A Discussion on Excerpts from the Scriptures of the Pure Land School
淨土宗精要法語討論
24. The Adornment Sutra - “Like Buddha Upon Rebirth”
When I attain Perfect Enlightenment, my Buddha name will be Amitayus. All sentient beings who hear this name can come to my land. Their bodies will be gold in color just like mine, and all of their forms will be splendid, perfect, and complete. Moreover, they will benefit a variety of sentient beings with their great compassionate minds.
24.1 Question:
A Bodhisattva cultivates blessings and wisdom for three Asamkhyeya kalpas and sows the marks of excellence for a hundred kalpas." It is said that before becoming a Buddha, a Bodhisattva must practice for a hundred kalpas to attain such magnificent physical features. Why is it that ordinary beings, by reciting Amitabha Buddha's Name for as few as ten recitations at the point of death or for just one lifetime, can be reborn in the Pure Land, and immediately attain 'perfect and wondrous features'?
Answer:
This is entirely due to the great vows made by Amitabha Buddha while in his causal stage, and the meritorious virtues he accomplished upon attaining Buddhahood. Even the fact that those who were reborn in the Pure Land, return to the Saha World to widely save sentient beings, is sustained by the power of Amitabha Buddha’s Original Vow.
24. 《莊嚴經》往生如佛
我若成正覺，立名無量壽，眾生聞此號，俱來我剎中；如佛金色身，妙相悉圓 滿，亦以大悲心，利益諸群品。
24.1 問：「三祇修福慧，百劫種相好」，菩薩成佛前修行一百劫才得相好莊嚴， 何以凡夫眾生一生念佛，往生即得「妙相悉圓滿」？
答：此皆由阿彌陀佛因地大願、果地功德所惠賜，乃至往生人還入娑婆廣 度眾生，也是由阿彌陀佛本願力住持的緣故。
Namo Amituofo!
