September 28, 2023

Sep 28, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

Master Shandao clarified “sincerely and joyfully entrust” by interpreting it as “ recite my Name”. We should be deeply grateful for that change because it comforts us, and gives us hope and light. Without Master Shandao’s interpretation, we wouldn’t understand what we have to “entrust” in, and we wouldn’t know the content of “even ten times”.

Without this compass, we would get lost. There would be no light, no hope, and no comfort. Master Shandao’s explanation is a great source of grace for us.

善導大師將「至心信樂」解釋為「稱我名號」，對我們來講是恩同再造，給我們安慰，給我們希望，給我們光明。如果沒有善導大師的這一種解釋，我們不敢肯定「至心信樂」是信什麼？「乃至十念」是什麼樣的內容？沒有一個指南針，看不清楚，那就沒有光明，沒有希望，沒有安慰了。所以善導大師的這一種解釋，對我們而言，真的是恩同再造。

Namo Amituofo!

September 6, 2023

Sep 6, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

How did Master Shandao explain "sincerely and joyfully entrust” in the 18th Vow? He said, “Call my Name”! He explained “wish to be reborn in my Land” as “vow to be reborn in my Land”. He explained “even ten times” as “call my Name, even ten times”.

This explanation is very simple, concise, and precise. It allows us to know what “sincerely and joyfully entrust” in the 18th Vow means, and what we should believe. It is actually to believe that all we need to do is “recite my Name”. This is because, by reciting Amitabha’s Name, and relying on the merit and virtues of his Name, we are assured of rebirth in the Land of Bliss.

So, whatever we believe, it does not exceed the content of “recite my Name”. If we depart from this content, it is not the “faith” of our School.

善導大師解釋第十八願,對第十八願的「至心信樂」如何解釋呢?解釋為「稱我名號」。「欲生我國」解釋為「願生我國」。「乃至十念」解釋為「稱我名號,下至十聲」。

善導大師這一種解釋,非常的簡單扼要明瞭,讓我們曉得第十八願所講的至心信樂,到底是信甚麼啊?原來是信「稱我名號」。

因為稱祂的名號,依靠祂名號的功德,就必定往生極樂世界。那我們的信,信來信去都不離開這個內容,如果離開這個內容,就不是我們這個法門的信。

Namo Amituofo!

August 30, 2023

Aug 30, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

(continued)

Relying upon the karmic power of Amitabha Buddha’s great vow, good ordinary beings, of course, can be reborn. Ordinary beings with the Five Gravest Offenses and the Ten Unwholesome Deeds can be reborn provided that they rely upon the Buddha, recite Amitabha’s Name, and aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss.

“Offenses are eliminated and rebirth is assured” with recourse to Amitabha's vows and Amitabha’s Infinite Buddha power. Even those who slander the Right Dharma and those without virtuous roots, will attain rebirth if they rely upon the Buddha, aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, and exclusively recite Amitbha’s Name. So, it says, “With recourse to Amitabha’s vow power, even those who commit the Gravest Offenses and the Ten Unwholesome Deeds can attain assured rebirth with all karmic offenses eradicated, and those who slander the Right Dharma and have no virtuous roots can be reborn if they rely upon Amitabha Buddha.”

以阿彌陀佛的大願業力,善的凡夫固然能夠往生,五逆十惡的凡夫,只要回心轉意,念佛願生極樂世界,以阿彌陀佛的願力、阿彌陀佛的佛力、阿彌陀佛的功德力量,也能夠使他五逆十惡的罪消滅,而得生極樂世界,這就是所謂的「罪滅得生」。

乃至誹謗佛法的眾生、一闡提的眾生,他也只要回心轉意,願生極樂,專念彌陀名號,同樣也通通沒有一個遺漏的往生極樂世界。所以說:「以佛願力:五逆十惡,罪滅得生;謗法闡提,迴心皆往。」

Namo Amituofo!

August 29, 2023

Aug 29, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

(continued)

Because I know that “I” am not a good ordinary being; yet, “I” am still included in “all good and evil ordinary beings.” Despite being an evil ordinary being, I am not excluded from Amitabha’s deliverance! This gives us great hope.

“All good and evil ordinary beings” of course includes - those who commit the Five Gravest Offenses, slander the Right Dharma, and have no virtuous roots. “Good” refers to those who try to uphold the Five Precepts and the Ten Wholesome Deeds. “Evil” includes those who commit the Five Gravest Offenses, the Ten Unwholesome Deeds, slander the Right Dharma, and have no virtuous roots. Those who truly have no virtuous roots deny and reject the retribution of good and evil.

(to be continued tomorrow)

因為,「我」即使不是「一切善惡凡夫」之中的善凡夫,可是也是屬於「一切善惡凡夫」之中的惡凡夫,儘管是惡凡夫也是往生有份的,並不因為是惡凡就在彌陀救度之外,所以給我們莫大的希望。

善惡凡夫也包含逆謗闡提,善有五戒十善,惡有五逆十惡。在這裡的惡,不但包含了十惡,也包含了五逆的眾生、謗法的眾生,甚至是一闡提的眾生,一闡提就是斷善根的意思,也就是他否定有善惡報應。所以「一切善惡凡夫」是含蓋著五逆、謗法、闡提的。

Namo Amituofo!

August 28, 2023

Aug 28, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

It is not unusual for us to misunderstand when Master Shandao explains “sentient beings in the ten directions” as “all good and evil ordinary beings”. He did this because the scope of sentient beings in the ten directions is too broad, and this may cause us to believe that we are excluded from Amitabha’s deliverance.

This is because we think we are of the low level, and not good enough to be included. So, Master Shandao is straightforward when he includes “ALL good and evil ordinary beings” to explain “sentient beings in the ten directions”. It gives us absolute hope, knowing that “sentient beings in the ten directions” INCLUDES ME.

(to be continued tomorrow)

善導大師用「一切善惡凡夫」來解釋十方眾生,對我們而言是很貼切的,也讓我們容易掌握。因為十方眾生看起來範圍太廣了,我們會誤以為其他的眾生能夠往生,恐怕我沒有份,遺漏了我,因為,我是一個卑賤低下、惡多善少的凡夫,恐怕是沒有份吧?所以善導大師就直截了當的用「一切善惡凡夫」來顯示十方眾生的涵義,給我們很大的、絕對性的希望,曉得十方眾生就是指「我」。

Namo Amituofo!

August 20, 2023

Aug 20, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

We must study the Three Pure Land Sutras and the explanation of the Fundamental Vow, in order to understand, believe in, and accept the teachings. In addition, we should practice the exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s Name according to Master Shandao’s teachings.

不研究淨土教理則已,不專修淨土法門則已,凡是要專修淨土、研究淨土,就必須依善導大師本願取意文的解釋,去信受它、去明瞭它,進而依善導大師所解釋的去實踐。

Namo Amituofo!

August 11, 2023

Aug 11, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

“There are many different ways to comment on and interpret the meaning of the Fundamental Vow; however, we should accept only Master Shandao’s explanation as our guide.” This is because Master Shandao’s explanations are simple and precise, clear and easy to understand. They are easy to interpret, easy to memorize, and easy to practice. The 18th Vow was originally clear and easy to understand. However, if it is presented in a manner that is too sophisticated,

people can not grasp its real meaning, and they develop biases. It should be clearly stated in the first place, then one can easily understand it. If it is overly interpreted and inflated with profound meanings, it becomes redundant and biased.

「本願註解,異義多端,唯應以善導之釋為其指南」,因為善導大師的解釋,簡明、扼要、明瞭,一看就容易理解,而且容易默記,容易行持。第十八願本來就很清楚很明白的,如果把它發揮得很玄奧,令人摸不著邊際,那其實就已經偏頗了。因為它是一目了然,當下可以明瞭、掌握的,卻作過多玄奧的解釋,恐怕就會變成畫蛇添足,走向偏離。

Namo Amituofo!

August 5, 2023

Aug 5, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

As Amitabha-reciters our purpose is to be reborn in the Land of Bliss. In order to do this we need a good advisor, whose teaching is pristine and whose practice is exclusive. Even though we aim for the Land of Bliss, and know the method of exclusive recitation of “Namo Amituofo”, we may lose our bearings in the course of learning if we have no good advisor to guide us, and help us with any worries that may hinder the great matter of our rebirth.

As far as a good advisor in our school is concerned, Master Shandao, the incarnation of Amitabha, is the most authoritative among all patriarchs. Master Shandao was an eminent monk in the Tang Dynasty. One time, when he recited Amitabha’s Name , a beam of light came out of his mouth. The Emperor and the Buddhists of his time called him “ the Great Monk of Light”. Master Shandao established the dogma of the pristine Pure Land School and is considered its de facto founder. When learning and practicing the Pure Land teaching, one must practice in accordance with the theology set forth by Master Shandao, the incarnation of Amitabha. In this way you will not waste your time.

我們是念佛的人,目的是要往生極樂世界,同樣也要有純正不偏、專修專弘的善知識來指導我們。否則,雖然目標是極樂世界,曉得方法是專念南無阿彌陀佛,但若沒有善知識指導,學習的過程恐將多繞彎路、迷失方向;或者因心中有所擔憂,而障礙了往生大事。

我們這一個法門的善知識,以祖師來講,最有權威的就是彌陀化身的善導大師。善導大師是唐朝的一位高僧,他念一聲佛號就有一道光明,當時的皇帝以及學佛者,都尊稱他為「光明和尚」。善導大師是純正淨土宗教理的開創者,亦即淨土宗的開宗祖師。要修學淨土法門,就必須根據彌陀化身的善導大師的淨土思想去修持,這樣才不會走冤枉路。

Namo Amituofo!

July 29, 2023

Jul 29, 2023

Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

Master Shandao explained the main objective of the passage of the Three Tiers in the Great Sutra as follows: “The Buddha says the root and aptitude of all sentient beings are different, divided in high, medium and low. In accordance with their root and aptitude, the Buddha urges all of them to exclusively urge the Name of Infinite Life Buddha. Thus, when that person approaches death, the Buddha and a multitude of sacred beings will automatically welcome and receive, so that all will attain rebirth.”

善導大師闡釋《大經》三輩的旨趣就說：「佛說一切眾生，根性不同，有上中下；隨其根性，佛皆勸專念無量壽佛名；其人命欲終時，佛與聖眾，自來迎接，盡得往生。」

Namo Amituofo!

July 23, 2023

Jul 23, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

The practice that Master Shandao emphasized is “the recitation of Amitabha’s Name in accordance with his Fundamental Vow”. This is very different from other masters who talked about Amitabha-recollection as the Real Mark in contemplation, accumulation of merit and virtues, the accomplishment of various spiritual skills, etc. It is based on the Fundamental Vow that Dharmakara Bodhisattva, an incarnation of Amitabha Buddha, made to deliver all sentient

beings in the causal ground. Thus, by simply practicing the exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s Name, one can be reborn in the Land of Bliss with reliance on Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow. Thus, it is called “name-recitation in accordance with the Fundamental Vow”. It means, if we practice name-recitation in accordance with the Fundamental Vow, we are assured of rebirth in the Pure Land.

善導大師所說之念佛,與其他諸師所說之實相、觀想或累積功德、成就工夫之念佛不同,而是「本願念佛」,是以阿彌陀佛於因位名為法藏菩薩之時所發起救度一切眾生之「本願」為其基礎,只要稱名念佛便是乘上彌陀本願而被救往生彌陀淨土,此謂之「本願念佛」,亦即依「本願念佛,必生淨土」。

Namo Amituofo!

July 16, 2023

Jul 16, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

The recitation of Amitabha’s Name is incomparable to any other Buddhist teachings or practices, because its power and effects are Infinite. The practice of reciting the Name is absolutely splendid. It is the core principle of the Pure Land teaching of the Shandao lineage.

All other masters see Amitabha as one of the Real Marks. They see Amitabha-recollection as just another form of Contemplation. They also teach the Six Paramitas and a myriad of other practices that they view as superior to Amitabha- recitation. However, Master Shandao, an incarnation of Amitabha, deeply knows that the Name contains an absolute value, that no other

practices can compare with.

Thus, Master Shandao says in the Chapter on Meditative Virtues in his Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra, “Though other practices are called “virtuous ", none of them are comparable to Amitabha-recitation. These are the characteristics within the practice of Amitabha-recitation, as taught by Master Shandao.

名號勝諸行,與任何之行相比,名號都是絕對性的殊勝之行,這是淨土宗善導流的特質。

其他諸師皆以實相念佛、觀想念佛或六度萬行為勝行,以稱名念佛為劣行;然,彌陀示現的善導大師深知名號具有絕對性之價值,非其餘諸行所可比較。

而於《觀經疏》「定善義」言:自餘眾行,雖名是善,若比念佛者,全非比較也。此是善導大師「稱名說」之特色。

Namo Amituofo!

June 29, 2023

Jun 29, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

Master Shandao left his home to become a monk before he was 20. After a few years of practice, he realized the state of Samadhi. “Samadhi”, in Pure Land Buddhism, means seeing the Buddha and the incredible sacred scenes in the Land of Bliss when the mind is in a meditative state. It is very rare to have a young man of around 20 be able to realize Samadhi. It clearly indicates that Master Shandao was already a Bodhisattva when he returned to our world.

善導大師十多歲出家,二十幾歲已證入三昧,所謂「三昧」,就是在定中見佛、定中見到極樂世界的莊嚴聖境。二十幾歲就能證入三昧,這在佛教歷史中是很少有的,年輕就已經達到那種境界,表示善導大師是一個再來人。

Namo Amituofo!

June 22, 2023

Jun 22, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

The lineage, lifeline, and scriptures established by Master Shandao were lost in the late Tang Dynasty. Ever since, all scholars and practitioners of the Pure Land teaching interpret the Pure Land teaching with reference to the dogmas of their own schools. They do not follow the Three Pure Land Sutras in order to interpret the Pure Land teaching. As a result, the Pure Land teaching is not really the Pure Land teaching, and the Sacred Path is not really the Sacred Path.

善導大師這一傳承、這個法脈、這系列著作在唐朝末年就失傳了,以致於自古以來,凡是研修淨土法門的學者或行者,都是依據他們本宗的各自教理來解釋淨土法門。也由於沒有完全依據淨土法門的經典來解釋淨土法門,導致淨土不成為淨土,聖道不成為聖道。

Namo Amituofo!

June 14, 2023

Jun 14, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

Master Shandao was able to synthesize the Pure Land teachings and form a school by presenting it in a way that was so systematic and well organized that people could easily see the method of attaining rebirth - the Five Primary Practices. People don’t find it difficult to

comprehend or that its meanings are ambiguous. Master Shandao’s synthesization set the precedent. Master Daochuo, Master Shandao’s teacher, and Master Tanluan, whom Master Daochuo followed, contributed a great deal and played important roles in the Pure Land

lineage; but, the synthesizer was undoubtedly Master Shandao.

善導大師之所以能夠開展一個宗門出來,就是因為他將淨土法門做有系統、條理性的組織,讓人很淺易的就能夠一眼看出往生的方法──五正行,而不會覺得艱澀,或模稜兩可。善導大師這種開展可以說是前無古人,後無來者,當然他的師父道綽禪師以及道綽禪師所依止的曇鸞大師,對於淨土法門已經有所發揮和開展了,可是集大成者卻是在善導大師。

Namo Amituofo!

June 6, 2023

Jun 6, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

Master Shandao is the synthesizer of the Pure Land teaching, and well-known as an incarnation of Amitabha. A beam of light emitted from his mouth with every recitation of Amitabha’s Name.

Every syllable of Amitabha’s Name is encircled by his light. Master Shandao’s explanation of the 18th Vow is very concise and precise, full of masterful insights and inspiring words. All of his sentences reveal the Buddha’s compassionate mind, and all of his words emit light.

If, when I achieve Buddhahood, sentient beings of the ten directions who wish to be reborn in my land and recite my name, even ten times, should fail to be born there, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.

Today Amitabha is before us, having achieved Buddhahood. We should know that his Fundamental Vow has been unequivocally fulfilled. If sentient beings recite his name, they will certainly be reborn in the Land of Bliss.

This 48-word explanation of Amitabha’s 18th Vow is the foundation of the Pure Land School. It is the benchmark, anywhere in the world and in any period of time. Following it, one hundred out of one hundred and one thousand out of one thousand can be reborn. Discarding it, it is difficult for even one or two out of a hundred, or three or four out of a thousand to be reborn.

善導大師是淨土法門的集大成者,世稱「彌陀化身」;每念佛一聲,便有一道光明從其口出,聲聲佛號,聲聲光明。善導大師對第十八願(本願)有非常簡明扼要,立論堅確不移,語出警悟十方,句句顯佛悲心,字字皆放光明的解釋。

若我成佛,十方眾生,稱我名號,下至十聲,若不生者,不取正覺;彼佛今現,在世成佛,當知本誓,重願不虛,眾生稱念,必得往生。

此「四十八字願成釋」可謂淨宗宗憲,放之四海皆準,俟之百代不惑。依此,百即百生、千即千生;捨此,百中難得一二,千中難得三五。

Namo Amituofo!

May 29, 2023

May 29, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

Master Shandao’s Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra has the honor of being considered the “all-time definitive commentary” by all of the great masters. It is like the golden rule.

There are two principles that serve as the “eyes”, and another two that serve as the “hearts” of the book. Though two, they are one in principle. Knowing the principle, we can thoroughly understand the objective of the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra.

The first principle is to believe and accept the deliverance Amitabha offers us. The second principle is the exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s Name. Both of these are based on the 18th - Fundamental Vow. It means we fully accept and rely upon Amitabha’s deliverance, so that our lives and Amitabha’s form one entity.

《觀經四帖疏》古今大德皆尊稱為「楷定疏」或「證定疏」,奉為金科玉律,崇敬如經。

此書眼目有二處,心要亦有二處;雖有二處,共明一理,知此一理,則《觀經四帖疏》之宗旨,瞭如指掌。

此一理即是信彌陀本願之救度,稱彌陀本願之名號;亦即全部生命頂戴彌陀救度,生命與彌陀成為一體。

Namo Amituofo!

May 23, 2023

May 23, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

The Pure Land School originates from Amitabha Buddha’s 48 vows, especially the 18th Vow. The one whose explanation is most authoritative, most easily understood, and inspires people to joyfully entrust Amitabha, is Master Shandao.

Master Shandao was an incarnation of Amitabha. Because of this, his explanation of the 18th Vow is equivalent to Amitabha Buddha himself explaining his Fundamental Vow. This makes it the most authoritative and reliable. In response, we should time and again return to Master Shandao’s teachings.

我們這一個法門的根源,是來自阿彌陀佛的四十八願,尤其是根本願第十八願。解釋第十八願最有權威的,而且最能夠讓一般人一看就懂,當下就肯定,當下就增長信心,增長法喜的,就是善導大師的解釋。

善導大師是彌陀的示現,以彌陀示現的善導大師來解釋第十八願,等同彌陀自己來解釋祂所發的根本願,所以是最權威可靠,因此我們要回歸善導大師。

Namo Amituofo!

May 17, 2023

May 17, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

Ever since that time, most Buddhists eventually accept this teaching, recite Amitabha’s Name, and return to the Pure Land. Thus, as we see, the Pure Land teaching is thriving in China. However, no one there can establish a Pure Land school. Though Master Shandao initially constructed the dogmas of the Pure Land teaching, there are no successors to further expound it.

Master Honen deeply respected Master Shandao, and he diligently studied all of the Five Books and the Nine Fascicles written by Master Shandao. Based upon his deep study and practice, he was able to distill the essence of those teachings and wrote a book called “the Collection on Choosing Amitabha-Recitation in Accord with the Fundamental Vow”. In that work, he further systematized the theology of Master Shandao’s literary works.

So, if we are not wise enough, yet wish to read Master Shandao’s Five Books and Nine Fascicles, we may not fully understand the principles, core teaching, and aim of the theology of Master Shandao. However, if we start with “the Collection on Choosing Amitabha-Recitation in Accord with the Fundamental Vow”, we may more clearly understand the core teachings and the aim of Master Shandao, as easily as seeing the palm prints of our hands.

中國自古以來,大多數學佛人最後還是念佛歸向淨土的,所以淨土法門在中國佛教是一枝獨秀,可是並沒有人能夠創立一個淨土的宗派出來,雖然善導大師已經將淨土教理初步建構完成了,但是後繼無人,沒有人把它進一步開展。

法然上人獨尊善導大師,他將善導大師的所有著作「五部九卷」完全消化後,提煉出最精純的部分,寫成這一本《選擇本願念佛集》,可以說《選擇本願念佛集》是把善導大師的著作思想,進一步系統化的組織。

所以,我們如果直接去看善導大師的五部九卷,若是智慧不足,反而會看不出善導大師思想的宗旨、核心和目的。若是由法然上人的《選擇本願念佛集》下手,那麼善導大師的思想核心,善導大師的目的,善導大師的法是什麼,就像看我們手掌中的掌紋一樣,瞭如指掌。

Namo Amituofo!

May 11, 2023

May 11, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

(continued)

Based on these criteria, Master Shandao possessed all the necessary qualifications. He was exclusive in practicing the Pure Land teaching, and, at the same time, his teachings were influential, deep, and vast. Because he promoted Amitabha-recitation for rebirth throughout most of his life, the capital (Zhang-an) was filled with the sounds of Amitabha-recitation, and almost all of the butchers there lost their jobs. From that, we know Master Shandao was proficient in his practice and in teaching others to believe.

Master Shandao wrote five books in nine fascicles, purely based on the three Pure Land scriptures. He especially emphasized Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow - the 18th Vow. What he taught was unprecedented. Systematically and logically, he compiled and organized the dogmas of Pure Land teaching, so that people would be able to establish new Sanghas with reference to them.

就此而論,善導大師具備這個條件標準。因為善導大師他本身專修淨土,同時他的教化非常的廣遠,在當時由於善導大師提倡念佛往生,使得長安城充滿念佛聲,甚至賣肉的生意蕭條,可見善導大師自修化他,自信教人信的深廣。

善導大師對這個法門有「五部九卷」的著作,這五部九卷都是純粹依據淨土的經典,尤其是依據彌陀根本的願心──第十八願開展出來的;且所開展的,是發前人所未發,將淨土的教理,有系統的組織起來,使淨土宗教理能夠系統化、邏輯化,也使得後來的人可以依據他的教理去創建一個宗派。

Namo Amituofo!

May 10, 2023

May 10, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao

善導大師

There are 13 recognized patriarchs in the Pure Land School of China. Master Shandao is the second patriarch. These 13 patriarchs taught and practiced the Pure Land teaching. They were virtuous and highly respected, so that many sentient beings followed them and learned the teaching. With respect to the Pure Land School, they benefited many sentient beings and contributed greatly. This is why they were chosen to be patriarchs. However, accepting the above conditions as benchmarks is not strict enough.

There should be four basic benchmarks:

1. He must have practiced the Pure Land teachings exclusively.

2. He must have contributed literary works.

3. His teaching must cover the ultimate truths, not expedient means.

4. His teachings must expand upon the core teachings of the School.

That is to say, his literary works must strictly abide by only the teachings of the School. His contributions cannot have been authored or published by anyone else. One who meets these criteria is qualified to be chosen as a patriarch.

(to be continued tomorrow)

中國淨土宗自古到現在為止,共推崇十三位祖師,善導大師被尊為第二位祖師。這十三位祖師本身是專修這個法門,有德行,同時也使很多眾生依循著他來學這個法門,也就是以這個法門來利益廣大的眾生,對於淨土法門有很大的貢獻,所以被推舉為祖師。

但其實僅僅以上述的條件為標準,是不夠嚴謹的,因為被推為一宗的祖師,是有標準的,這標準基本有四:(一)他本身專修淨土,(二)要有著作,(三)所說是了義非不了義,(四)於宗義有所發揮。

亦即他本身也有著作,而且這個著作完全是依據這個法門,不偏不倚,純純粹粹,同時是發前人所未發。這樣才有資格被推為祖師。

Namo Amituofo!