A Discussion on Excerpts from the Scriptures of the Pure Land School
淨土宗精要法語討論
36. The Simple, yet Profound Advice to Recite Namo Amitabha Buddha - from the Transmission Text of the Contemplation Sutra
The Buddha said to Ananda: “Bear these words well in mind. To bear these words well in mind means to exclusively recite Namo Amitabha Buddha.” (the Buddha of Infinite Life)
Question:
The thirteen contemplations of meditative virtue and the three meritorious deeds of non-meditative virtue, eradicate immeasurable offenses. When dedicated, these also lead to rebirth in the Pure Land. If this is so, then why did the World-Honored One not entrust Ananda with the thirteen contemplations and the three meritorious deeds, in addition to Amitabha recitation?
Answer:
1. Master Shandao, in the Hymns in Praise of Birth, said:
“Question: Why didn’t the Buddha instruct beings to practice the thirteen contemplations and the three meritorious deeds; but instead, directly urged them to exclusively recite Namo Amitabha Buddha? What is the reason for this?
2. Answer: Because sentient beings are heavily burdened with karmic obstacles, their minds are coarse, distracted, and unstable; while the objects of contemplation are subtle. This makes contemplation hard to accomplish. Therefore, out of great compassion, the World-Honored One directly exhorted beings to exclusively recite Namo Amitabha Buddha, precisely because it is easy. By following this teaching, one will attain birth.”
3. The Buddha taught both meditative and non-meditative virtues as a foundation and preparation, to set the stage for exclusively reciting Namo Amitabha Buddha. For those unable to directly accept and entrust themselves to Amitabha Buddha, he first encouraged them to dedicate meditative and non-meditative practices toward rebirth, as a skillful means of leading them in. Once their good roots gradually matured, he further urged them to advance to the exclusive recitation of Namo Amitabha Buddha.
At that point, while they may continue performing other good deeds, these are no longer viewed as the main provisions for rebirth; but, are instead transformed into acts of gratitude—“believing oneself and leading others to believe”—all being incorporated into the exclusive recitation of Namo Amitabha Buddha. Therefore, in the end, the Buddha entrusted solely in the exclusive recitation of Namo Amitabha Buddha.
36. 《觀經》流通文‧唯囑持名
佛告阿難：汝好持是語，持是語者，即是持無量壽佛名。
36.1 問：定善十三觀滅罪無量，散善三福迴向亦得往生，世尊為何不付囑阿難十三觀及三福？
答：
１善導大師《往生禮讚》：「問曰：何故不令作觀，直遣專稱名字者，有何意也？答曰：乃由眾生障重，境細心粗，識揚神飛，觀難成就也。是以大聖悲憐，直勸專稱名字，正由稱名易故，相續即生。」
２佛說定善、散善，為鋪墊、烘托一向專稱。不能直接信受名號功德之人，勸以定散要門迴向求生，方便導入；善根漸熟之人，勸以進一步轉入一向專稱，餘善雖繼續作，不再當作求生資糧，轉為「自信教人信」的報恩之行，納入名號功德中。所以，最後付囑稱名一行。
Namo Amituofo!
