Name, to attain rebirth in the Pure Land, is truly what it means to "practice the virtue of the Tathagata".
The virtue of the Tathagata is the perfection of great compassion. This is why one who fully embodies this virtue is called "a person who has fulfilled great compassion".
If one does not guide sentient beings through the path of exclusive Amitabha-recitation, then the Tathagata’s virtue is not fully realized. Why? Because it does not fulfill Amitabha Buddha’s fundamental vow of great compassion, nor does it ensure the salvation of all sentient beings.
Other paths may lead to liberation; but, they do not fully embody the fulfillment of great compassion. Only Amitabha Buddha’s Primal Vow of deliverance perfectly expresses the true reason for the Buddha’s appearance in the world.
152 「五德瑞現」文略解(續)
這種念佛往生易行道是最勝之道，既容易又殊勝，而這樣來教導眾生念 佛往生，這才叫「行如來之德」。「如來之德」就是大慈大悲圓滿，所以叫「滿足 大悲之人」。
如果不是以念佛法門教導眾生，那如來之德不夠圓滿。為什麼呢？不能 滿足大悲本懷，不能救度一切眾生。
如果是其他法門，那還不能叫作「滿足大悲之人」，唯有彌陀本願救度能 究竟暢達佛的出世本懷。
Namo Amituofo!
