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 25.8 In the phrase, "If you are unable to contemplate that Buddha, you should recite the Name of the Buddha of Infinite Life," why is there a shift from "contemplation" (念) to "recitation" (稱)? What is the reason and meaning behind this change?
Answer: Vocal recitation is easy; mental contemplation is not. The fact that salvation can be attained simply through reciting aloud demonstrates the ultimate ease of this practice, revealing the true meaning of "even ten recitations." This also establishes vocal recitation of Amitabha Buddha’s Name as the proper practice for rebirth in Pure Land. As the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra explains, vocal recitation is called the "karma of assurance."
When guiding others to practice Buddha-recitation, using vocal recitation is much easier. For example: "Namo Amitabha Buddha — follow along and recite with me." The other person can immediately imitate and participate. But if you say,
"Contemplate the Buddha in your heart," they would not know how or where to begin.
25. 《觀經》稱名除五逆罪 (續)
25.8 問：此句「汝若不能念彼佛者，應稱無量壽佛」，轉「念」為「稱」有何原因和意義？
答：口稱容易，心念不易。口稱而得救，顯易行之極致，明「乃至十念」真實 義，也由此確定了淨土宗往生正行，《觀經疏》說口稱佛名為「正定之業」。
教人念佛時，也以口稱念佛為易。「南無阿彌陀佛，你跟我念」，對方依樣 隨學即可，這很容易；「你心裡憶念」，對方不知道從何念起。
Namo Amituofo!
