Basic Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
154. The Meaning of the Title of the Amitabha Sutra (continued 9/9)
5. The wording is concise and essential.
In order for future generations to uphold the Sutra, the title should not be overly lengthy. The Sutra Spoken by Shakyamuni Buddha on Amitabha is written with just six characters.
Sentient beings naturally prefer what is simple. Some even abbreviate it further to four characters: Amitabha Sutra, or even three: Sutra of Amitabha.
In contrast, a title like The Dharma Gate of Praise for the Inconceivable Merits of the Buddha Land and the Embrace of All Buddhas is far too long for people to remember and uphold. It becomes inconvenient.
154 《阿彌陀經》名義 (續 9/9)
5.五則語從簡要。後世受持，稱道不繁故。
後人要受持這部《佛說阿彌陀經》，六個字。眾生喜歡簡單，甚至縮為四 個字、三個字──《阿彌陀經》、《彌陀經》。《稱讚不可思議佛土功德一切諸佛 攝受法門》則經名過長，受持不便。
Namo Amituofo!
