0 002 【第二講】闡述《阿彌陀經釋要》（二）
002 [Lecture 2] Exposition of “The Essential Explanation On The Amitabha Sutra” (2)
上個禮拜講「釋迦世尊，出世說法。」這個出世說法就是「為度眾生故，所說法門，八萬四千，唯以淨土法門而得度者，不可數計。」這個意思是說，釋迦牟尼佛出世，是為了度眾生。那我自己想，我現在在這裡說法，也是為了度眾生。
Last week we talked about ”Shakyamuni World-Honored One, came to this world to teach the Dharma in order to save sentient beings.” This coming to the world to teach the Dharma is ”in order to save sentient beings, eighty-four thousand dharmas were taught. Only the beings saved by the Pureland dharma method were uncountable.” The meaning of this is that, Shakyamuni Buddha came to this world, to save sentient beings. Then I thought to myself, the reason why I am here expounding the dharma is also to save sentient beings.
Last week we talked about ”Shakyamuni World-Honored One, came to this world to teach the Dharma for the salvation of sentient beings.” This coming to the world to teach the Dharma is ”in order to save sentient beings, eighty-four thousand dharmas were taught. Just the beings saved by the Pureland dharma method were immeasurable.” The meaning of this is that, Shakyamuni Buddha came to this world, for the salvation of sentient beings. Then I thought to myself, at this moment I am here expounding the dharma, it is also for the salvation of sentient beings.
不過，有時候想一想，度眾生，其實是眾生難度。有時候又想，其實不只是眾生難度，度自己也難。一個人能夠真正度自己的話，已經有資格稱為聖人。我們這世界上的人，抱負都很大，現在有些想修行的人，一開始就發菩提心要度眾生。事實上，我是這樣子想的，將來我們這個宗派，假如有一個人得度，或者是兩個人得度，或者是更多人、十個人得度，那就非常高興了。
However, sometimes thinking about it, saving sentient beings, it is actually hard to save sentient beings. Sometimes I also think, it is not only sentient beings that is difficult to save, saving oneself is also hard. If a person can truly save himself, he is already qualified to be called a saint. People in this world have really great ambitions, nowadays some people who want to cultivate, from the start they initiate the bodhi mind wanting to save/liberate sentient beings. Actually this is how I think, in future if our school has one person saved, or two persons saved, or more persons, ten persons get saved, then I would be very happy.
However, sometimes thinking about it, saving sentient beings, it is actually difficult to save sentient beings. Sometimes I also think, it is not only sentient beings that is difficult to save, saving oneself is also difficult. If a person can truly save themselves, they ae already qualified to be called a saint. People in this world have really great ambitions, nowadays some people who want to cultivate, from the start they initiate the bodhi mind wanting to save/liberate sentient beings. Actually this is how I think, in the future in our sect, if one person attains salvation, or two people attain salvation, or more people, ten persons attain salvation, then I would be very happy.
事實上，度眾生是很困難的，度眾生要說很多的法。釋迦牟尼佛對小乘的眾生，講四諦法；對大乘的眾生，衪講六度法；對中乘的眾生，講十二因緣法。釋迦牟尼佛當初也講《阿彌陀經》，所以樂果法師講到這裡的時候，他講：「唯以淨土法門而得度者，不可數計。」
In reality, saving sentient beings is very difficult. To save sentient beings, many dharmas have to be taught. Shakyamuni Buddha to the Hinayana sentient beings taught the Four Noble Truths dharma; to the Mahayana sentient beings he taught the Six Perfections dharma; to the Middle vehicle sentient beings he taught the Twelve Causes and Conditions dharma. Shakyamuni Buddha at that time also taught the ”Amitabha Sutra”, so when Master Leguo taught until this point he said: ”Only the beings saved by the Pureland dharma method were uncountable.”
In fact, saving sentient beings is very difficult. To save sentient beings, many dharmas have to be taught. Shakyamuni Buddha taught the Hinayana sentient beings the Four Noble Truths dharma; to the Mahayana sentient beings he taught the Six Perfections dharma; to the Middle vehicle sentient beings he taught the Twelve Causes and Conditions dharma. Shakyamuni Buddha at that time also taught the ”Amitabha Sutra”, so when Master Leguo taught until this point he said: ”Only those who attain salvation through the Pure Land method are innumerable.”
什麼是淨土法門？淨土法門就是我們中國的慧遠老和尚，他到藏經樓看經書，看到這本《阿彌陀經》，他認為《阿彌陀經》裡面講的：「只要唸佛，唸到一心不亂，佛就會來接引往生西方」。慧遠老和尚認為這一部經是很方便、很好的法門，所以他創立了廬山唸佛社（白蓮社），這個法門就叫做「淨土法門」，也就是現在佛教的「淨土宗」。
What is the Pureland dharma method? The Pureland dharma method is when our Elder Monk Huiyuan from China, went to the Sutra Repository to read sutras and saw this ”Amitabha Sutra” book. He thought that what was said in ”Amitabha Sutra”, “As long as you recite the Buddha’s name until your mind is not distracted, the Buddha will come to lead you to Western Pureland.” Elder Monk Huiyuan thought this sutra was a very convenient and good dharma method. So he founded the Lushan Buddha Recitation society (White Lotus Society). This dharma method was called the Pureland dharma, which is what is currently Pureland School.
What is the Pure Land dharma method? The Pure Land dharma method was from our Elder Monk Huiyuan from China, he went to the Sutra Repository to read sutras and saw this ”Amitabha Sutra” . He thought that what was said in ”Amitabha Sutra”, “As long as you recite the Buddha’s name with a single mind , the Buddha will come to lead you to rebirth in the Western Pure Land.” Elder Monk Huiyuan thought this sutra was a very convenient and very good dharma method. So he founded the Lushan Buddha Nianfo Society (White Lotus Society). This dharma method was called the Pure Land dharma, which is now know as Pure Land Buddism.
我最早的時候，看過淨土宗的一本書，就是《龍舒淨土文》。這一本書裡面，它描寫有很多人，因為學習淨土、唸佛，而得到了大成就往生西方。
The first time I saw a book related to Pureland School, it was ”Longshu’s Pureland text”. In this book it describes how many people who have learnt about Pureland, reciting Buddha’s name, achieved great perfection and were delivered to Western Pureland.
In my earlier days, I read a Pure Land Buddhism book, it was ”Longshu’s Pure Land text”. In this book it describes how many people who have learnt about Pureland, reciting Buddha’s name, achieved great perfection and were delivered to Western Pureland.
我以前也是看這一本書，非常的感動。我們現在雖然是修密法，但是每一次修完密法，共修法會做完了以後，我們都有唸佛。我們以修密法為主，以唸佛為輔。我一直在想，因為密法必須要有大智慧的人來修，那淨土呢？不管你是大智慧、小智慧，通通可以修。所以呢！坐第一班飛機沒有坐到，也可以坐第二班。密法雖然沒有修到相應，但是你淨土唸得成熟，佛菩薩照樣來接你往生。所以，上師傳法並不是只講密宗，也講淨土，放了好多個網，就是要把魚兒網到。
In the past, I also read this book and was very moved. Even though we are practicing Tantric Buddhism now, everytime after we finish the Tantric practice, after the regular dharma ceremony is completed, we will all chant the Buddha’s name. Our core cultivation is Tantric dharma, supplemented by chanting the Buddha’s name. I have been thinking that since Tantric Dharma must be practiced by people with great wisdom, what about the Pureland? Regardless of whether you have great wisdom or little wisdom, you can practice cultivation. Therefore! If you didn’t get a seat on the first flight, you can still take the second flight. Even though in Tantric dharma you have not cultivated until you have a yogic response, however if your Pureland chanting is sufficient, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas will still come to deliver you. Therefore, when the master teaches the Dharma, he not only talks about Tantric/Esoteric Buddhism, but also talks about Pureland. He sets out many nets in order to catch the fish.
In the past, I also read this book and was very moved. Even though we are practicing Tantric Buddhism now, everytime after we finish the Tantric practice, after the regular dharma ceremony is completed, we will all chant the Buddha’s name. Our core cultivation is Tantric dharma, supplemented by chanting the Buddha’s name. I have have always thought. that Tantric Dharma must be practiced by people with great wisdom, what about Pure Land Buddhism? Regardless of whether you have great wisdom or little wisdom, everyone can practice. Therefore! If you didn’t get a seat on the first flight, you can still take the second flight. Even though in Tantric dharma you have not cultivated until you have a yogic response, however if your Pure Land chanting is sufficient, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas will still come to guide you to rebirth. Therefore, when the master teaches the Dharma, he not only talks about Tantric/Esoteric Buddhism, but also talks about Pure Land. He casts out many nets in order to catch the fish.
《佛說阿彌陀經》，這一本經「得度者，亦不可數計」。由於這一本經是佛所講的，又因為我們相信佛，所以相信有阿彌陀佛的淨土。我們唸衪的名字，衪因為聽到我們的呼喚，就可以來接引。就像你們今天剛開始聽我講「我的老主人請假一個小時」，你們會相信這是非常真實的！因為你們相信盧勝彥！假如你們不相信我的話，剛才我那一段話就等於是吹牛了。
”The Buddha Speaks of Amitabha Sutra” this scripture states that ”the beings saved by the Pureland dharma method were uncountable”. Because this sutra was taught by the Buddha, and because we believe in the Buddha, so we believe that there is Amitabha’s Pureland. We recite his name, and because he hears our call, so he can come to lead us. Just like today, at the start, you all heard me talk about ”my old master took leave for an hour”, you all would believe that this is very real! Because you all believe in Lu Sheng-yen! If all do not believe in me, then what I said earlier on is just tantamount to bragging.
”The Buddha Speaks of Amitabha Sutra” says that from this sutra ”those who attain salvation is also immeasurable‘‘. Because this sutra was taught by the Buddha, and because we believe in the Buddha, so we believe that there is Amitabha’s Pure Land. We recite his name, and because he hears our call, so he can come to lead us. Just like today, at the start, you all heard me talk about ”my old master took leave for an hour”, you all would believe that this is very real! Because you all believe in Lu Sheng-yen! If you did not believe in me, then what I said earlier on is just tantamount to boasting.
由此得知，我們因為：「相信釋迦牟尼佛語，並信六方諸佛語，念佛成佛者，為人生一大事因緣也。以此說來，希望諸位護法居士，聞法向人說。常作是好夢，況流通《佛說阿彌陀經》，受持讀誦，為人演說。以此功德利益，非心思口議，可能宣說者，乃佛因佛果也。」
From this we know that, believing in the words of Shakyamuni Buddha is believing in the words of the Buddhas of the six directions. Chanting the Buddha’s name one attains Buddhahood, born as a human this is the cause and condition of a great event. Hence to say, I hope that everyone protects the dharma and lay practitioners. Hear the dharma and speak it to others. To constantly do is a good dream, spread and transmit ”The Buddha Speaks of Amitabha Sutra”, to receive and recite. To expound it. The merits and benefits of these cannot be explained by thoughts and words, probably those who expound it, therefore have the cause of Buddhahood and the fruit of Buddhahood.
From this we know that, because we: “believe in the words of Shakyamuni Buddha and believe in the words of the Buddhas of the six directions, reciting the Buddha’s name to attain Buddhahood,is a significant event in life. Therefore, I hope that all protector of the dharma and lay practitioners, will listen to the dharma and share it to others. Doing it often is good dream, circulating ”The Buddha Speaks of Amitabha Sutra”, to receive, recite, expound to others. The merits and benefits of these cannot be explained by thoughts and words, probably those who expound it, is the cause and effect of Buddha.
佛講的經，其中有科學的，也有哲學、天文、地理、正法，也有方便法。像這樣子的大智覺者，在世界上是很少見的。由於我本人也到過西方極樂世界，而且我還保證，我是從西方極樂世界來的，假如將來翹掉以後，也可能就是直接回到那個地方去。我以前的「看見」是非常真實的，到現在為止還歷歷在目，就等於在我眼前一樣。因為有真實的看見，也就深信有真實的西方極樂世界。
The sutras taught by the Buddha include scientific ones, also philosophy, astronomy, geography, Righteous Dharma, also expedient methods. Such awakened ones with great wisdom are rare. As I personally have also went to Western Pureland, and have personally guaranteed that I came from Western Pureland, if in future after I leave I may probably just directly return to there. My previous ”seeings/ sightings” were very real, even now they are still vivid in my mind, as if they are right in front of my eyes. Because there is real seeing/sighting, thus I am convinced there is a real Western Pureland.
The sutras taught by the Buddha include scientific ones, as well as philosophy, astronomy, geography, Righteous Dharma, and also expedient methods. Such enlightened beings, are rare in the world. As I personally have been to the Western Pure Land, and I personally guaranteed that I came from Western Pureland, if in future after I leave I may probably just directly return to that place. My previous ” sightings” were very real, even now they are still vivid in my mind, as if they are right in front of my eyes. Because I have seen it truly, thus I deeply believe there is a real Western Pureland.
現在的法師講經，書上怎樣寫，他就怎樣子講。有人問他：「你去過西方極樂世界沒有？」他說：「我假如去了，我就死了！」好像問他去了沒有，是叫他快一點死的意思，因為那個殯儀館上面吊的都是「往生西方」嘛！
Nowadays the Masters when they expound dharmas, how it is written in the books, they say exactly the same. Someone asked: ”Have you been to Western Pureland?”. He said: ”If I had went, it means I am dead!” It is like asking if he has died, asking him to quickly pass away, because hanging above that funeral parlor is ”Reborn in the West/Western Pureland”!
Nowadays the Masters when they expound dharmas, however it is written in the books, is how they will teach. Someone asked: ”Have you been to Western Pure Land?”. He said: ”If I went there, it means I am dead!” It’s as if asking him if he has been there, is suggesting he should die sooner, because hanging above that funeral parlor is ”Rebirth in the West/Western Pureland”!
但是，今天上師在這裡可以告訴大家：「我確實是去了，而且我去過一次，only one，只有一次。以後要再去，衪說：『等你完蛋了再來！』」
However today here Master can tell everyone :”I truly did go, and I only went once, only one, only one time. If I want to go again he said: Come back again when you are finished!”
However today Master can tell everyone here :”I indeed went there, and I only went once, only one, only one time. If I want to go again he said: Come back again when you are finished!”
所以，我跟大家保證，確實有西方極樂世界，那裡的佛非常的莊嚴。大家可以相信釋迦牟尼佛講的話，也可以相信今天我講的話。只要我們平時早、晚有空的時候唸佛、心中想佛，而且一心不亂，佛一定來接引你。所以樂果法師講：「總言信釋迦佛語，並信六方諸佛語，念佛成佛者，為人生一大事因緣也。」
Therefore I assure everyone, there is indeed a Western Pureland. The Buddhas there are very majestic. Everyone can believe what Shakyamuni Buddha said and what I said today. As long as we normally recite the Buddha’s name in the morning and evening when we are free, think of the Buddha in our hearts, have a focused mind, the Buddha will come to lead you. Therefore Master Leguo said: ”In summary, those who believe in the words of Shakyamuni Buddha, and believe in the words of all Buddhas in the six directions. Chanting the Buddha’s name one attains Buddhahood, this is the cause and condition of a great event in one’s life.
Therefore I assure everyone, there is indeed a Western Pure Land. The Buddhas there are incredibly solemn. Everyone can believe what Shakyamuni Buddha said, and can also believe what I said today. As long as whenever we have time in the morning and evening, we recite the Buddha’s name, with Buddha in our hearts, with a focued mind, then Buddha will definitely come to guide you. Therefore Master Leguo said: ”believe in the words of Shakyamuni Buddha and believe in the words of the Buddhas of the six directions, reciting the Buddha’s name to attain Buddhahood, is a significant event in life.
我覺得釋迦牟尼佛本身也是很聰明的，有很大的智慧。衪的選擇跟世界上一般人的選擇是不同的。這世界上的人，假如是一個王子身分的話，會選擇將來當國王，不會出家，這個叫做「一大事因緣」。今天釋迦牟尼佛假如沒有出家，衪當了印度其中一個小國的國王，今天沒有人會認識衪。今天誰認識印度那些小國的國王叫什麼名字啊！老實講，就算美國歷任總統，我只認識幾個，像開國的華盛頓、林肯、威爾遜、傑佛遜啦！這幾個比較有名的，其他的就不認識。所以事實上來講，釋迦牟尼佛的選擇是對的，衪要出家當佛，不願當國王。
I think Shakyamuni Buddha himself is also very smart and has great wisdom. His choice is different from the choices of ordinary people in the world. People of this world, if they are born as a prince, they will choose to become king in future and not become ordained as a monk. This is called ”the causes and conditions of a great event.” Today if Shakyamuni Buddha did not renounce the world, and he became King of a small country in India, no one would know him today. Today, who knows the names of the kings of those small countries in India! To be honest, the presidents of United States I only know a few. Like the founding father Washington, Lincoln, Wilson, and Jefferson! These few are more famous, the rest I don’t know. So in fact, Shakyamuni Buddha made the right choice. He wanted to renounce the world to become a Buddha rather than a king.
I think Shakyamuni Buddha himself is also very smart and has great wisdom. His choice is different from the choices of ordinary people in the world. People of this world, if they are born as a prince, they will choose to become king in future and not become a monk. This is called ”significant opportunity .” Today if Shakyamuni Buddha did not renounce the world, and he became the King of a small Kingdom in India, no one would know him today. Today, who knows the names of the kings of those small Kingdom in India! To be honest, the presidents of United States I only know a few. Like the founding father Washington, Lincoln, Wilson, and Jefferson! These few are more famous, the rest I don’t know. So in fact, Shakyamuni Buddha made the right choice. He wanted to renounce the world to become a Buddha rather than a king.
再說回來，以前我在軍中從少校退下來，我的長官跟我講：「你不要退呀！你不退的話，我給你中校當，而且再往上升，可能可以升到少將、當將軍呀！」我說：「我不要，我不要當將軍，假如現在我當將軍，沒有幾個人認得我，只有幾個部下認得我。」所以今天我學佛，也是為了人生一大事因緣，因此現在全世界上才有將近十幾萬的弟子。
Talking back to this, in the past when I retired from the rank of major in the army, my superior officer told me: “Don’t retire! If you don’t retire, I will make you a lieutenant colonel. If you go up further, you may be promoted to major general, become a general!” I said: “I don’t want it, I don’t want to be a general. If I become a general now, few people will recognize me and only a few subordinates will recognize me.” So today I am learning Buddhism for the sake of the causes and conditions of a great event, so therefore there are then nearly a hundred thousand disciples in the world.
Speaking of which, in the past when I retired from the military as a major, my superior told me: “Don’t retire! If you don’t retire, I will make you a lieutenant colonel. If you rise further, you might even become general, become a major general!” I said: “I don’t want it, I don’t want to be a general. If I had become a general, few people will recognize me and only a few subordinates will recognize me.” So today I am learning Buddhism for the sake of a great event in life, therefore now there are nearly a hundred thousand disciples in the world.
所以今天這個選擇，我們現在都是選擇人生的一個大事因緣，當國王啦、當將軍啦，都比不上學佛更有意義。像這世界上的有錢人，有的時候，人家並不一定認識他。那我們今天學佛、學法就是為了一大事因緣。我們的出發點跟釋迦牟尼佛是一樣的，這樣子我們的人生會比其他任何人更有意義。
So today this choice, we are now all choosing the causes and conditions of a great event in life. Becoming a king, becoming a general, it cannot compare to the meaningfulness of learning Buddhism. Like the rich people in this world, sometimes people don’t necessarily know them. Now today we learn Buddhism, learning dharma is for the causes and conditions of a great event. Our starting point is the same as Shakyamuni Buddha, this way our life will be more meaningful than anyone else’s.
So today this choice, we are now all choosing a great event in life., bceome a king, become a general, it cannot compare to the meaning of learning Buddhism. Like the rich people in this world, sometimes people don’t necessarily know them. Now today we learn Buddhism, learning dharma is a great event. Our purpose is the same as Shakyamuni Buddha, this way our life will be more meaningful than anyone else’s.
樂果法師說：「以此說來，希望諸位護法居士，聞法向人說。常作是好夢，況流通《佛說阿彌陀經》，受持讀誦，為人演說。以此功德利益，非心思口議，可能宣說者，乃佛因佛果也。」我們都是有佛因跟佛果的人，今天聽《佛說阿彌陀經》，我們要經常向人宣說阿彌陀佛的功德，印《佛說阿彌陀經》，經常唸佛，或者讀誦這一本經典，常常向人演說這一本經典。這是非常有功德，而且有意義的。講的人是種了佛的因在眾生的心上，那聽的人會得到佛的果！今天講到這裡。
Master Leguo said:” Hence to say, protect the dharma and lay practitioners. Hear the dharma and speak it to others. To constantly do is a good dream. Moreover to spread and transmit ”The Buddha Speaks of Amitabha Sutra”, to receive and recite. To expound it. The merits and benefits of these cannot be explained by thoughts and words, probably those who expound it, therefore have the cause of Buddhahood and the fruit of Buddhahood.” We are all with the cause and fruit of Buddhahood, today we listen to “The Buddha Speaks of Amitabha Sutra”, we must always expound the merits of Amitabha Buddha to others, print “The Buddha Speaks of Amitabha Sutra”, chant the Buddha’s name frequently, or read and recite this Sutra, often expound this Sutra. This is very meritorious and meaningful. The person who expounds this has planted the cause of Buddhahood in the hearts of sentient beings, and those who listen will obtain the fruit of Buddhahood! Today I will speak until here.
Master Leguo said:” in this regard, I hope each protector of dharma and lay practitioners. Listen to the dharma and share it to others. Doing it often is good dream, circulating ”The Buddha Speaks of Amitabha Sutra”, to receive, recite, expound to others. The merits and benefits of these cannot be explained by thoughts and words, probably those who expound it, is the cause and effect of Buddha. We all have the cause and effect of Buddha, today we listen to “The Buddha Speaks of Amitabha Sutra”, we must always expound the merits of Amitabha Buddha to others, print “The Buddha Speaks of Amitabha Sutra”, chant the Buddha’s name often, or read and recite this Sutra, often expound this Sutra. This is very meritorious and meaningful. The person who expounds this has planted the cause of Buddha in the hearts of sentient beings, and those who listen will obtain the fruit of Buddha! Today I will speak until here.
嗡嘛呢唄咪吽。
Om Mani Padme Hum.