Basic Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
151. The Inherent Nature, Power, and Functions of Amitabha’s Infinite Life and Light (continued)
Master Ouyi said: "Amitabha" literally translates as "Infinite" and is, in essence, beyond description. Our teacher (Shakyamuni Buddha) used the two aspects of light and lifespan to encompass all forms of infinity. Light extends horizontally across the ten directions, while lifespan extends vertically through the three time periods (past, present, and future). The interpenetration of these dimensions forms the very essence of the Dharma Realm. This essence manifests as both Amitabha Buddha’s body and Pure Land, and likewise, it manifests as Amitabha’s Name."
Master Yinguang said: "The path of enlightenment realized by Amitabha Buddha is fully contained within his great Name , a single Name that encompasses all virtues."
Master Honen said: "The Name embodies all of the virtues of Amitabha Buddha’s inner realization including: the Four Wisdoms, the Three Bodies, the Ten Powers, the Four Fearlessnesses, and all other inner merits. It also includes all of his external merits such as: his majestic appearance, radiant light, teaching of the Dharma, and compassionate acts to benefit all beings. Thus, the virtues of Amitabha’s Name surpass all else. Other practices, in contrast, only contain partial aspects and are therefore incomplete."
(to be continued tomorrow)
151 無量壽光的體性力用 (續)
蕅益大師說:「阿彌陀,正翻無量,本不可說,本師以『光壽』二義,收盡一切無量。光則橫遍十方,壽則豎窮三際;橫豎交徹,即法界體。舉此『體』作『彌陀身土』,亦即舉此『體』作『彌陀名號』。」
印光大師說:「阿彌陀佛所證之菩提覺道,即阿彌陀佛一句萬德洪名,包攝淨盡。」
法然上人說:「名號者是萬德之所歸也。阿彌陀佛所有四智、三身、十力、四無畏等一切內證功德,相好、光明、說法、利生等一切外用功德,皆悉攝在阿彌陀佛名號之中,故名號功德最為勝也。餘行不然,各守一隅,是以為劣也。」
Namo Amituofo!
