A Discussion on Excerpts from the Scriptures of the Pure Land School 淨土宗精要法語討論
32. “The Unconditional Deliverance” revealed in the Contemplation Sutra
Amitabha Buddha’s mind is none other than Great Compassion, embracing sentient beings with unconditional kindness.
Question 32: Some people say, “We should not speak of unconditional deliverance / salvation. If we do, won’t sentient beings use it as an excuse to indulge in evil?”
Answer:
The Buddha’s teachings are words of admonition; but, there is no harm in proclaiming unconditional deliverance. If, out of fear that “too much compassion will bring harm,” we avoid speaking of Amitabha Buddha’s great compassion, that is extended without conditions or distinctions, then beings will be unable to truly understand Amitabha. This will make it difficult for them to give rise to faith, and they will be unable to be reborn in the Pure Land.
On the contrary, upon hearing about Amitabha’s unconditional great compassion and being moved by his mercy, people naturally become more cautious in body,
speech, and mind. They diligently practice good, acknowledge their imperfections, and are ever more grateful for Amitabha’s grace.
32. 《觀經》救度無條件
佛心者，大慈悲是，以無緣慈，攝諸眾生。
32. 問：有人說，「不可以講無條件的救度，不然眾生借此放縱為惡怎麼辦？」
答：佛語教誡，但講無妨。若因「慈悲多禍害」為由對阿彌陀佛的無緣大慈 避而不談，眾生就不能如實瞭解阿彌陀佛，難以生起信心，得不到往生利益。 聞說阿彌陀佛的無緣大慈，被阿彌陀佛的慈悲感動，自然會謹慎三業，努力 勤行，常懷慚愧，仰謝佛恩。
Namo Amituofo!
