Clarifying Doubts About the Pure Land (I)
淨土釋疑(一)
Question 27 : Venerable Master, I have heard that the capacities / aptitudes of sentient beings are also divided into three kinds—black aptitude, dark aptitude, and white aptitude. Could you please explain this in more concrete terms?
Answer to Q27: “Black aptitude” refers to the basic nature of each and every one of us. Whether we believe it or not, our fundamental nature is greed, anger, and delusion—defiled and dark. No matter how much you try to wash it, you cannot make it white. Only upon reaching the Land of Bliss will it naturally be transformed. This kind of aptitude is called “black aptitude,” and everyone is the same in this regard.
“Dark aptitude” refers to those who harbor doubt about Amitabha’s deliverance. This state of doubt is one of darkness and ignorance. This kind of aptitude is therefore called “dark aptitude.”
“White aptitude” refers to the aptitude of those who trust and accept Amitabha’s deliverance. Because such a person will certainly be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss, even though there is still some “blackness,” it is only temporary, not permanent. Therefore, a mind of faith and compliance contains “white aptitude.”
From the standpoint of ultimate reality, there are not actually 12 great kalpas. However, if one were told that there are not 12 great kalpas, some people would become arrogant. Thus, the teaching speaks of 12 great kalpas. As to whether they truly exist or not, this is not something we need to debate further. Once one reaches the Land of Bliss, one will naturally know without being told.
27問：請問法師，聽說機也有三種，有黑機、暗機、白機，請師父具體開示一 下。
答：
「黑機」，就是指我們每個人的本性，不管信與不信，我們的本性都是貪 瞋癡，污黑的，你再怎樣洗都洗不白的，只有到極樂世界，自然就轉了。這種 機就是「黑機」，每個人都一樣。
「暗機」，是指有疑心的人，懷疑彌陀的救度這一種狀態是黑暗、無明，因 為有懷疑嘛。這種機就是「暗機」。
「白機」，是指信受彌陀救度的人，叫做「白機」。因為他必定往生極樂世界 ，雖然還有黑，但是這是短暫的，不是永遠的，所以，信順之心叫做「白機」。
從它的本質來講，沒有十二大劫，但如果講沒有十二大劫，有人會驕慢， 所以給你講十二大劫，那到底有沒有？這一點我們不必多加談論，到極樂世 界自然不問自知。
Namo Amituofo!
