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 25.5 The Infinite Life Sutra says, "Except for those who have committed the five gravest offenses or slandered the Correct Dharma." Yet, in the Contemplation Sutra it says that even those guilty of the five gravest offenses can attain rebirth through exclusively reciting Amitabha Buddha’s Name. Is this a contradiction?
Answer: It is not a contradiction. The offenses of the five gravest offenses and slandering the Dharma are extremely heavy; so, the Infinite Life Sutra warns beings not to commit such acts. It cautions them not to indulge in evil just because Amitabha Buddha is compassionate.
This warning, that if they commit these offenses they will not be saved, functions as a gate of restraint / inhibition. However, for those who have already committed these offenses, if they are able to sincerely repent and turn their hearts around, Amitabha Buddha will still compassionately embrace and accept them — this is the gate of acceptance / embrace.
25. 《觀經》稱名除五逆罪 (續)
25.5 問：《無量壽經》言「唯除五逆、誹謗正法」，《觀經》五逆罪人念佛得生，是 否矛盾？
答：不矛盾。五逆、謗法罪業極重，眾生未造之時誡止，不可因為有阿彌陀 佛的慈悲而放縱為惡，因此警告若造不救，此為抑止門；此前已造五逆謗法， 若能回心，阿彌陀佛還要慈悲攝取，此為攝取門。
Namo Amituofo!
