October 15, 2023

Oct 15, 2023

The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School - Master Shandao

善導大師

Master Honen exclusively practiced the Pure Land Path according to Master Shandao’s interpretations, and established the Pure Land School in Japan. Why didn’t he follow the teachings of the patriarchs of other schools?

It is because Master Shandao established the theology of the Pure Land School and realized Samadhi. That is why Master Honen had such high esteem and respect for him, and strictly adhered to his teachings.

法然上人雖然專修淨土,也在日本開創了淨土宗,但其他各宗的祖師也都有闡示淨土經論,為什麼法然上人不依據其他祖師,卻偏依善導大師呢?

這一方面是因為,善導大師是以淨土的思想來解釋淨土,另一方面是,善導大師是證得三昧的人,所以,法然上人就偏依善導大師,偏依就是獨尊。

Namo Amituofo!

February 9, 2023

Feb 9, 2023

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

Rebirth through Amitabha-recitation as said in the 18th Vow is: “Sincerely and joyfully entrust themselves to me, desire to be born in my land, and call my Name even ten times.”

“Sincerely and joyfully entrust themselves to me” – means, of course, to have no doubts, and clearly believe in the Buddha’s wisdom. Buddha’s wisdom refers to Amitabha Buddha’s power to deliver sentient beings in the ten directions. Any sentient being who merely recites the Buddha’s name is assured of rebirth, through the awesome, inconceivable merit and virtues of Amitabha.

By reciting Amitabha’s Name “ even ten times” we automatically accumulate various merits and virtues, because Amitabha’s Name contains unsurpassed merit and virtues. When we “joyfully entrust and wish to be reborn,” we are expressing our faith in Amitabha and our aspiration to be reborn in his Pure Land.

Thus, those who believe in assured rebirth through Amitabha-recitation are reborn by manifestation, not within a womb.

第十八願念佛往生是：「至心信樂，欲生我國，乃至十念。」 「至心信樂」當然沒有「疑惑心」，也就是「明信佛智」，「佛智」即是阿 彌陀佛救度十方眾生的力量，任何眾生，只要念佛，必定往生，正是 彌陀「威神功德，不可思議」之所在。

「乃至十念」之念佛就是「作諸功德」，因念佛是無上功德故，而「信樂 欲生」就是「信心迴向」。

故相信念佛必得往生，而念佛往生，都是化生而非胎生。

Namo Amituofo!

January 31, 2023

Jan 31, 2023

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

(continued)

So, the purpose of the commentaries and teachings given by our patriarchs is to inspire us from different perspectives to arouse faith in “assured rebirth through Amitabha-recitation.”

When we are unable to understand the profound meaning of faith, and endlessly try to grasp what is beyond our foolish brains, our patriarchs advise us to simply focus on Amitabha-recitation whether we believe it or not. In this way, our faith will be nurtured and our minds settled.

所以祖師的闡釋、法語，目的都是要啟發我們對「稱念必生」的信心，只是角度不 一樣而已。

當我們無法掌握信的內涵，推想東推想西、做方方面面的考量、甚至思惟高深玄 妙的道理時，祖師們就說，不管你信不信，稱念都必定往生。這樣當下就能啟發 信心而使人安心。

Namo Amituofo!

January 30, 2023

Jan 30, 2023

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

(continued)

Apart from that, I really practice the exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s name with no other assorted practices. Though I have merit and virtues attained through good acts, I will not take them as “subsidies” assisting my rebirth.

It is because, within the 18th Vow made by Amitabha, all faith, aspiration and practice are already given to us. However, because of differences in interpretation and acceptance, people may use different expedient ways to attain rebirth. As Master Ippen Shonin said, no matter whether we are pure or defiled, good or evil, believe or doubt, all those who recite the Name are assured of rebirth. From the point of view of reciters, their faith is inspired by the same Vow.

(to be continued tomorrow)

除此之外，也是真正的專念彌陀名號，除了專念彌陀名號之外，完全沒有雜修雜 行，即使有做其他的善事功德，也不會想以這個來作為往生的資助。 因為第十八願是彌陀所發的願，所以必須要將信、願、行都完整的交待，而對我 們凡夫的領解來說，則方法巧妙各有不同。

譬如日本一遍上人說，不論淨穢、善惡、信疑，稱念就必定往生，就是他從另一個 角度來解釋，但是同樣是在啟發我們的信心。

Namo Amituofo!

January 29, 2023

Jan 29, 2023

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

As said in the 18th Vow, you should fully believe in attaining assured rebirth through aspiration for rebirth and Amitabha-recitation. You should Really aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, and you should be genuine in practicing exclusive Amitabha-recitation. That is known as “sincerely and joyfully entrusting yourself”, “sincerely wishing to be reborn” and “sincerely reciting even ten times”. True sincerity comes from the bottom of your heart and is really produced from your deepest mind.

I really believe in the existence of Amitabha, and I believe Amitabha will certainly deliver me. I really believe in the existence of the Land of Bliss as my refuge, and I really wish to be reborn in the Land of Bliss. A person with this kind of genuine belief will not give up midway.

(to be continued tomorrow)

第十八願所講的是，你要真正的相信願生稱名就必定往生，你要真正的願生極樂 ，你要真正的專稱彌陀名號，所以才說要「至心信樂」，要「至心欲生我國」，要「至 心乃至十念」，所以至心是出自於內心，真正從內心產生的。

我從內心真正的相信有彌陀，而且相信彌陀是要救度我的，我真正的相信有極樂 ，極樂是我的歸宿，而我也真的願生極樂，這種相信就是真正的相信，就不會半途而廢。

Namo Amituofo!

January 20, 2023

Jan 20, 2023

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

“Even ten times” as said in the 18th Vow is the cause, which is name-recitation by sentient beings. “Should not be born there, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment” (as said in the 18th Vow) is the power of perfect Enlightenment, which is taking Amitabha’s vow power as the external condition. The reward of rebirth in the Land of Bliss refers to the passage on the accomplishment of the 18th Vow that says, “instantly attain rebirth and dwell in the state of non-retrogression.”

Having the cause and the condition, the reward is naturally obtained when the conditions ripen in harmony. So, cause means the intimate connection with Amitabha, and condition is the augmentative condition. In this way it will naturally blossom with fruit, which means the reward of attaining rebirth to become a Buddha.

「眾生稱念為『因』」就是第十八願之「乃至十念」,彌陀願力為緣就是第十八願「若不生者,不取正覺」的正覺的力量;「往生報土為『果』」,就是第十八願成就文的「即得往生,住不退轉」。

有了因,有了緣,因緣和合就自然能夠獲得果,所以因就是親因,緣就是增上緣,自然能夠開花結果,成就往生成佛的果報。

Namo Amituofo!

January 9, 2023

Jan 9, 2023

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

“To sincerely and joyfully entrust”, as stated in the 18th Vow, is to accept Amitabha’s deliverance and recite accordingly. It further means, our status of rebirth has already been acquired. We will enter the reward land within a lotus flower at the end of this life and be reborn as the lotus flower blossoms. This is not the case with other teachings. In those teachings, if a practitioner wishes to be reborn, he must aspire to rebirth and dedicate all of his merits to that purpose. He will then be reborn encased within a lotus bud.

We believe and accept the Pure Land teaching, which instructs us to exclusively recite Amitabha’s Name. We don’t need to practice meditation, contemplation, or learn the Threefold Tantric practices. However, if Pure Land practitioners wish to meditate, it should be OK. They can simply recite the Name while seated. However, they should not be attached to reaching a particular level of attainment.

第十八願的「信樂」是隨順彌陀救度,而且是現在已經獲得往生的身份,命終的時候就進入報土,蓮花化生。其他法門就不是這樣,如果想往生,必須迴向才能往生,而且是胎生。

我們信受淨土法門,就是專稱這句名號,不必坐禪,不必觀想,不必修學密宗的三密相應,不必的。可是如果有人喜歡打坐,那也可以,就以靜坐的方式稱念這句名號,當然你不是執著你的功夫。

Namo Amituofo!

January 2, 2023

Jan 2, 2023

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

“To sincerely and joyfully entrust”, as mentioned in the 18th Vow, is to obey, follow and accept Amitabha’s deliverance. It further means, the status of rebirth has already been acquired. Thus, allowing us to enter the reward land at the end of this life and be reborn within a lotus flower. It is not like that in other teachings. If practitioners wish to be reborn, they must dedicate their merit and virtues, aspire to rebirth, and attain rebirth within a lotus bud.

We believe and accept the Pure Land teaching, which relies upon the exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s Name. We don’t need to practice meditation, contemplation, or learn the Threefold Tantric practices. However, if Pure Land practitioners like to meditate, it should be OK, they can then recite the Name while sitting. However, they should not become attached to their own skills.

第十八願的「信樂」是隨順彌陀救度,而且是現在已經獲得往生的身份,命終的時候就進入報土,蓮花化生。其他法門就不是這樣,如果想往生,必須迴向才能往生,而且是胎生。

我們信受淨土法門,就是專稱這句名號,不必坐禪,不必觀想,不必修學密宗的三密相應,不必的。可是如果有人喜歡打坐,那也可以,就以靜坐的方式稱念這句名號,當然你不是執著你的功夫。

Namo Amituofo!

December 25, 2022

Dec 25, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

The 18th Vow says, “Those who sincerely and joyfully entrust themselves to me, wish to be reborn in my Land, and recite my name even ten times”, will be reborn. The method of rebirth mentioned in the 18th Vow reveals the Buddha mind of Amitabha.

With respect to sentient beings, all of the high, medium, and low aptitudes are included. There are almost no conditions. It enables all those who can set forth the Bodhi Mind and those who cannot, and all those who can or cannot accumulate all merits and virtues to be reborn. Thus, the 18th Vow thoroughly reveals Amitabha’s infinite compassion and incomparable power.

第十八願只說:「至心信樂,欲生我國,乃至十念」,就必使他往生。第十八願所講的這一種往生方法,可以說完全是阿彌陀佛的佛心的流露,對眾生來講是包含上、中、下任何根器,因為這當中幾乎是沒有什麼條件,它的門檻非常的低,低到幾乎沒有門檻,使得能發菩提心、不能發菩提心,能修諸功德、不能修諸功德,都能夠往生,徹底顯露佛平等的慈悲,徹底彰顯佛偉大的力量, 這都在第十八願當中。

Namo Amituofo!

December 17, 2022

Dec 17, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

How does Amitabha Buddha enable us to attain rebirth? By fully relying on Amitabha, believing in, and complying with his 18th Vow. (Through wishing to be reborn and exclusively reciting the Buddha’s Name, you will be reborn naturally when the time comes”.

阿彌陀佛是怎樣讓我們往生的?那是阿彌陀佛的事情,總之我們只要信順彌陀的第十八願──願生我國,專稱佛名,時間到了自然就往生。

Namo Amituofo!

December 9, 2022

Dec 9, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

(continued)

For a person who sets forth the Bodhi Mind and cultivates various merits and virtues, if he does not rely on the merits and virtues attained through his own practices; but, entirely relies on those of Amitabha’s Name, he is one with the aptitudes and capacities specified in the 18th Vow. He takes Amitabha-recitation as the fundamental that is the main cause of rebirth. In so doing, he doesn’t mean he abandons the Bodhi Mind or the cultivation of merits and virtues, however, he simply receives them through the exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s Name. Thus, in their deepest minds, he fully relies on Amitabha’s Name for rebirth, and not on the dedication of his own merit and virtues, andBodhi Mind for rebirth.

如果發菩提心、修諸功德這樣的人,他並不依靠自己修行的功德,而完全依靠名號的功德,那他就是第十八願的根機,不是十九願的根機。

第十八願的根機是取往生的正因──念佛為本,所以,並不是說他沒有發菩提心,也不是沒有修諸功德,只是他曉得往生的正因並非菩提心與功德,而是這一句彌陀名號,所以在他的內心是靠彌陀名號往生,而不是迴向自己的菩提心或其他功德往生的。

Namo Amituofo!

December 8, 2022

Dec 8, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

Based on the content of the 18th Vow, sentient beings and Amitabha become one entity. “If I (Amitabha) become a Buddha, sentient beings can certainly be reborn. If sentient beings cannot be reborn, I (Amitabha) vow not to become a Buddha.” It is not like that in the 19th Vow and 20th Vows.

The 19thVow is used by Amitabha Buddha to receive and guide practitioners of the Sacred Path, to leave the Sacred Path and accept the 18th Vow – the expedient and skillful means of exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s name.

(to be continued tomorrow)

從第十八願的內容來看,眾生和彌陀是機法一體的,我(彌陀)若成佛,眾生必定往生,眾生若不能往生,我(彌陀)誓不成佛;而第十九願和第二十願則不是。

第十九願是阿彌陀佛用來接引聖道門的行人,使其由聖道門轉入第十八願「專稱彌陀佛名」的一種善巧方便的施設。

Namo Amituofo!

November 29, 2022

Nov 29, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

Amitabha Buddha says in his 18th Vow, “if you wish to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, all you need to do is recite Namo Amituofo. If you do, but fail to be reborn, I am not qualified to become a Buddha. I have insufficient power to become a Buddha, and I have to cultivate further.”

Now, has Amitabha Buddha become a Buddha? Yes, he has. This means that, if we wish to be reborn in Amitabha’s Pure Land and exclusively recite Amitabha’s name, our rebirth in the Pure Land is guaranteed. Exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s name is “even ten times”. Why? It is because we are embraced by and protected within Amitabha’s light.

阿彌陀佛在第十八願就說:「你要願生極樂世界,你只要念南無阿彌陀佛,若這樣而我不能使你往生的話,我就不夠資格成佛,我就不夠力量成佛,我還要再修。」

現在阿彌陀佛成佛了沒?成佛了,表示我們願生彌陀淨土,專念彌陀佛名,專念彌陀佛名就是「乃至十念」,這個人就已經往生決定了,往生有份了,必定往生了,因為合乎祂的願了!為什麼?因為已全在祂的光明攝取當中了。

Namo Amituofo!

November 23, 2022

Nov 23, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

The 18th Vow is the cause of our rebirth, and also the cause of our attainment of perfect Enlightenment (Anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi) quickly. Thus, through benefitting ourselves we will be able to benefit others.

第十八願是往生之因,也是自利利他,速得成就阿耨多羅三藐三菩提之因。

Namo Amituofo!

November 17, 2022

Nov 17, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

(continued)

Just as there are secondary vows that highlight how the Land of Bliss has the foremost of the splendid and pure adornments in the Dharma Realm, sentient beings, upon hearing of it, will wish to be reborn there and learn the way to reach this world.

Thus, through the 18th Vow, Amitabha Buddha assures all sentient beings of equal rebirth in the Land of Bliss.

既然有其他的願顯現出極樂世界的清淨莊嚴殊勝是法界第一,那麼十方眾生不知則已,一旦知道必定會欣慕嚮往求生,就會尋找怎麼樣才能到達這樣的世界。

而在第十八願,阿彌陀佛就把十方眾生必定往生,而且平等往生極樂世界的方法顯現出來。

Namo Amituofo!

November 16, 2022

Nov 16, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

Why did Amitabha make his 48 vows? Undoubtedly, every single vow is solely for the sake of delivering sentient beings, even though one is the fundamental vow and the others are secondary vows.

The secondary vows are the other 47 vows, also known as the vows of admiration. Their purpose is to facilitate sentient beings in the ten directions to admire the pure adornments of the Land of Bliss, aspire to be born there, and practice exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s Name. (per the 18th Vow)

If there were no secondary vows, we would not know that the Land of Bliss is the foremost among all pure lands in the ten directions. If there were no sudden deliverance that transcends the Ten Grounds of Bodhisattvas, and expedites the achievement of Buddhahood, the magnificence of the Land of Bliss would not attract sentient beings in the ten directions to aspire to be reborn there.

(to be continued tomorrow)

阿彌陀佛發四十八大願的目的是為了什麼?每一願每一願都是為救度眾生,是無可懷疑的,只是有根本願、有枝末願。

枝末願就是其他的四十七願,也叫欣慕願,目的就是要讓十方眾生嚮往極樂世界的清淨莊嚴,而歸入第十八願的專稱彌陀佛名,如果沒有其他的願就不能顯現出極樂世界是十方世界第一的淨土,如果沒有往生就能頓超十地快速成佛,就不能顯現出極樂世界的殊勝,也就不能引起十方眾生的欣慕嚮往求生。

Namo Amituofo!

November 8, 2022

Nov 8, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teachings of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

In order for us to arrive in Amitabha’s land, we must of course, rely on Amitabha Buddha. To rely on Amitabha Buddha means to follow the exclusive practice of recitation of Amitabha’s name, as stated in the 18th Vow. Thus, we naturally comply with the functional capacity of the name. As Master Shandao says – it is natural because it perfectly matches with Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow. With a particular cause, there is a respective effect.

Those who practice according to the 19th Vow rely on their own power to cultivate various merits and virtues, and sincerely awaken the aspiration for rebirth. Their practices do not rely on Amitabha Buddha. Relying on oneself in these pursuits is bound to be flawed, no matter how hard we practice.

我們要到阿彌陀佛的國土,當然要依靠阿彌陀佛本身,依靠阿彌陀佛本身,就是依第十八願所講的稱念彌陀名號,這就合乎祂自然的功能。善導大師說「與佛本願得相應故」,自自然然的,有什麼因,就得什麼果。

如果是第十九願,就是靠自己「發菩提心,修諸功德」,然後「至心發願,欲生我國」。這一種根機等於不是完全靠阿彌陀佛,是靠他自己。靠自己的修行,再怎麼樣的「發菩提心,修諸功德」還是有漏的,不是無漏的。

Namo Amituofo!

October 25, 2022

Oct 25, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

(continued)

There are many cases recorded in the Sutras that reveal the ways Shakyamuni Buddha convinced and converted practitioners of the external path. Most of them slandered the Dharma. However, if they took refuge in the Buddha, and practiced in accordance with the Dharma, they could still attain the sacred fruition. This also included those who committed the five gravest offenses, including slandering the Dharma. If they hadn’t slandered, how could they make the Buddha bleed, or destroy the harmony of the Sangha?

So, among those who commit the five gravest offenses and slander the Dharma, unless they refuse to repent, they can still be reborn if they return to the Buddha. They will not be discarded or unable to be delivered by the Buddha because of their offenses.

諸經中釋尊降伏外道的事蹟,比比皆是,外道多有謗法者,然皈依佛陀,依教奉行,亦能入聖得果。何況五逆即含謗法,若不謗法,何來「出佛身血、破和合僧」?

故五逆謗法,除非至死不悔,否則迴心皆往,不會因為一經犯逆犯謗,就永被捨棄,不蒙救度。故《莊嚴經》言:「常運慈心拔有情,度盡阿鼻苦眾生。」

善導大師《法事讚》言:「以佛願力:五逆十惡,罪滅得生;謗法闡提,回心皆往。」

Namo Amituofo!

October 24, 2022

Oct 24, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

Those who commit the Five Gravest Offenses and slander the right Dharma are unable to be reborn, unless they repent and recite Namo Amitabha Buddha. This is in the true spirit of the Buddhist teachings; to first try to prevent people from committing the Five Grave Offenses and slandering the right Dharma. Secondly, because of Amitabha’s infinite kindness and compassion, they can still be reborn if they repent and recite Amitabha’s Name.

As stated in the Contemplation Sutra, if those on the lowest level of the low tier (wicked people who commit the five gravest offenses) sincerely recite Amitabha’s name, even near the end-of-life, their karmic offenses are immediately eradicated, and they can be reborn in the Pure Land of Bliss.

This indicates that, even if we commit the five gravest offenses, if we repent sincerely and recite Amitabha’s name,we can still be reborn in Amitabha’s Pure Land. It is the same for those who slander the right Dharma.

(to be continued tomorrow)

犯「五逆誹謗正法」者,除非至死不悔,才會不能往生;因為使逆者不逆,謗者不謗,正是佛教的精神所在,也是彌陀大慈大悲的目的。

如《觀經》下品下生之五逆罪人,臨終至心念佛,當下眾罪消滅,往生極樂淨土。可見犯五逆罪,只要至心悔改而念佛,依然往生彌陀淨土。而誹謗正法者,也是如此。

Namo Amituofo!

October 17, 2022

Oct 17, 2022

Master Huijing’s Short Dharma Teaching of the Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land School – the 18th Vow

淨宗傳承之第十八願

“Slandering the right Dharma” means that one doesn’t believe in the retribution of good and evil karma, cause and effect in the three periods of time, reincarnation within the Six Realms, or believe in Amitabha’s deliverance. Because he doesn’t believe in Amitabha’s deliverance he, of course, cannot be reborn in the Pure Land.

So, as long as you do not slander the right Dharma, believe in and accept Amitabha’s deliverance, aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss, and exclusively recite Amitabha’s name, you can be reborn. Thus, it says, “With the causal condition of believing the Buddha, all can attain rebirth.

誹謗正法就表示他不相信有善惡報應、三世因果、六道輪迴，不相信有彌陀救度，既然不相信，當然就不能往生。所以，只要不誹謗正法，信受彌陀救度、願生彌陀淨土、專稱彌陀佛名，都能夠往生，所以說「信佛因緣，皆得往生」。

Namo Amituofo!