General Confusion and Misunderstandings by Amitabha-Reciters seeking Rebirth - By Master Jingzong
淨宗法師談念佛人的糊塗認識
Misunderstandings about the core of the Amitabha Sutra (continued)
Comments:
The five points listed above are easily misinterpreted, especially if they are taken too literally. However, if we follow the interpretations of Master Shandao, we will have a clear understanding of the correct meanings. This will strengthen our faith, aspiration, and practice.
How did Master Shandao explain these? He used one very important word “exclusivity” – exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s name. Exclusive recitation of the Buddha’s name provides “abundant virtuous roots and meritorious blessings”, and qualifies an Amitabha-reciter as “a good man or woman.”
One can exclusively recite the Buddha’s name according to the length of his life, whether it is long or short. This is the meaning of “for one day .... for seven days”. Exclusive recitation of the Buddha’s name means, not mixed or combined with other practices.
As a result of exclusive recitation of the Buddha’s name, the Buddha will naturally come and welcome the Amitabha-reciter near end-of-life, and protect him with all of his power, to insure that “his mind will not be severely confused”. Because of this he will be reborn with right mindfulness.
So, exclusivity is at the core of all of the core teachings, the main point of all main points, and the most essential of all essentials
對《阿彌陀經》核心經文的誤解
(續上)
這五點一般人往往容易望文生義而產生誤解,如果依據善導大師解釋,我們心中就會很明朗;心中明朗,信心就會穩固、堅定,行持起來就有力量。
善導大師怎麼解釋?善導大師的解釋就是一個“專”——專稱佛名。
專稱佛名,就是“多善根”。
專稱佛名,多善根故,稱為“善男子、善女人”。
專稱佛名,隨其壽命,長短不限,就是“若一日、若七日”。
專稱佛名,無二無雜,就是“一心不亂”。
專稱佛名,臨終佛自來迎,佛力護祐,自然“心不顛倒”,正念往生。
所以“專”是核心的核心,重點的重點,關鍵的關鍵。
Namo Amituofo!
