Important Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
173 - Upholding Sutras and the Buddha’s Name (continued 2/ 6)
2. Those Who Hear the Names Spoken by the Buddhas
The phrase “hear the names spoken by the Buddhas” has two possible meanings:
(a) Hearing the name of any one Buddha among the Buddhas of the six directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges.
(b)Hearing of one Buddha among all Buddhas refers to Amitabha Buddha and his inconceivable virtues.
The first interpretation is superficial and does not accord with the central intent of this Sutra. The second interpretation is profound and fully consistent with the Sutra’s intent.
In the version of this passage used by Master Shandao in his Hymns of Dharma Practices, the wording is “hearing the Name of Amitabha Buddha spoken by these Buddhas”; rather than “hearing the names of the Buddhas.” Because the wording differs, the meaning also differs.
Although both versions are translations by Kumarajīva, why does the wording differ here? Which reading is correct? This may be examined from three perspectives.
(to be continued tomorrow)
173 持經持佛 (續 2/ 6)
二、聞諸佛名
「聞諸佛名」有二義：
1.隨聞六方恆河沙諸佛之中任意一佛之名。
2.隨聞諸佛當中任意一佛，讚歎阿彌陀佛不可思議功德名號。 前者義淺，與本經旨趣不吻合；後者義深，並且與本經旨趣一致。
此「聞諸佛名」的經文，善導大師於《法事讚》所用的版本是「聞是諸佛所說 名」，並非「聞諸佛名」，由於文句不同，所以呈現的意思也不同。同樣是鳩摩 羅什所翻譯的版本，何以此處經文有所不同？何者正確？這可以試著從三方 面的角度來作探討。
Namo Amituofo!
