May 30 2021

May 30, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the Practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

Pure Land practitioners should not seek for mysteries or psychic powers; but, should recite Amitabha’s Name in an ordinary, normal, scrupulous, and simple manner, with singleness of mind, settled mind, restful mind, and without any doubts. Seeing oneself as a slow-witted being, one should feel free and relaxed, without any worry or attachment during Amitabha-recitation. One should recite Amitabha’s Name while walking, standing, sitting and lying down. Without forsaking, recite Amitabha’s Name when you are happy or when you are afflicted. Above all, always exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name.

淨宗行人,不可尋奇覓巧,喜好別異。應該平凡、平常、平實、平淡,一心念佛、安心念佛、息心念佛、老實念佛、守愚念佛,輕鬆自在念佛、心無掛礙念佛、行住坐臥念佛、時處諸緣念佛、念念不捨念佛,歡喜則歡喜念佛,煩惱則煩惱念佛,總之,唯「一向專稱彌陀佛名」。

Namo Amituofo!

May 23 2021

May 23, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the Practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

(continued)

Moreover, if we are endlessly occupied with a variety of trivial matters, we will be easily annoyed, and unable to recite Amitabha’s Name quietly. So, we should treat all matters in consideration of our duties and responsibilities, according to our capacity and circumstances. The mundane world is conditional, so all matters are produced and extinguished according to ever-changing conditions. We should not become attached to them. Those who practice at a Buddhist Center should strive to live in harmony and happiness. If they do, more people will come to their temples. In order to free ourselves from entanglements, we should simply fix our minds on Amitabha, and leave the results to Amitabha.

又事多務雜容易令人心煩氣躁,使念佛不靜,應以盡分而隨緣的觀念看待一切。因緣和合的世間,緣起緣滅,不必過分看重。

道埸大眾,若能和睦相處,便能身安道隆。欲求解脫困境,只有繫念彌陀,任佛安排。

Namo Amituofo!

May 22 2021

May 22, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the Practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

It is natural to have false thoughts during Amitabha-recitation. It is the nature of ordinary beings to have such thoughts. As ordinary beings we are the main focus of Amitabha’s deliverance. If we had no false thoughts, we would not qualify for Amitabha’s boundless compassion.

Thus, knowing we have false thoughts, we deeply understand the concept of “aptitude and teaching as one entity”. If we think in this way, these false thoughts will become the source of shame, humility, comfort, and Dharma joy.

(to be continued tomorrow)

念佛時妄想紛飛乃自然之事,有妄想才是凡夫,才是彌陀正客;若無妄想,則非彌陀對象。

故應以有妄想而更深信機法一體;能作此想,則妄想即是慚愧、謙卑,與安慰、法喜之源。

Namo Amituofo!

May 14 2021

May 14, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the Practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

In our teaching, whether you know or do not know, and whether you believe or do not believe, as long as you keep reciting Amitabha’s Name, you will be reborn in the Land of Bliss. Thus, Master Shandao says, “Sentient beings who recite are assured of attaining rebirth.”

On the other hand, if you don’t know and don’t believe, it is very difficult for you to practice exclusively. This is why we should get to know the teaching, in order to believe and practice exclusively. If we do this, we will have no doubts in the bottom of our hearts, and nothing will obstruct us from reciting exclusively.

我們這個法門是不管你知道不知道,相信不相信,只要你念佛就能夠往生極樂世界,所以善導大師說「眾生稱念,必得往生」。

不過話說回來,你如果都不知道,都不相信,讓你專修也不可能,所以我們就要去知道,要去相信,我們就會專修,這樣心底就不會有懷疑的念頭,也就不成障礙了。

Namo Amituofo!

May 7 2021

May 7, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the Practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

We Buddhists should enjoy pursuing the Way and appreciate simple living. The fittings and fixtures in our homes should be simple and neat, not overly extravagant. Only those items that are used should be displayed, and all unused items should be put away. All displays must be neat and tidy.

We should decorate in these ways because the world is a hostel, and we are all visitors. All excess things are not necessities. We should display things related to Buddhist teaching and the Pure Land, not more mundane things. What we can see should be related to scenes of the Land of Bliss.

These choices show the depth of a person’s faith. If he doesn’t do these things, it means the depth of his faith is not deep enough, limited, or even shallow. The deeper his faith, the more he understands the essence of the teaching. If your faith is deep and your practice is exclusive, the rate of success in attaining rebirth is a thousand out of a thousand, ten thousand out of ten thousand.

我們學佛人要安貧樂道,家裏面的擺設樸實簡潔,不浮華,不雜七雜八,有用的才擺設,沒有用的通通不擺設,而擺設就是要整齊清潔。

因為這個世間是我們的旅社,我們是過客,閒雜的東西都是身外之物,所以太過於世俗的東西不擺設,擺設都跟佛法跟淨土有關係的,讓我們眼睛所看都是極樂世界有關的景象。

這是顯示一個人信仰的深度,若不是這樣,他信仰的深度還不夠,還有限,甚至還是膚淺的。信仰越深才能越得到它的精髓,我們這個法門,你信仰越深越專,千人則千人往生,萬人則萬人往生。

Namo Amituofo!

May 1 2021

May 1, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the Practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

Having no further doubt after coming to believe is known as “genuine belief”. If you continue to doubt after believing, you do not genuinely believe. Actually, all people have doubts, greed, hatred, and delusion at times. It is normal for us to doubt various people and various matters.

If we cannot totally accept and affirm Amitabha’s deliverance, it is fine. As long as we feel we have no alternative to reciting Amitabha’s Name in order to be delivered, these kinds of doubts will not obstruct us very much. Even if you doubt, Amitabha Buddha and his deliverance are always on your mind through continuing to recite his Name. You continue to be embraced by Amitabha’s light and never forsaken. Amitabha Buddha will still appear to welcome you when your life approaches its end.

信以後不再懷疑,這就是真正的信;信以後還有懷疑,那現在就不是真正的信。其實人都有煩惱,有時會貪、瞋、癡、疑。所以往往會對某些人、某些事產生某種懷疑。

如果對阿彌陀佛的救度一時不能徹底肯定、認同,也無妨,只要自覺我們沒有第二條路,唯有念佛才能得度,那麼雖有那種莫名的懷疑,則障礙不大。你即使有懷疑,你自己心裏還是曉得有阿彌陀佛,有阿彌陀佛的救度,還是會繼續念佛的,照樣在彌陀光明的攝取不捨當中,臨終阿彌陀佛就會顯現來迎。

Namo Amituofo!

April 25 2021

Apr 25, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the Practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

Generally speaking, a Buddhist beginner will not easily accept the pristine Pure Land teaching, because he thinks the Buddhist teachings must be vast and profound. He feels that he must learn more extensively in order to be a true Buddhist; however, when he realizes how limited his abilities are, and he knows what his spiritual goal is, he will then focus on the exclusive practice of the Pure Land teaching.

Some Buddhists study for a long time. They read a lot, hear a lot, study a lot, go to a lot of Buddhist temples, until they eventually discover this teaching. At that time, if he is asked to let go of all of his learning, he will be reluctant to do so. He thinks, It was not easy for me to memorize the Diamond Sutra, the Surangama Mantra, the Great Compassion Mantra. I have gotten used to reciting so many times a day.

Wouldn’t it be a pity for me to let go of all of them, and just exclusively recite one single Name?

Actually, you have to let go! If you don’t lose, you never gain. If you don’t free your hands, you cannot grasp anything.

一般來說,初學佛的人,要一下子就接受這個純正的淨土法門不容易,因為他認為佛法廣大高深,總會忍不住想要廣泛涉獵,涉獵之後,才會慢慢發現自己的能力有限,以及自己所真正要的,之後才會專修專行淨土法門。

也有的人學佛很久,看得多、聽得多、學得多,道場也走得多,最後才接觸到這個法門,這時若要他將以前所學的統統放下,就會捨不得,感覺「我好不容易把《金剛經》、《楞嚴咒》、《大悲咒》背下來了,而且固定每天都念多少遍,現在要我全部都放下,只專念一句佛號,豈不是太可惜了?」

其實還是要捨,所謂捨得、捨得,不捨就不能得。

Namo Amituofo!

April 19 2021

Apr 19, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the Practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

It doesn’t matter whether you have taken refuge and abide by precepts. As long as you understand Amitabha’s compassion, you can talk to other people according to your circumstances, capacity, and status. You can share your Dharma joy with other people, so that Amitabha’s light of deliverance can shine on them as well.

The only things we have to take note of and understand are the other person’s roots and aptitude, so that we know how to talk in order for them to believe and accept Amitabha’s compassion. Our purpose for talking is not that we just like to talk; but, that we lead him to enter Amitabha’s sea of vows and believe and accept Amitabha’s deliverance. In such a case, expediency and skill are very important, and we have to pay close attention to our speech, so that the audience can accept Amitabha’s deliverance.

不管有沒有受戒,甚至有沒有皈依,只要懂得阿彌陀佛的慈悲,就可以隨緣、隨份、隨力去給人家講,把我們的法喜與別人一起分享,讓彌陀救度的光明也普照到他們身上。

只是要注意的是:我們也要瞭解對方的根機,知道怎麼講對方才能信受,因為我們的目的不是為了講而講,而是為了他能夠進入彌陀願海,能夠信受彌陀救度。這樣的話, 方便善巧非常重要了,怎樣才能使他接受,這個就是我們所要注意的。

Namo Amituofo!

April 13 2021

Apr 13, 2021 

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the Practice of Amitabha-Recitation 

念佛警策 

The habitual behavior of ordinary beings is heavy and complicated, and our mental compulsion to pursue the five kinds of desire is strong; but, our commitment to recite Amitabha’s Name is weak. Knowing this, we should encourage ourselves not to indulge in those habitual behaviors. We should recite Amitabha’s Name in all of our spare time, except of course, when we are sleeping and working. If you are handicapped, you can recite mentally, while also thinking of the Buddha’s grace. 

凡夫習氣繁重，念世俗五欲之心強，念彌陀佛名之心弱，故應自我惕勵，不應 自我放任。當然睡眠、作事等不能念則姑且置之，其他時間即應念佛。若喑啞 者，則可心中念佛，存想佛恩。

Namo Amituofo!

April 7 2021

Apr 7, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

All worldly phenomena of various kinds are unreal, only Buddha is real. Because All worldly phenomena are unreal, we shouldn’t attach to them. Moreover, as ordinary beings, our minds are unreal, confused, and full of afflictions; so, nothing we perceive is real and secure.

Thus, if we don’t recite Amitabha’s Name, our minds will be unreal, false, confused, and afflicted. To avoid false and assorted thoughts, afflictions due to ignorance, and being confused by evil ghosts, why don’t we fix our minds on Amitabha recitation and safely dwell in the company of the Buddha?

「世間虛假,唯佛是真。」世間一切,森羅萬象,都是虛假,不足繫念。而且凡夫之心,也都是虛妄、雜念、煩惱,無一真實,不可安住。

是故,若不念佛,必念虛假、妄想、雜念、煩惱。與其生妄想雜念,起無明煩惱,遭惡鬼吐痰;何不繫心,安住彌陀,與佛同在?

Namo Amituofo!

April 1 2021

Apr 1, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the Practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

(continued)

Under what circumstances do we question Amitabha Buddha? If we don’t want to be reborn in the Land of Bliss; or we think relying on the power of Amitabha’s Vow and exclusive recitation of his Name are not sufficient for us to be reborn in the Land of Bliss. We think we must rely on accumulating merit and virtues through our own efforts. If we have these kinds of beliefs, we are regarded as questioning Amitabha Buddha.

怎樣的情形是跟阿彌陀佛對抗呢?就是不想往生極樂世界,這樣就是跟阿彌陀佛對抗;或者認為雖然念佛,可是還不足以往生極樂世界,還必須靠一些自力功夫,或其他的功德,如果是抱著這一種觀念,就是跟阿彌陀佛對抗,跟阿彌陀佛的願力不相應,不相應就是有衝突。

Namo Amituofo!

March 31 2021

Mar 31, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the Practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

All of the merit and virtues necessary for sentient beings of the ten directions to attain rebirth in the Land of Bliss are contained in the Great Name of Myriad Virtues – Namo Amituofo. That is to say, the power to deliver sentient beings has already been thoroughly accomplished by Amitabha Buddha and instilled in his Great Name.

Simply speaking, Pure Land teaching is to have faith in and accept Amitabha’s deliverance through his vow power. As long as we accept Amitabha Buddha, it is easy for him to deliver us.

(to be continued tomorrow)

十方眾生往生極樂世界的功德資糧,都在這句「南無阿彌陀佛」萬德洪名裏面。也就是說,救度眾生的力量,阿彌陀佛已為我們徹底完成,早已完全成就、含攝在這句萬德洪名之中,沒有半點欠缺。簡言之,淨土法門,就是隨順阿彌陀佛的救度,也就是隨順阿彌陀佛的願力。只要我們不跟阿彌陀佛對抗,阿彌陀佛救度我們就很容易。

Namo Amituodo!

March 25 2021

Mar 25, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

Following the Sutra of the Fundamental Karma of the Bodhisattva’s Ornamental Wreath, Master Daochuo said that it takes ten thousand kalpas to realize the state of non-retrogression. As ordinary beings in the Land of Saha, our afflictions are heavy and deep, and our roots of faith are as light as a feather, which drifts here and there.

For these reasons it will take us much longer than ten thousand kalpas to realize non-retrogression. During this period of time, we will be born in hell, or in the realm of hungry ghosts, or humans. Thus, we go up and down in the sea of the Six Realms. Isn’t it painful?

If we believe that we can enter the state of non-retrogression through rebirth and transcend all merits and practices accumulated in ten thousand kalpas within this lifetime (regardless of the length of one’s life), through exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s Name, as said in the Three Pure Land Sutras, why don’t we give up the difficult, and take the easy way and practice the Pure Land teaching?

道綽大師說,依照《菩薩瓔珞本業經》所說,要經過一萬劫才能證到不退的果位,我們凡夫在娑婆世界都是煩惱深重,而且信念無根,如同輕毛,隨風東飄西飄的,豈只是一萬劫的時間呢?而且在這一萬劫當中忽爾地獄,忽爾餓鬼,忽爾畜牲,忽爾人間,在六道裡面浮沉,豈不痛苦嗎?

如果能明信淨土三經所講,只要專稱彌陀佛名,在這一輩子不管壽命長、壽命短,往生之後就進入不退了,當下跨越了一萬劫的時間與功行。知道了這個道理,為什麼不捨難行取易行修淨土法門呢?

Namo Amituofo!

March 18 2021

Mar 18, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

Recitation of Amitabah’s Name is the Karma of Assurance for rebirth in Amitabha’s Pure Land. Apart from it, all other cultivation practices are considered miscellaneous. For an aspirant, Amitabha and sacred beings will come, without needing to be invited, when he is near his end-of-life. They will comfort him with compassion, and pacify his mind.

An ordinary being’s mind is restless, like a monkey jumping from tree to tree. However, if a person believes in the principle above, his mind will be still. It is just like the unmoving reflection of the moon on the rapids of a river. The Buddha always dwells in our minds though our minds are confused.

Apart from practicing for our own benefit, if we wish to benefit others, we should study the related scriptures according to our capacities. However, how can we read all of the books which are published endlessly? Once reborn, we will naturally realize hundreds and thousands of teachings through our paranormal powers. At present, even if we can memorize every word of the scriptures, the only sentence that we can rely on near the end-of-life is Namo Amitabha Buddha!

往生彌陀淨土始終以「稱念彌陀名號」為正定業,除此之外皆是雜修雜行。願生之人,臨命終時,佛與聖眾,不請自來,「慈悲加祐,令心不亂」。

凡夫之心,猶如猿猴,無靜定時;然此理之信,如如不動,所謂「流急月不去,心亂佛常住」。

若自行之外,尚欲化他,則可量力研讀有關經論。否則,層出不窮之書,於己何涉?往生之後,三明六通,百千法門,不求自證。現在縱能背誦千言萬語,臨終一句難憑,唯佛是賴。

Namo Amituofo!

March 11 2021

Mar 11, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

(continued)

We have to understand further – As you have your own karma, your sons and grandsons have their own karma. If we are not reborn in the Land of Bliss, or fall into one of the hells, or ascend to one of the heavens, or are not born in another realm we enter the “Bardo” state, which can last for 49 days at most.

Within the 49 days, the “Bardo” (commonly known as soul) will follow the good and bad karma of the present life or of the many past lives, to reincarnate and start another life. So, the “Bardo” cannot stay with the family forever.

For that reason, no matter how reluctant we are to let go and detach from these circumstances, or to our wealth, we will be unable to follow our wishes because everyone receives his karmic retribution.

我們要再進一步了解,因為你有你自己的業,你的子孫有子孫的業,我們死後如果還沒有往生極樂世界,也還沒有墮入地獄,也沒有上升天庭或立即投胎轉世,這樣就是在中陰身,中陰身頂多是四十九天。

在這個四十九天當中,隨著過去生生世世,與今生今世所造的善業、惡業去投胎轉世,所以中陰身(俗稱靈魂)不可能永遠停留在這個家庭。

因此即使我們再怎麼執著世間,依戀眷屬,留戀這個環境,或者是貪戀財產(動產、不動產),也根本無法讓我們如意,因為每個人都是要隨業受報的。

Namo Amituofo!

March 10 2021

Mar 10, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

We must clearly understand that, when we approach death, we have to choose between two mental states at the critical moment. When we become aware that we are in our last moments, we need to let go of all worldly attachments. No matter how reluctant we are to let go, or how much we want to stay in this world, we must accept the inevitable.

Therefore, when we approach death, and our physical bodies can no longer serve us, if we can totally let go, we are assured of rebirth. If we hold on tightly, it implies that our mind of aspiration to be reborn in the Land of Bliss is not true, and we may face further births in the Saha world.

我們一定要清楚了解,到了臨終之時,在二選一的緊要關頭,你就不可以再對世間的一切存有絲毫貪著的心,因為你既已知道這是人生最後的時刻,這世間已經和你無關了,你再怎麼留戀,再怎麼執著,再怎麼想停留在這個世間,都必然是徒勞無功,已經是不可能了。

所以,當肉體已不能由我們作主,已經到了臨終之時,這個時候我們的執著之心就一定要全部放下,這樣就可以決定往生。如果這時還是執著不放,那就表示平時說要往生極樂世界的心是假的,不是真的,這樣就退轉了。

Namo Amituofo!

March 4 2021

Mar 4, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

(continued)

If a person fails to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, he will continue to reincarnate within the Six Realms. As he is still within the Six Realms, who can guarantee he will be reborn in human form life after life?

Though he can be born a celestial being, he will sink into a lesser realm when his wholesome reward ends. His rebirth is secure only if he is reborn in the Land of Bliss.

Once reborn in the Land of Bliss, he will cease reincarnating within the Six Realms, and be free of all karmic obstructions and offenses forever. Thus, the only wise choice is to aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss.

不往生極樂世界,那肯定還在娑婆六道輪迴,既然還在娑婆六道之中,誰能保證生生世世都能生而為人?

即使轉生為天人,福報盡了,還是要墮落啊!只有往生極樂世界才妥當,一旦往生極樂世界,則永斷六道輪迴,生生世世的業障、業報,就和我們毫無關係了,所以必須要求生極樂世界。

Namo Amituofo!

March 3 2021

Mar 3, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

Master Yinguang said, “All other teachings are like ants climbing up a mountain, while the teaching of rebirth through Amitabha-recitation is like sailing on a yacht with the current.” This means that it is not easy for people to practice any of the other teachings. Ants that climb up a mountain cannot swim across a river. They may be hurt or swallowed by wild beasts, or they may be in danger from strong winds, flooding, or other jeopardy. However, rebirth through Amitabha-recitation is like sailing on a yacht with a gentle current. It requires almost no effort for us to reach our destination.

(to be continued tomorrow)

印光大師說:「餘門學道,蟻子登山,念佛往生,風帆順水。」意思就是,學其他的法門就好像螞蟻爬山,人登山都不容易了,何況螞蟻爬山,遇到水就過不去,遇到野獸恐怕會被踏死或被吃掉,何況有風、雨及種種山難,是很危險的。

而「念佛往生,風帆順水」,風帆又遇到順水,幾乎都不用力量,順著風自自然然的就會到達目的地了。

Namo Amituofo!

February 24 2021

Feb 24, 2021

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings - Encouraging the Practice of Amitabha-Recitation

念佛警策

The teaching of Amitabha-recitation should not be presented as overly profound, mysterious, or difficult. It should not be exaggerated or described in ways that confuse people. It should be shared in a simple and easy way, naturally and intimately, so that even those who are illiterate or uncivilized can understand and do it. Otherwise, it is better not to speak, so as to avoid violating the Buddha’s intention above and misleading sentient beings below.

念佛法門不可講得很雜、很深、很玄、很難,或別立新義,欲顯異惑眾;要講得平易樸實,親切自然,使得連不識字、沒有文化的老太公、老太婆也能聽得懂、做得到。否則不如不講,以免上違佛意,下誤眾生。

Namo Amituofo!

February 15 2021

Feb 15, 2021

慧淨上人法語

念佛警策

In accordance with the Buddha’s intention, the one who believes in rebirth through Amitabha-recitation is a wise person. He is abundant in roots of virtues and meritorious blessings, with real eyes and real ears. Conversely, the one who does not believe in rebirth through Amitabha-recitation is a foolish person, who is lacking roots of virtues and meritorious blessings, with no real eyes and no real ears. The latter will fall into the wretched realms with his last breath. The Buddha says he is a pitiful person.

依佛之意,能信念佛往生,叫作智者,有大善根大福德,是有眼人,有耳人;不信念佛往生,叫作愚者,無善根無福德,是無眼人,無耳人,一息不來,便墮惡道,佛說「可憐愍者」。

Namo Amituofo!