A Discussion on Excerpts from the Scriptures of the Pure Land School 淨土宗精要法語討論
33 - The Three Sacred Beings Constantly Appearing
The Buddha of Infinite Life manifests countless emanations. Together with Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta, they constantly appear in places where people practice.
Question 33.1 :
Beings in the Saha world are originally “born alone, die alone, come and go alone,” abandoned by the thousand Buddhas of the four directions. Yet now, they can have Amitabha dwelling above their heads. All Buddhas attest to this, and bodhisattvas provide protection. What is the reason for this?
Answer:
1. Because the Name and Amitabha’s Body are non-dual. The Name contains the essence of the Buddha. Thus, Amitabha responds immediately with each recitation of his Name.
2. Because of the fulfillment of Amitabha’s Vow, all Buddhas and bodhisattvas, in accordance with that Vow, come to protect those who recite his Name.
3. Because those in the Three Realms are easily swayed by conditions, their resolution to accept the Path of Amitabha-recitation requires safeguarding.
4. Because among humans, those who uphold it are exceedingly rare, Buddhas and sages regard them as precious treasures.
(to be continued tomorrow)
33. 《觀經》三聖常來
無量壽佛化身無數，與觀世音及大勢至，常來至此行人之所。
33.1 問：娑婆眾生原本「獨生獨死，獨去獨來」，一千四佛所放捨，現在卻能彌 陀住頂、諸佛證誠、菩薩擁護，是何緣由？
答：
１名體不二故，名號即本尊，阿彌陀佛應聲而來。
２願力成就故，諸佛 菩薩應願來護。
３三界隨緣易推故，念佛道心需要守護。
４人中稀有人故，佛 聖視如珍寶。
Namo Amituofo!
