Amituofo
Constantly, they used the Dharma sound to awaken all the worlds. “Dharma” refers to methods and principles. The teaching in the previous two excerpts is for self-cultivation and self-benefit. The teaching in this excerpt is for benefiting others. When we benefit from our learning and practice, we should use the experience, through words and our Read More …
With the power of meditative concentration and wisdom, they subdued Mara’s enmities. “Mara” does not refer to demons but to various afflictions that torture and torment us. The sufferings in this world are so painful that they are even more terrifying than encountering demons. “Enmities” refers to enemy. The sutras talk about “ten evils the Read More …
All followed and cultivated the virtues of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, were replete with infinite vows and practices, andsteadfastly dwelt in the virtues and merits of all dharmas. 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 amantab-hadra Bodhisattva” to the three Pure Land sutras and Read More …
I see from your letter that you have developed faith and wish to take refuge in the Buddhas and their teachings. When taking refuge in the Triple Jewel, however, you should cease all evil actions, perform wholesome deeds, fulfill your moral obligations, develop Faith and Vows, and practice Buddha Recitation, seeking rebirth in the Pure Read More …
I have just received your letter and am glad to learn that you have finally recovered from your long illness! The great issue of Birth and Death, the swiftness with which the ghost of impermanence can strike—these are things which we have all heard of and fear, but only when we have actually had Read More …
There area, in general, four methods of Pure Land practice: oral recitation (Holding the Name), contemplation of a Buddha image, Visualization (contemplation by thought) and True Mark Recitation. Among the four methods, oral recitation has the broadest appeal. It is not only easy to practice, it does not lead to “demonic events.” If you wish Read More …
The tenets of the Pure Land method are Faith, Vows and Practice. Only with true Faith and earnest Vows can Practice be assiduous and pure. The common disease of sentient beings is to be diligent and earnest when catastrophe strikes but lax and remiss in normal times. However, living in this current period is no Read More …
The Taoist Master “Ocean Corpse” recently conveyed your letter to me. From reading it, I learned that you have been practicing Taoism assiduously for a long time and that your achievements are profound. That you are now inquiring into the Pure Land method, which is the foremost practice in Buddhism, demonstrates that in previous lifetimes, Read More …
I am delighted to learn from your letter that you are deeply devoted to the Way. However, because of numerous commitments, including the need to review a commentary, my answer to you has been somewhat delayed. Greed, anger and delusions are afflictions common to everyone. However, if you are aware that they are diseases, their Read More …
The main tenets of the Pure Land method are Faith, Vows and Practice. Like a three-legged incense burner, if it lacks one leg, it cannot stand. You have diligently practiced Buddha Recitation and have no more doubts about the first criterion of Faith. However, you seem to be attached to the idea that there is Read More …