A Discussion on Excerpts from the Scriptures of the Pure Land School
淨土宗精要法語討論
25. The Contemplation Sutra - Eradication of the Five Gravest Transgressions by Reciting Amitabha Buddha’s Name (continued)
Question 25.3 Some say, "When the sutras mention 'with sincerity', it means that one’s mind must become completely pure and genuine, to the point where one’s true nature is revealed — what is called 'seeing one’s nature and attaining enlightenment.' Is this correct?"
Answer: The actual situation of rebirth for those in the lowest level of the lowest tier is that they are "unable to even think of the Buddha, are overwhelmed by suffering, and lose all mindful awareness." If we interpret the Pure Land teaching in terms of the Sacred Path teaching (self-powered realization), first of all, it does not match the reality of the beings in question; secondly, it contradicts Amitabha Buddha’s original compassionate vow to save all suffering beings. By adding extra conditions, we cause sentient beings to despair, and the gate to rebirth in the Pure Land becomes obstructed.
25. 《觀經》稱名除五逆罪 (續)
25.3 問：有人說，「經中說『如是至心』，『至心』就是用心真誠到極處，自性現 前，所謂明心見性」，是這樣嗎？
答：下品下生的實際狀況是「不遑念佛」「苦逼失念」，如果將淨土教作聖道 解，一則不符合實情，二則有違阿彌陀佛大悲救苦的度生本懷，增設條件，眾 生望而興嘆，往生之門堵塞。
Namo Amituofo!
