A Discussion on Excerpts from the Scriptures of the Pure Land School
淨土宗精要法語討論
28. 《The Contemplation Sutra》- There is No Joy in This Turbid and Iniquitous World
I humbly beseech you, World-Honored One, to expound in detail on places free from sorrow and distress, where I may be reborn. I find no joy in Jambudvipa, this turbid and iniquitous world. It is mired in defilement and evil, filled with hell-beings, hungry ghosts and animals, and crowded with unwholesome gatherings. I pray that in the future, I will neither hear evil sounds nor see wicked people.
28.1 – Question: Isn't this expression of displeasure with this world a form of negative world-rejection or escapism?
Answer:
Lady Vaidehi made this plea after experiencing immense personal suffering and family conflict, which left her overwhelmed with sorrow and grief. Her declaration that she finds no joy in this world could easily be misinterpreted as a pessimistic or nihilistic rejection of life. However, it is precisely in such moments of despair that the extraordinary power of the Dharma becomes evident.
At that moment, Shakyamuni Buddha emitted light from between his eyebrows and revealed the Land of Ultimate Bliss (Sukhavati) to Lady Vaidehi. Upon seeing it, her heart filled with joy, and she attained the perseverance of the non-arising of dharmas (無生忍)—a profound spiritual realization.
For those who follow the Pure Land teaching, their renunciation of this world (Saha world) is not rooted in hopelessness, but in clarity. It is paired with an aspiration for and admiration of Amitabha’s Pure Land, a realm of purity, peace, and awakening. Their hearts are filled with the joy of assured salvation and comforted by the compassionate embrace of Amitabha Buddha.
Rather than being escapist or passive, this outlook is actually deeply positive. It leads to: greater spiritual commitment; a deeper appreciation for life and the beings with whom we share karmic connections. It also motivates us to share the Dharma and help others attain liberation.
Therefore, this attitude is active, not passive; it is about saving the world, not escaping it. It is not a rejection of life, but a higher affirmation of its ultimate meaning. It is the opposite of pessimism or despair.
(to be continued tomorrow)
28. 《觀經》不樂濁惡
唯願世尊為我廣說無憂惱處，我當往生，不樂閻浮提濁惡世也。此濁惡處，地 獄、餓鬼、畜生盈滿，多不善聚。願我未來不聞惡聲，不見惡人。
28.1 問：不樂此世，這不是消極厭世嗎？
答：韋提希夫人遭遇家庭變故，憂愁悲慼，不樂娑婆，很容易被認為是否定人 生的厭世觀，其實，佛法正是在此刻展現它不可思議的力量。釋迦牟尼佛放 眉間光，為韋提希夫人顯現極樂淨土，韋提希夫人當下心得歡喜，獲無生忍。 淨土法門的行人，在厭離娑婆的同時欣慕極樂，滿心獲救的喜悅，感受佛陀的溫暖，人生更加積極，更加珍惜有緣眾生。所以，是積極，非消極；是救世， 非厭世，絕非悲觀消極、厭棄人生。
Namo Amituofo!
