December 3 2021

Dec 3, 2021

上人法語

淨土信仰

Amitabha Buddha is immeasurable and unimpeded light. It cannot be impeded by sentient beings’ karmic obstructions of greed and hatred, nor bound by time and space. This immeasurable and unimpeded light that permeates the entire Dharma realm has an aim, which is to seek Amitabha-reciters and embrace them. That embrace means, [Amitabha] is now watching and protecting them, and will receive them when they are close to death.

阿彌陀佛有無量的光明,而這無量的光明也是無礙的光明,不受凡夫貪瞋痴或業障的障礙,當然也不受時間、空間的障礙,這無量無礙遍照法界的光明有一個目的,就是尋找念佛的眾生而給與攝取,就是現在就看著他、保護著他,將來就接引著他。

Namo Amituofo!

December 1 2021

Dec 1, 2021

上人法語

淨宗判教 - 總顯其義

(continued)

For example, the Tientai School defines Amitabha’s Pure Land according to their scheme of ‘Fourfold Land’, and infers that ordinary beings must be reborn in the lowest realm – a common place for both ordinary and sacred beings. 

The Fahsiang School defines Amitabha’s Pure Land as a superior and splendid realm; but, insists that ordinary sentient beings cannot be reborn there. 

Such misinterpretations do not match the original intent of Amitabha. Master Shandao says, “ these kinds of errors mislead others and cause considerable damage.” In view of such a situation, Master Honen resolutely decided to found the Pure Land School (Jodo Shu) in Japan and wrote a book entitled “ A Collection of Passages on the Nembutsu (nianfo) Chosen in the Original Vow”, which became a primary scripture. The book revealed the original intent of Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow, as well as the chosen practice for rebirth.

如天台宗以其四土判定彌陀淨土，並判定凡夫往生的是最卑淺的凡聖同居土；

又如法相宗判彌陀淨土雖然高妙，但認為凡夫不能往生。

如此錯解，非彌陀本意，善導大師謂之：「自失誤他，為害不淺。」法然上人有鑒於此，毅然於各宗之外別立淨土的宗派，並撰寫《選擇本願念佛集》作為開宗立教的「本典」，至此彌陀本願的意趣，往生的行體，顯露無遺。

Namo Amituofo!

October 31 2020

Oct 31, 2020

A verse about ‘direct rebirth in Nirvana’ from ‘In praise of Dharma Practice’

《法事讚》「直入涅槃」之偈:

Buddhas of the ten directions, as many as the sands of the Ganges, unfold their tongues

To encourage all ordinary beings to accept rebirth in the Land of Peace and Joy.

Amitabha Buddha dispatches 25 bodhisattvas

To come and protect us at all times.

Amitabha-reciters will directly enter the City of Nirvana at the end of their lives.

As their minds are straightforward and their practice is genuine, Amitabha comes to welcome them.

十方恒沙佛舒舌,證我凡夫生安樂。

佛使二十五菩薩,一切時來常護念;

畢命直入涅槃城,直心實行佛迎來。

Namo Amituofo!