Basic Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
155. The Relationship Between Amitabha Buddha’s Light and Life (continued 5/6)
3. The Relationship of Mutual Containment
Mutual containment (hù jù 互具) refers to the presence of Life within Light and Light within Life. When Amitabha Buddha’s compassionate radiance shines upon us, it is not mere illumination; embedded within that Light is the Buddha’s own boundless lifespan. This Light is not only radiant, it sustains and extends life itself. Thus, within the Light there is Life: this is known as “Light containing Life.”
When we recite "Namo Amitabha Buddha", the Buddha’s Light embraces us. This luminous Name permeates the ten directions, transforming and guiding all beings. The moment we invoke "Namo Amitabha", the Buddha’s Light immediately illuminates our minds. At that very instant, we are embraced, and the Buddha’s Life reaches us through that Light. Thus, Amitabha’s Life accompanies and is infused within his Light. Wherever the Light extends, so too does the Buddha’s Life. Therefore, his Life pervades all of space and the Dharma Realm.
Because Amitabha’s Light pervades the entire cosmos and because Life is contained within that Light; when we recite the Name of Amitabha Buddha, his infinite Life enters and abides within our hearts. In addition, his Life also contains Light. Amitabha’s Life is one of purity and radiance; it is a luminous, enlightened Life.
(to be continued tomorrow)
155 阿彌陀佛光壽關係 (續 5/6)
3. 互具的關係
互具，即光明裡具有壽命，壽命裡具有光明。阿彌陀佛的慈光照著我們 ，光在這裡，阿彌陀佛的壽命就在光這裡面。這個光是能給我們補充壽命的， 這光明裡面就有壽命，這叫「光具有壽」。
我們念「南無阿彌陀佛」，佛光攝取，是光明名號攝化十方。念「南無阿 彌陀佛」，佛光馬上在心中照耀，當下攝取，當下壽命就在這裡，佛的壽命跟 著光明就來了，阿彌陀佛的光裡面就有佛的壽。所以壽也是盡虛空遍法界 的。
因為光盡虛空遍法界，光裡面就有壽，所以我們念阿彌陀佛，佛壽就來 到我們的心中。壽裡面也具有光，阿彌陀佛的壽命，是清淨、光明的壽命。
Namo Amituofo!
