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Difference between revisions of "Infinite Life Sutra 01"

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Excerpt One
 
Excerpt One
 
[[File:2nn.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
 
[[File:2nn.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
All followed and cultivated the virtues of [[Samantabhadra]] [[Bodhisattva]],were replete with infinite vows and practices,and steadfastly dwelt in the virtues and merits of all dharmas.
+
All followed and cultivated the [[virtues]] of [[Samantabhadra]] [[Bodhisattva]],were replete with [[infinite]] [[vows]] and practices,and steadfastly dwelt in the [[virtues]] and [[merits]] of all [[dharmas]].
  
 
~ [[Infinite Life Sutra]] ~
 
~ [[Infinite Life Sutra]] ~
  
This first excerpt points out the objective of the [[Pure land]] school.
+
This first excerpt points out the [[objective]] of the [[Pure land]] school.
  
A well-accomplished practitioner added “The Chapter of the Vows and Practices of [[Samantabhadra]] [[Bodhisattva]]” to the three [[Pure land]] sutras and called them the four [[Pure land]] sutras. He did so based on the above excerpt. These words tell us that the beings in the Western [[Pure land]]—in the four lands and from the lowest grade to the highest of the nine [[Rebirth]] grades—all cultivated the virtues of [[Samantabhadra]]. It is not surprising then that in the Lotus Treasury assembly, all forty-one levels of [[Dharma]]-body Bodhisattvas follow the example of [[Samantabhadra]] [[Bodhisattva]]—they mindfully chant the Buddha-name and seek [[Rebirth]] in the Land of Ultimate Bliss.
+
A well-accomplished [[practitioner]] added “The [[Chapter]] of the [[Vows]] and Practices of [[Samantabhadra Bodhisattva]]” to the three [[Pure land]] [[sutras]] and called them the four [[Pure land]] [[sutras]]. He did so based on the above excerpt. These words tell us that the [[beings]] in the {{Wiki|Western}} [[Pure land]]—in the four lands and from the lowest grade to the [[highest]] of the nine [[Rebirth]] grades—all cultivated the [[virtues]] of [[Samantabhadra]]. It is not surprising then that in the [[Lotus]] Treasury assembly, all forty-one levels of [[Dharma-body]] [[Bodhisattvas]] follow the example of [[Samantabhadra Bodhisattva]]—they mindfully [[chant]] the Buddha-name and seek [[Rebirth]] in the Land of [[Ultimate]] [[Bliss]].
  
It is also stated in the [[Mahayana]] sutras that if a [[Bodhisattva]] does not cultivate the practice of [[Samantabhadra]], he will not be able to perfectly attain [[Buddhahood]]. “Perfect” refers to the attainment of perfect [[Buddhahood]], which is the [[Buddhahood]] of the Perfect Teaching mentioned in the Tiantai school.
+
It is also stated in the [[Mahayana sutras]] that if a [[Bodhisattva]] does not cultivate the [[practice]] of [[Samantabhadra]], he will not be [[able]] to perfectly attain [[Buddhahood]]. “Perfect” refers to the [[attainment]] of {{Wiki|perfect}} [[Buddhahood]], which is the [[Buddhahood]] of the Perfect [[Teaching]] mentioned in the [[Tiantai]] school.
  
“Vows” in “infinite vows and practices” means aspiration. “Practices” means implementation, to carry out. When we condense “infinite vows and practices,” we have the Four Great Vows. When expanded, the Four Great Vows become infinite vows and practices.
+
“[[Vows]]” in “[[infinite]] [[vows]] and practices” means [[aspiration]]. “Practices” means implementation, to carry out. When we condense “[[infinite]] [[vows]] and practices,” we have the [[Four Great Vows]]. When expanded, the [[Four Great Vows]] become [[infinite]] [[vows]] and practices.
 
[[File:Ages1.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
 
[[File:Ages1.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
  
[[Samantabhadra]] [[Bodhisattva]] uses the Ten Great Vows as the key guiding principle for infinite vows and practices. The practice of [[Samantabhadra]] differs from other methods, for the mind of [[Samantabhadra]] [[Bodhisattva]] is truly pure and impartial, without any discrimination or attachment. He treats everyone in the entire [[Dharma]] Realm equally.
+
[[Samantabhadra Bodhisattva]] uses the [[Ten Great Vows]] as the key guiding [[principle]] for [[infinite]] [[vows]] and practices. The [[practice]] of [[Samantabhadra]] differs from other methods, for the [[mind]] of [[Samantabhadra Bodhisattva]] is truly [[pure]] and impartial, without any {{Wiki|discrimination}} or [[attachment]]. He treats everyone in the entire [[Dharma Realm]] equally.
  
The first of the Ten Great Vows is “to respect all [[Buddhas]].” “All [[Buddhas]]” encompasses all beings. The Avatamsaka [[Sutra]] and the [[Sutra]] of Perfect [[Enlightenment]] both say “All beings are [[Buddhas]] in nature.” Therefore, “to respect all [[Buddhas]]” is to equally respect the past [[Buddhas]], the present [[Buddhas]], and the future [[Buddhas]] (all beings).
+
The first of the Ten Great [[Vows]] is “to [[respect]] all [[Buddhas]].” “All [[Buddhas]]” encompasses all [[beings]]. The [[Avatamsaka Sutra]] and the [[Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment]] both say “All [[beings]] are [[Buddhas]] in [[nature]].” Therefore, “to [[respect]] all [[Buddhas]]” is to equally [[respect]] the {{Wiki|past}} [[Buddhas]], the {{Wiki|present}} [[Buddhas]], and the {{Wiki|future}} [[Buddhas]] (all [[beings]]).
  
It is stated in the sutras that all [[Sentient beings]] have [[Buddha-nature]]. It is called [[Dharma]]-nature in non-[[Sentient beings]]. [[Buddha-nature]] and [[Dharma]]-nature refer to the same nature. This is why the Avatamsaka [[Sutra]] says “Sentient and non-[[Sentient beings]] all have the same Buddha-[[Wisdom]].”
+
It is stated in the [[sutras]] that all [[Sentient beings]] have [[Buddha-nature]]. It is called [[Dharma-nature]] in non-[[Sentient beings]]. [[Buddha-nature]] and [[Dharma-nature]] refer to the same [[nature]]. This is why the [[Avatamsaka Sutra]] says “[[Sentient]] and [[non-Sentient beings]] all have the same [[Buddha-Wisdom]].”
  
We should be as respectful to non-[[Sentient beings]] as to [[Buddhas]]. For example, tables and chairs are non-[[Sentient beings]]. Our respect to them should be the same as that to [[Buddhas]], without any difference. This is the practice of [[Samantabhadra]]. When we see tables and chairs, we put them in their proper places and keep them clean. This is showing our respect to them. The respect in our hearts is exactly the same, though there are differences in how we express that respect [to sentient beings and to non-sentient beings]. Practicing respect for all [[Buddhas]] starts from this point [the impartial respect for all beings].
+
We should be as respectful to [[non-Sentient beings]] as to [[Buddhas]]. For example, tables and chairs are [[non-Sentient beings]]. Our [[respect]] to them should be the same as that to [[Buddhas]], without any [[difference]]. This is the [[practice]] of [[Samantabhadra]]. When we see tables and chairs, we put them in their proper places and keep them clean. This is showing our [[respect]] to them. The [[respect]] in our hearts is exactly the same, though there are differences in how we express that [[respect]] [to [[sentient beings]] and to [[non-sentient beings]]. Practicing [[respect]] for all [[Buddhas]] starts from this point [the impartial [[respect]] for all [[beings]].
  
Everything should start with respect—not just when we are learning the supreme Buddha-[[Dharma]]. “Single-minded respect”—we often read these words in the repentance section that appears in the Buddhist practice book. Single-mindedness is the practice of [[Samantabhadra]]. It signifies impartiality. Single-mindedness is maintaining the same mind whether we encounter [[Buddhas]], people, animals, or tables and chairs. With two minds, differences and discrimination arise. Therefore, with two minds or three minds, we are not quite respectful and not following the practice of [[Samantabhadra]]. We must clearly understand this before we know how to learn.
+
Everything should start with respect—not just when we are {{Wiki|learning}} the [[supreme]] [[Buddha-Dharma]]. “[[Single-minded respect]]”—we often read these words in the repentance section that appears in the [[Buddhist practice]] [[book]]. [[Single-mindedness]] is the [[practice]] of [[Samantabhadra]]. It {{Wiki|signifies}} impartiality. [[Single-mindedness]] is maintaining the same [[mind]] whether we encounter [[Buddhas]], [[people]], [[animals]], or tables and chairs. With two [[minds]], differences and {{Wiki|discrimination}} arise. Therefore, with two [[minds]] or three [[minds]], we are not quite respectful and not following the [[practice]] of [[Samantabhadra]]. We must clearly understand this before we know how to learn.
 
[[File:Amida-Icon-Zenkyo.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
 
[[File:Amida-Icon-Zenkyo.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
  
The second vow is “to praise [[Tathagata]].” What is the difference between “[[Tathagata]]” and “Buddha”? From the aspect of form, we say “Buddha.” We should single-mindedly and equally respect all [Buddhas, all beings]. From the aspect of nature, we say "[[Tathagata]]." If something accords with the true nature, then it is good and we should praise it. If it does not accord with the true nature, then it is bad. We should be respectful to all but we should not praise bad things or wrongdoers. We should keep our distance [i.e., not learn from them] and continue to be respectful. There should be no difference in our respect.
+
The second [[vow]] is “to praise [[Tathagata]].” What is the [[difference]] between “[[Tathagata]]” and “[[Buddha]]”? From the aspect of [[form]], we say “[[Buddha]].” We should [[single-mindedly]] and equally [[respect]] all [[Buddhas]], all [[beings]]. From the aspect of [[nature]], we say "[[Tathagata]]." If something accords with the [[true nature]], then it is good and we should praise it. If it does not accord with the [[true nature]], then it is bad. We should be respectful to all but we should not praise bad things or wrongdoers. We should keep our distance [i.e., not learn from them] and continue to be respectful. There should be no [[difference]] in our [[respect]].
  
[[Sudhana]]’s visiting fifty-three wise teachers is a very good example of this. Normally, when he visited a wise teacher, he first showed respect and then praised the teacher. But among the fifty-three wise teachers, all of whom he showed respect, there were three he did not praise. The first of the three teachers was a Brahman named Jayosmaya, who symbolized ignorance. The second was a king named Anala, who symbolized anger. The third was a woman named Vasumitra, who symbolized greed. These three teachers symbolized greed, anger, and ignorance. To greed, anger, and ignorance, [[Sudhana]] showed respect but did not praise.
+
[[Sudhana’s]] visiting fifty-three [[wise]] [[teachers]] is a very good example of this. Normally, when he visited a [[wise]] [[teacher]], he first showed [[respect]] and then praised the [[teacher]]. But among the fifty-three [[wise]] [[teachers]], all of whom he showed [[respect]], there were three he did not praise. The first of the three [[teachers]] was a [[Brahman]] named [[Jayosmaya]], who [[symbolized]] [[ignorance]]. The second was a [[king]] named [[Anala]], who [[symbolized]] [[anger]]. The third was a woman named [[Vasumitra]], who [[symbolized]] [[greed]]. These three [[teachers]] [[symbolized]] [[greed]], [[anger]], and [[ignorance]]. To [[greed]], [[anger]], and [[ignorance]], [[Sudhana]] showed [[respect]] but did not praise.
  
From this we understand that when one praises, one praises the good, not the bad. But when one pays respect, one does not differentiate between good and bad. There is a significant difference between praising and paying respect. We must realize this.
+
From this we understand that when one praises, one praises the good, not the bad. But when one pays [[respect]], one does not differentiate between [[good and bad]]. There is a significant [[difference]] between praising and paying [[respect]]. We must realize this.
  
I will not go into detail about the Ten Great Vows, as I have done so elsewhere.
+
I will not go into detail about the [[Ten Great Vows]], as I have done so elsewhere.
  
 
[[File:B amitabha.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
 
[[File:B amitabha.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
The ten vows of [[Samantabhadra]] [[Bodhisattva]] sum up infinite practices and vows. But the forty-eight vows of Amitabha Buddha are more detailed than the Ten Great Vows. However, the most important of all is to be “replete.” Are we “replete”? If we have belief and practice but no vows,[1] then we will not be able to attain [[Rebirth]] in the Western [[Pure land]]. If we truly want to attain [[Rebirth]] in the Western [[Pure land]] in this lifetime, we must chant the forty-eight vows in the [[Infinite Life Sutra]] as our morning cultivation every day. By chanting them every day and constantly learning them, we make the forty-eight vows our causal vows. Then we are “replete” with the vows. Amitabha Buddha's forty-eight vows are infinite practices and vows, and encompass the Ten Great Vows of [[Samantabhadra]] [[Bodhisattva]] and the Four Great Vows.
+
The [[ten vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva]] sum up [[infinite]] practices and [[vows]]. But the [[forty-eight vows]] of [[Amitabha Buddha]] are more detailed than the Ten Great [[Vows]]. However, the most important of all is to be “replete.” Are we “replete”? If we have [[belief]] and [[practice]] but no [[vows]],[1] then we will not be [[able]] to attain [[Rebirth]] in the [[Western Pure land]]. If we truly want to attain [[Rebirth]] in the {{Wiki|Western}} [[Pure land]] in this [[lifetime]], we must [[chant]] the [[forty-eight vows]] in the [[Infinite Life Sutra]] as our morning [[cultivation]] every day. By [[chanting]] them every day and constantly {{Wiki|learning}} them, we make the [[forty-eight vows]] our [[causal]] [[vows]]. Then we are “replete” with the [[vows]]. [[Amitabha Buddha's forty-eight vows]] are [[infinite]] practices and [[vows]], and encompass the Ten Great [[Vows]] of [[Samantabhadra]] [[Bodhisattva]] and the [[Four Great Vows]].
  
“All . . . steadfastly dwelt in the virtues and merits of all dharmas.” “The virtues and merits of all dharmas” is “Namo Amituofo.” During the Sui and Tang dynasties, eminent monks compared the sutras from the Buddha’s forty-nine years of teaching to determine which was number one. They agreed that the Avatamsaka [[Sutra]] was number one. It was the king of the sutras and the fundamental [[Dharma]]-wheel. Next, they made a comparison between the Avatamsaka [[Sutra]] and the [[Infinite Life Sutra]] and concluded that the [[Infinite Life Sutra]] was number one. Why? At the end of the Avatamsaka [[Sutra]], [[Samantabhadra]] taught the Ten Great Vows and guided all beings to the Western [[Pure land]] and with this the [[Sutra]] was perfectly completed. On the other hand, the [[Infinite Life Sutra]], from the beginning to the end, describes the Western [[Pure land]]. Hence, the [[Infinite Life Sutra]] sums up and fulfills the final goal of the Avatamsaka [[Sutra]]. The [[Infinite Life Sutra]] is thus number one of all number ones.
+
“All . . . steadfastly dwelt in the [[virtues]] and [[merits]] of all [[dharmas]].” “The [[virtues]] and [[merits]] of all [[dharmas]]” is “[[Namo Amituofo]].” During the Sui and [[Tang dynasties]], {{Wiki|eminent}} [[monks]] compared the [[sutras]] from the [[Buddha’s]] forty-nine years of [[teaching]] to determine which was number one. They agreed that the [[Avatamsaka Sutra]] was number one. It was the [[king]] of the [[sutras]] and the fundamental [[Dharma]]-[[wheel]]. Next, they made a comparison between the [[Avatamsaka Sutra]] and the [[Infinite Life Sutra]] and concluded that the [[Infinite Life Sutra]] was number one. Why? At the end of the [[Avatamsaka]] [[Sutra]], [[Samantabhadra]] [[taught]] the [[Ten Great Vows]] and guided all [[beings]] to the [[Western Pure land]] and with this the [[Sutra]] was perfectly completed. On the other hand, the [[Infinite Life Sutra]], from the beginning to the end, describes the {{Wiki|Western}} [[Pure land]]. Hence, the [[Infinite Life Sutra]] sums up and fulfills the final goal of the [[Avatamsaka Sutra]]. The [[Infinite Life Sutra]] is thus number one of all number ones.
  
Mr. Xia Lianju divided the [[Infinite Life Sutra]] into forty-eight chapters. Which chapter is number one? The chapter with the forty-eight vows. The forty-eight vows were spoken by Amitabha Buddha himself and is the most important part of the entire [[Sutra]].
+
Mr. [[Xia Lianju]] divided the [[Infinite Life Sutra]] into forty-eight chapters. Which [[chapter]] is number one? The [[chapter]] with the [[forty-eight vows]]. The [[forty-eight vows]] were spoken by [[Amitabha Buddha]] himself and is the most important part of the entire [[Sutra]].
  
Of the forty-eight vows, which vow is number one? The eminent monks said that the eighteenth vow is number one. Why did they say so? The eighteenth vow says that through mindful chanting of Amituofo ten times at the end of one’s life one can attain [[Rebirth]] in the Western [[Pure land]]. This illustrates the inconceivability of the merit of the name of Amitabha Buddha. This is why the name of Amitabha Buddha is “the virtues and merits of all dharmas.”
+
Of the [[forty-eight vows]], which [[vow]] is number one? The {{Wiki|eminent}} [[monks]] said that the [[eighteenth vow]] is number one. Why did they say so? The [[eighteenth vow]] says that through [[mindful]] [[chanting]] of [[Amituofo]] ten times at the end of one’s [[life]] one can attain [[Rebirth]] in the {{Wiki|Western}} [[Pure land]]. This illustrates the inconceivability of the [[merit]] of the [[name]] of [[Amitabha Buddha]]. This is why the [[name]] of [[Amitabha Buddha]] is “the [[virtues]] and [[merits]] of all [[dharmas]].”
  
When the name of Amitabha Buddha is elaborated on, we have the forty-eight vows. When the forty-eight vows are elaborated on, we have the [[Infinite Life Sutra]]. When the [[Infinite Life Sutra]] is elaborated on, we have the Avatamsaka [[Sutra]]. When the Avatamsaka [[Sutra]] is elaborated on, we have all the sutras from Sakyamuni Buddha’s forty-nine years of teaching.
+
When the [[name]] of [[Amitabha Buddha]] is elaborated on, we have the [[forty-eight vows]]. When the [[forty-eight vows]] are elaborated on, we have the [[Infinite Life Sutra]]. When the [[Infinite Life Sutra]] is elaborated on, we have the [[Avatamsaka Sutra]]. When the [[Avatamsaka Sutra]] is elaborated on, we have all the [[sutras]] from [[Sakyamuni]] [[Buddha’s]] forty-nine years of [[teaching]].
  
[[File:IMG 2882.JPG|thumb|250px|]]
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Therefore, the [[name]] [[Amitabha Buddha]] is the key guiding [[principle]]. When we [[master]] this guiding [[principle]], we will thoroughly understand the entire [[Dharma]], all the [[sutras]], and all the [[Dharma]] doors.
  
Therefore, the name Amitabha Buddha is the key guiding principle. When we master this guiding principle, we will thoroughly understand the entire [[Dharma]], all the sutras, and all [[THE DHARMA]] doors.
+
“Steadfastly dwelt in” means focusing one’s [[mind]] on [[Amituofo]]. For a true [[practitioner]] who wants to have a fast, assured [[success]] in his [[practice]] in this [[lifetime]], the Buddha-name is all he needs. One [[chants]] and reads the [[sutras]] to understand the [[truth]]. Once [[confidence]] is established upon one's [[understanding]] of the {{Wiki|principles}} and the [[truth]], one will naturally let go of everything else.
  
“Steadfastly dwelt in” means focusing one’s mind on Amituofo. For a true practitioner who wants to have a fast, assured success in his practice in this lifetime, the Buddha-name is all he needs. One chants and reads the sutras to understand the truth. Once confidence is established upon one's understanding of the principles and the truth, one will naturally let go of everything else.
+
Not only [[Sakyamuni Buddha]], but all [[Buddhas]] use this method as the foremost method to teach all [[beings]]. The [[Pure land]] method is hard to believe but easy to [[practice]]. Only when one has great good [[fortune]] and great [[Wisdom]] will one be [[able]] to believe this method. In the [[Theravada]] [[tradition]] for example, [[Sariputra]][2] is foremost in [[Wisdom]]. In the [[Mahayana]] [[tradition]], [[Manjusri]] is foremost in [[Wisdom]]. Therefore, if one is not {{Wiki|superior}} in [[Wisdom]], one cannot believe this method.
  
Not only Sakyamuni Buddha, but all [[Buddhas]] use this method as the foremost method to teach all beings. The [[Pure land]] method is hard to believe but easy to practice. Only when one has great good fortune and great [[Wisdom]] will one be able to believe this method. In the [[Theravada]] tradition for example, Sariputra[2] is foremost in [[Wisdom]]. In the [[Mahayana]] tradition, [[Manjusri]] is foremost in [[Wisdom]]. Therefore, if one is not superior in [[Wisdom]], one cannot believe this method.
+
Let’s think about this. Not only can our [[Wisdom]] not compare with that of [[Manjusri]] [[Bodhisattva]], it cannot even compare with that of [[Elder Sariputra]] of the [[Theravada]] [[tradition]]. But when we hear the [[Pure land]] method, we are immediately [[delighted]], believe and accept it, and are willing to learn and [[practice]] it. From this viewpoint, we are not {{Wiki|inferior}} to [[Manjusri]] [[Bodhisattva]]. He chose this method, so have we. His choice was a [[wise]] one, so is ours.
  
Let’s think about this. Not only can our [[Wisdom]] not compare with that of [[Manjusri]] [[Bodhisattva]], it cannot even compare with that of Elder Sariputra of the [[Theravada]] tradition. But when we hear the [[Pure land]] method, we are immediately delighted, believe and accept it, and are willing to learn and practice it. From this viewpoint, we are not inferior to [[Manjusri]] [[Bodhisattva]]. He chose this method, so have we. His choice was a wise one, so is ours.
+
“Steadfastly dwelt” means our [[minds]] will no longer waver once we understand the {{Wiki|principles}} and the [[phenomena]] of the [[truth]], after which our [[minds]] will truly settle in “[[Namo Amituofo]].” This [[Namo Amituofo]] is “the [[virtues]] and [[merits]] of all [[dharmas]].”[3]
  
“Steadfastly dwelt” means our minds will no longer waver once we understand the principles and the phenomena of the truth, after which our minds will truly settle in “Namo Amituofo.” This [Namo Amituofo] is “the virtues and merits of all dharmas.”[3]
 
  
[[File:Pic1.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
+
[1] [[Belief]], [[vow]], and [[practice]] are the three requisites for [[being]] [[reborn]] in the [[Pure land]].—Trans.
  
[1] Belief, vow, and practice are the three requisites for being reborn in the [[Pure land]].—Trans.
+
[2] Both the [[Elder Sariputra]] and [[Manjusri Bodhisattva]] are listed in the assemblies listening to the [[Amitabha Sutra]] and the [[Infinite Life Sutra]].
  
[2] Both the Elder Sariputra and [[Manjusri]] [[Bodhisattva]] are listed in the assemblies listening to the [[Amitabha Sutra]] and the [[Infinite Life Sutra]].
+
[3] These are the [[virtues]] and [[merits]] of [[Buddhahood]].
 
 
[3] These are the virtues and merits of [[Buddhahood]].
 
 
{{R}}
 
{{R}}
 
[http://www.amtbweb.org/ils01.html www.amtbweb.org]
 
[http://www.amtbweb.org/ils01.html www.amtbweb.org]
  
 
[[Category:Infinite Life Sutra]]
 
[[Category:Infinite Life Sutra]]

Latest revision as of 05:18, 17 March 2015

Excerpt One

2nn.jpg

All followed and cultivated the virtues of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva,were replete with infinite vows and practices,and steadfastly dwelt in the virtues and merits of all dharmas.

~ Infinite Life Sutra ~

This first excerpt points out the objective of the Pure land school.

A well-accomplished practitioner added “The Chapter of the Vows and Practices of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva” to the three Pure land sutras and called them the four Pure land sutras. He did so based on the above excerpt. These words tell us that the beings in the Western Pure land—in the four lands and from the lowest grade to the highest of the nine Rebirth grades—all cultivated the virtues of Samantabhadra. It is not surprising then that in the Lotus Treasury assembly, all forty-one levels of Dharma-body Bodhisattvas follow the example of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva—they mindfully chant the Buddha-name and seek Rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss.

It is also stated in the Mahayana sutras that if a Bodhisattva does not cultivate the practice of Samantabhadra, he will not be able to perfectly attain Buddhahood. “Perfect” refers to the attainment of perfect Buddhahood, which is the Buddhahood of the Perfect Teaching mentioned in the Tiantai school.

Vows” in “infinite vows and practices” means aspiration. “Practices” means implementation, to carry out. When we condense “infinite vows and practices,” we have the Four Great Vows. When expanded, the Four Great Vows become infinite vows and practices.

Ages1.jpg

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva uses the Ten Great Vows as the key guiding principle for infinite vows and practices. The practice of Samantabhadra differs from other methods, for the mind of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva is truly pure and impartial, without any discrimination or attachment. He treats everyone in the entire Dharma Realm equally.

The first of the Ten Great Vows is “to respect all Buddhas.” “All Buddhas” encompasses all beings. The Avatamsaka Sutra and the Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment both say “All beings are Buddhas in nature.” Therefore, “to respect all Buddhas” is to equally respect the past Buddhas, the present Buddhas, and the future Buddhas (all beings).

It is stated in the sutras that all Sentient beings have Buddha-nature. It is called Dharma-nature in non-Sentient beings. Buddha-nature and Dharma-nature refer to the same nature. This is why the Avatamsaka Sutra says “Sentient and non-Sentient beings all have the same Buddha-Wisdom.”

We should be as respectful to non-Sentient beings as to Buddhas. For example, tables and chairs are non-Sentient beings. Our respect to them should be the same as that to Buddhas, without any difference. This is the practice of Samantabhadra. When we see tables and chairs, we put them in their proper places and keep them clean. This is showing our respect to them. The respect in our hearts is exactly the same, though there are differences in how we express that respect [to sentient beings and to non-sentient beings. Practicing respect for all Buddhas starts from this point [the impartial respect for all beings.

Everything should start with respect—not just when we are learning the supreme Buddha-Dharma. “Single-minded respect”—we often read these words in the repentance section that appears in the Buddhist practice book. Single-mindedness is the practice of Samantabhadra. It signifies impartiality. Single-mindedness is maintaining the same mind whether we encounter Buddhas, people, animals, or tables and chairs. With two minds, differences and discrimination arise. Therefore, with two minds or three minds, we are not quite respectful and not following the practice of Samantabhadra. We must clearly understand this before we know how to learn.

Amida-Icon-Zenkyo.jpg

The second vow is “to praise Tathagata.” What is the difference between “Tathagata” and “Buddha”? From the aspect of form, we say “Buddha.” We should single-mindedly and equally respect all Buddhas, all beings. From the aspect of nature, we say "Tathagata." If something accords with the true nature, then it is good and we should praise it. If it does not accord with the true nature, then it is bad. We should be respectful to all but we should not praise bad things or wrongdoers. We should keep our distance [i.e., not learn from them] and continue to be respectful. There should be no difference in our respect.

Sudhana’s visiting fifty-three wise teachers is a very good example of this. Normally, when he visited a wise teacher, he first showed respect and then praised the teacher. But among the fifty-three wise teachers, all of whom he showed respect, there were three he did not praise. The first of the three teachers was a Brahman named Jayosmaya, who symbolized ignorance. The second was a king named Anala, who symbolized anger. The third was a woman named Vasumitra, who symbolized greed. These three teachers symbolized greed, anger, and ignorance. To greed, anger, and ignorance, Sudhana showed respect but did not praise.

From this we understand that when one praises, one praises the good, not the bad. But when one pays respect, one does not differentiate between good and bad. There is a significant difference between praising and paying respect. We must realize this.

I will not go into detail about the Ten Great Vows, as I have done so elsewhere.

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The ten vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva sum up infinite practices and vows. But the forty-eight vows of Amitabha Buddha are more detailed than the Ten Great Vows. However, the most important of all is to be “replete.” Are we “replete”? If we have belief and practice but no vows,[1] then we will not be able to attain Rebirth in the Western Pure land. If we truly want to attain Rebirth in the Western Pure land in this lifetime, we must chant the forty-eight vows in the Infinite Life Sutra as our morning cultivation every day. By chanting them every day and constantly learning them, we make the forty-eight vows our causal vows. Then we are “replete” with the vows. Amitabha Buddha's forty-eight vows are infinite practices and vows, and encompass the Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva and the Four Great Vows.

“All . . . steadfastly dwelt in the virtues and merits of all dharmas.” “The virtues and merits of all dharmas” is “Namo Amituofo.” During the Sui and Tang dynasties, eminent monks compared the sutras from the Buddha’s forty-nine years of teaching to determine which was number one. They agreed that the Avatamsaka Sutra was number one. It was the king of the sutras and the fundamental Dharma-wheel. Next, they made a comparison between the Avatamsaka Sutra and the Infinite Life Sutra and concluded that the Infinite Life Sutra was number one. Why? At the end of the Avatamsaka Sutra, Samantabhadra taught the Ten Great Vows and guided all beings to the Western Pure land and with this the Sutra was perfectly completed. On the other hand, the Infinite Life Sutra, from the beginning to the end, describes the Western Pure land. Hence, the Infinite Life Sutra sums up and fulfills the final goal of the Avatamsaka Sutra. The Infinite Life Sutra is thus number one of all number ones.

Mr. Xia Lianju divided the Infinite Life Sutra into forty-eight chapters. Which chapter is number one? The chapter with the forty-eight vows. The forty-eight vows were spoken by Amitabha Buddha himself and is the most important part of the entire Sutra.

Of the forty-eight vows, which vow is number one? The eminent monks said that the eighteenth vow is number one. Why did they say so? The eighteenth vow says that through mindful chanting of Amituofo ten times at the end of one’s life one can attain Rebirth in the Western Pure land. This illustrates the inconceivability of the merit of the name of Amitabha Buddha. This is why the name of Amitabha Buddha is “the virtues and merits of all dharmas.”

When the name of Amitabha Buddha is elaborated on, we have the forty-eight vows. When the forty-eight vows are elaborated on, we have the Infinite Life Sutra. When the Infinite Life Sutra is elaborated on, we have the Avatamsaka Sutra. When the Avatamsaka Sutra is elaborated on, we have all the sutras from Sakyamuni Buddha’s forty-nine years of teaching.

Therefore, the name Amitabha Buddha is the key guiding principle. When we master this guiding principle, we will thoroughly understand the entire Dharma, all the sutras, and all the Dharma doors.

“Steadfastly dwelt in” means focusing one’s mind on Amituofo. For a true practitioner who wants to have a fast, assured success in his practice in this lifetime, the Buddha-name is all he needs. One chants and reads the sutras to understand the truth. Once confidence is established upon one's understanding of the principles and the truth, one will naturally let go of everything else.

Not only Sakyamuni Buddha, but all Buddhas use this method as the foremost method to teach all beings. The Pure land method is hard to believe but easy to practice. Only when one has great good fortune and great Wisdom will one be able to believe this method. In the Theravada tradition for example, Sariputra[2] is foremost in Wisdom. In the Mahayana tradition, Manjusri is foremost in Wisdom. Therefore, if one is not superior in Wisdom, one cannot believe this method.

Let’s think about this. Not only can our Wisdom not compare with that of Manjusri Bodhisattva, it cannot even compare with that of Elder Sariputra of the Theravada tradition. But when we hear the Pure land method, we are immediately delighted, believe and accept it, and are willing to learn and practice it. From this viewpoint, we are not inferior to Manjusri Bodhisattva. He chose this method, so have we. His choice was a wise one, so is ours.

“Steadfastly dwelt” means our minds will no longer waver once we understand the principles and the phenomena of the truth, after which our minds will truly settle in “Namo Amituofo.” This Namo Amituofo is “the virtues and merits of all dharmas.”[3]


[1] Belief, vow, and practice are the three requisites for being reborn in the Pure land.—Trans.

[2] Both the Elder Sariputra and Manjusri Bodhisattva are listed in the assemblies listening to the Amitabha Sutra and the Infinite Life Sutra.

[3] These are the virtues and merits of Buddhahood.

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