Basic Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
154. The Meaning of the Title of the Amitabha Sutra (continued 2/9)
When these four Sutra titles are placed side by side, their similarities and differences become apparent. In terms of translation, The Sutra Spoken by the Buddha on Amitabha is the most concise and abbreviated, and it aligns with our common practice of recitation.
Comparing the translations of Master Kumarajiva and Master Xuanzang: The phrase “Praise for the Inconceivable Merits” (in Kumarajiva’s version) mainly refers to the primary reward—that is, Amitabha Buddha himself. Xuanzang’s version, “Praise for the Pure Land and the Buddha’s Embrace”, in its abbreviated form, emphasizes the Pure Land.
Of course, the full Sutra encompasses the presence and roles of Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, the inconceivable virtues of the Buddha-land, and the compassionate embrace of all Buddhas.
(to be continued tomorrow)
154 《阿彌陀經》名義 (續 2/9)
這四個經題並列，就能看出同異。就翻譯來說，「佛說阿彌陀經」最濃縮、 簡略，也符合我們的讀誦習慣。
比較羅什大師和玄奘大師的譯本，「稱讚不可思議功德」，主要指正報；玄 奘譯本「稱讚淨土佛攝受」，略題來看是指淨土。當然，經文中也包含了釋迦 佛、阿彌陀佛、不可思議佛土功德，以及一切諸佛所攝受等意義。
Namo Amituofo!
