The Patriarchal Lineage of the Pure Land Teaching - Master Shandao
善導大師
Master Shandao did not interpret “sincerely and joyfully entrust” in the 18th Vow in a complicated and sophisticated manner. He interpreted it as “recite my Name” in a straightforward way, and affirmed that sentient beings who recite are assured of rebirth”. It is the karma of assurance that accords with the 18th Vow.
The enlightening explanation of Master Shandao is a true expression of his wisdom and compassion. It is clear cut, concise and precise. There is no room for further discussion or argument. With respect to Shakyamuni’s teachings in his era, he drew an earth-shattering conclusion:
Though the preceding passages spoke of the merits of the meditative and non-meditative virtues (Shakyamuni’s teachings in his era) , the Buddha’s underlying wish is that sentient beings recite Amitabha’s Name single-mindedly “even ten times”.
Thus, the exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s Name is the foundation of the entire Pure Land Teaching. Through exclusive recitation of Amitabha’s Name, we believe and accept Amitabha’s deliverance, and aspire to be reborn in his Pure Land. It also establishes faith, aspiration and practice as the fundamental principles of the Pure Land Teaching , and also the reason why it is considered an “Easy Path”.
善導大師對第十八願「至心信樂」四個字,不作任何複雜玄奧的種種解釋,只直接了當地解釋為「稱我名號」四個字,並斷言「眾生稱念,必得往生」,因為「是名正定之業,順彼佛願故」。
大師這種解釋非常巧妙,真截根源,斬釘截鐵,簡明扼要,斷盡凡夫所有擬議之心。又對淨土宗乃至釋尊一代教法,下了一個石破天驚的總結論說:
「上來雖說定散兩門(一代教法)之益,望佛本願,意在眾生,一向專稱彌陀佛名(「乃至十念」的念佛)。」
因此,「專稱彌陀佛名」即是整個淨土宗的旗幟,以「專稱彌陀佛名」來
「信受彌陀救度」而「往生彌陀淨土」;也以此顯示淨土宗信願行的內容,及淨土宗易行道的原因。
Namo Amituofo!
