Merits of Amituofo (阿弥陀佛) Recitation

• Dawnfirstlight

  15 Feb 12, 20:11

  All Classes Go to the Pure Land

  Buddha-name recitation enables all classes of people to attain birth in the Pure Land, from the most virtuous Buddhist saints, to those who are incapable of meritorious actions and do not develop the aspiration for enlightenment.

  In Pure Land terminology, ‘nine classes” go to the Pure Land. The highest class are those who achieve the traditional goals of Buddhism–that is, who free themselves from desire, observe the precepts, and practice the six perfections of giving, discipline, forbearance, energetic progress, meditation and wisdom. The lowest class who go to the Pure Land are those who keep on, as wayward human animals, piling up evil karma and committing all kinds of sins: even they can attain birth in the Pure Land, if only they focus their minds and recite the buddha-name.

  Buddha-name recitation in itself dissolves away evil karma, no matter how serious – so say the Pure Land teachings. Infinity lies latent in the gaps within moment-to-moment mundanity – in the Zen formulation. But above all it is the power of Amitabha that makes birth in the Pure Land possible for sinners as well as saints, because Amitabha has vowed to save all who faithfully and single-mindedly invoke his name.

  Buddha-Name Recitation

  Buddha-name recitation is practiced in many forms: silently or aloud, alone or in groups, by itself or combined with visualization of Amitabha or contemplation of the concept of buddha, or combined introduction with the methods of Zen. The aim is to concentrate one’s attention on Amitabha, and let all other thoughts die away. At first and all along, miscellaneous thoughts intrude, and the mind wanders. But with sustained effort, one’s focus on the buddha-name becomes progressively more steady and clear. Mindfulness of buddha–buddha-remembrance–grows stronger and purer.

   

  Reciting the buddha-name functions as a powerful antidote to those great enemies of clear awareness that Buddhists have traditionally labeled “oblivion” and “scattering.” “Oblivion” refers to the tendency of the human mind when not occupied by its habitual thoughts to sink into a state of torpor and sleepy nescience. “Scattering” is the other pole of ordinary mental life, where the consciousness flies off in all directions pursuing objects of thought and desire.

  Through the centuries, those who practice it have found that buddha-name recitation is a much more beneficial use of mind than the ordinary run of hopes and fears that would otherwise preoccupy their minds. Calm focus replaces agitation and anxiety, producing a most invigorating saving of energy. “Mixed mindfulness is the disease. Mindfulness of buddha is the medicine.”

  According to the Pure Land teaching, all sorts of evil karma are dissolved by reciting the buddha-name wholeheartedly and single-mindedly. What is karma? In Buddhist terms, “karma” means “deeds,” “actions.” Through sequences of cause and effect, what we do and what those we interact with do determines our experience and shapes our perceptions, which in turn guides our further actions.

  Habitual patterns of perception and behavior build up and acquire momentum. Now we are in the grips of “karmic consciousness,” so-called because it is a state of mind at once the result of past deeds and the source of future deeds. This is the existential trap from which all forms of Buddhist practice aim to extricate us.

  According to the Pure Land teaching, buddha-name recitation is more effective for this purpose than any other practice, and can be carried out by anyone. The key is being single-minded, focusing the mind totally on Amitabha, and thus interrupting the onward flow of karmic consciousness. This is where Zen and Pure Land meet.

• Dawnfirstlight

  25 Feb 12, 13:12

  念佛功德一

  1. 大行和尚將念佛總��種利益，何等為�？

  一�佛力加被。二�易作。三�功德最多。

  四�自他極喜。五�速得見佛。六�定得�退。

  七�定生極樂。八�更�離佛。��壽命長�。

  ��與�無異。

• Dawnfirstlight

  25 Feb 12, 13:41

  • 

   

  
  

  西方三圣
• Dawnfirstlight

  2 Mar 12, 19:54

  Is Mindfulness Of Buddha Applicable In Everyday life?

  Summarised in one line, the Pure Land teachings, which are the most popular in the Mahayana tradition, teach that via faithful single-minded practice of mindfulness of Amituofo (Amitabha Buddha) using his name, coupled with sincere aspiration to reach his pure realm (Pure Land) to perfect learning and practising the Dharma, one would be able to be born there, upon which enlightenment is eventual, guaranteed with the presence of enlightened teachers.

  Sometimes, there is the misconception, that the Pure Land teachings are less, or even not applicable in everyday life, because they seem to focus more on dying, death and rebirth, which seems to be a matter deserving attention during the last days of this life, instead of right here and now. This is a serious misconception, because the Pure Land teachings are actually of immediate importance and urgency.

  They are directly applicable in our daily lives, simply because we can pass away any day (and at any time), and we will pass away. Uncertainty of where we will be reborn is thus a constantly pressing problem. The Pure Land teachings are about ensuring one has the safest and best of rebirths. If left entirely to 'chance', one will never attain such a precious rebirth. It thus makes perfect sense to be as mindful of Amituofo as possible in everyday life.

  
  Understanding and practising the Pure Land teachings well re-orientates how we look at and live this life too, as we become more ethical and compassionate in conduct, which increases merits for enabling birth in Pure Land. As mindfulness of Buddha aligns us to our Buddha-nature and Amituofo, it also trains calm concentration of the mind directly, for the arising of clear insight into the Buddha's teachings. Connecting to Amituofo lets his blessings flow to us. Why wait?
  

  To be as close to a Buddha as possible,
  be as mindful of the Buddha as possible.
  To become a Buddha as soon as possible,
  be as mindful of the Buddha as possible.
  

• Dawnfirstlight

  3 Mar 12, 20:51

  Listen to Amituofo recitation, it helps you to relax :

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmQrILDSJB0&feature=related

• Dawnfirstlight

  21 Mar 12, 16:12

  念佛利益
  
  一�昼夜常得一切诸天大力神将，�形守护。
  
  二�常得如观世音等二�五大��而为守护。
  
  三�常为诸佛昼夜护念，阿弥陀佛放光接引。
  
  四�一切�鬼�夜��罗刹，皆�能害，毒蛇�毒�，悉�能中。
  
  五�水�怨贼，刀箭�械，牢狱横死，悉皆��。
  
  六�先所作罪，悉皆消�，所�怨命，皆蒙解脱，更无执对。
  
  七�夜梦�祥或�阿弥陀佛，胜妙色身。
  
  八�心常欢喜，颜色光泽，气力充沛，所作�利。
  
  ��常为一切世间人民，�敬礼拜，犹如敬佛。
  
  ��命终心�怖�，正念现�，三圣金�，接生净土，�胜妙�。夫如�者，四生慈父，三界导师；称�者获�无�，礼敬者罪��沙。若能至诚�切，念佛礼佛，现获此益，命终往生净土，永出生死，直至�佛。

• Dawnfirstlight

  18 Apr 12, 22:10

  

• Dawnfirstlight

  15 May 12, 23:13

   

  
  

   

   

• Dawnfirstlight

  28 May 12, 22:33

  

• Dawnfirstlight

  8 Jun 12, 20:49

  

• Dawnfirstlight

  8 Jun 12, 20:56

  The Holy Path & The Pureland Path 

  当�之世，���尽，我以慈悲哀�，特留此� ，止�百�。其有众生，值斯�者，��所愿，皆�得度。
  
  In the world of the future, when the paths of the Sutras [to enlightenment] are destroyed and ended, I, with loving-kindness, compassion and empathy, will specially retain this sutra, to dwell for one hundred years [longer]. If there are such beings, who encounter this sutra, they can, as they wish, according to their aspirations, all attain deliverance.
  
  - Shakyamuni Buddha (Infinite Life Sutra 无�寿� )

  Honen said to Shinjakubo, a priest from the province of Harima, "Suppose two imperial orders were sent out, one for the western and one for the eastern provinces. What would you think, if the one intended for the western were by mistake taken to the eastern provinces, or vice versa? Would the people observe them?" After some thought Shinjakubo replied, "Even though they were imperial orders, how would it be possible for the people to observe them?" "Right you are," said Honen.
  

  "Now by the two imperial orders, I mean the teachings we inherit from Shaka [Shakyamuni Buddha] belonging to the so-called three periods, that of the perfect Law [of the Buddhadharma], the imitation of the Law and the ending of the Law. The practice of the so-called Holy Path (Shodo), belongs to the periods of the perfect Law and its imitation, and is only attainable by men of superior capacity and wisdom. Let us call this the imperial order to the western provinces. The practice of the so-called Pure Land (Jodo) belongs to the degenerate age when the Law has fallen into decay, in which even the worthless may find the way of salvation. Let us liken this to the imperial order to the eastern provinces. So it would never do to confuse these two paths, only one of which is suited to all three periods.
  

  I once discussed the doctrines of the Holy Path and of the Pure Land with several scholars at Ohara, and admitted that they both are equally Buddhistic, just as both horns of an ox are equally his own. I went from the standpoint of human capacity, the doctrine of the Pure Land is much superior and has had by far the greater success. Though the Holy Path is indeed profound, it belongs to an age already past, and is not suited [generally] to [wo]men of the present day; while the Pure Land seems shallow, it really is just the thing for our generation. When I thus won the argument, the audience applauded, deeply convinced of the truth of the saying, 'In the period of the latter days of the Law, which lasts ten thousand years, all other Sutras shall perish, but the one teaching of Amida [Amitabha Buddha; Amituofo] alone shall remain to bless [wo]men and endure."'
  

• Dawnfirstlight

  29 Jun 12, 14:11

  

• Dawnfirstlight

  16 Jul 12, 22:36

  

  We had gone through the 3 lowest realm (ghost realm, hell realm and animals realm). After many lives times, we are lucky to be temporarily spared from the sufferings  and reborn in the human realm. If we don't recite "Amituofo" and vow to be reborn in Amituofo's Pureland, we have wasted a precious trip to the human's world.

• Dawnfirstlight

  25 Jul 12, 14:15

   

  Let go of our worldly worries, desires etc, make use of our precious human bodies to recite "Amituofo".

• Dawnfirstlight

  17 Aug 12, 18:16

  Amituofo's Sutra 阿弥陀�. It's easy to chant but if you can't, chant along with the video clips below. Though this sutra is more for the living , it's also good to chant this sutra and dedicate the merits to your loved ones who had already passed away. Hopefully they can also be reborn in Pureland and not to be reincarnated in samsara again.

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcsI0XIojDA&feature=related

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uLMjsani0Q

  佛说阿弥陀�

   

  姚秦三�法师鸠摩罗什译

   

  如是我闻。一时佛在��国，祇树给孤独园。与大比丘僧，�二百五�人俱，皆是大阿罗汉，众所知识：长��利弗�摩诃目�连�摩诃迦��摩诃迦旃延�摩诃俱絺罗�离婆多�周利槃陀伽�难陀�阿难陀�罗侯罗��梵波��宾头�颇罗堕�迦留陀夷�摩诃劫宾那�薄拘罗�阿那楼驮，如是等诸大弟�。

   

  并诸��摩诃�：文殊师利法王��阿逸多���乾陀诃����常精进��，与如是等诸大��。

  �释�桓因等，无�诸天大众俱。

   

  尔时，佛告长è€�èˆ�利弗：‘从是西方，过å��万亿佛土，有世界å��æ›°æž�ä¹�，其土有佛，å�·é˜¿å¼¥é™€ï¼Œä»ŠçŽ°åœ¨è¯´æ³•ã€‚’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗，彼土何故å��为æž�ä¹�？其国众生，无有众苦，但å�—诸ä¹�，故å��æž�ä¹�。’

   

  ‘å�ˆèˆ�利弗。æž�ä¹�国土，七é‡�æ �楯，七é‡�罗网，七é‡�行树，皆是四å®�周åŒ�围绕，是故彼国å��为æž�ä¹�。’

   

  ‘å�ˆèˆ�利弗。æž�ä¹�国土，有七å®�池，八功德水，充满其中，池底纯以金沙布地。四边阶é�“，金ã€�银ã€�ç�‰ç’ƒã€�玻璃å�ˆæˆ�。上有楼é˜�，亦以金ã€�银ã€�ç�‰ç’ƒã€�玻璃ã€�砗磲ã€�赤ç� ã€�玛瑙而严饰之。池中莲花大如车轮，é�’色é�’å…‰ã€�黄色黄光ã€�赤色赤光ã€�白色白光，微妙香æ´�。

  èˆ�利弗。æž�ä¹�国土，æˆ�就如是功德庄严。’

   

  ‘å�ˆèˆ�利弗。彼佛国土，常作天ä¹�。黄金为地。昼夜六时，雨天曼陀罗å�Žã€‚其土众生，常以清旦，å�„以衣祴盛众妙å�Žï¼Œä¾›å…»ä»–æ–¹å��万亿佛，å�³ä»¥é£Ÿæ—¶ï¼Œè¿˜åˆ°æœ¬å›½ï¼Œé¥­é£Ÿç»�行。’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗。æž�ä¹�国土，æˆ�就如是功德庄严。’

   

  å¤�次èˆ�利弗：‘彼国常有ç§�ç§�奇妙æ�‚色之鸟：白鹤ã€�孔雀ã€�鹦鹉ã€�èˆ�利ã€�迦陵频伽ã€�共命之鸟。是诸众鸟，昼夜六时，出和雅音。其音演畅五根ã€�五力ã€�七è�©æ��分ã€�八圣é�“分，如是等法。其土众生，闻是音已，皆悉念佛ã€�念法ã€�念僧。’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗。æ±�勿谓此鸟，实是罪报所生，所以者何？彼佛国土，无三æ�¶é�“。’

  èˆ�利弗。其佛国土，尚无æ�¶é�“之å��，何况有实。是诸众鸟，皆是阿弥陀佛，欲令法音宣æµ�，å�˜åŒ–所作。’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗。彼佛国土，微风å�¹åŠ¨è¯¸å®�行树，å�Šå®�罗网，出微妙音，譬如百å�ƒç§�ä¹�，å�Œæ—¶ä¿±ä½œã€‚闻是音者，自然皆生念佛ã€�念法ã€�念僧之心。’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗。其佛国土，æˆ�就如是功德庄严。’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗。于æ±�æ„�云何？彼佛何故å�·é˜¿å¼¥é™€ï¼Ÿ’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗。彼佛光明无é‡�，照å��方国，无所障ç¢�，是故å�·ä¸ºé˜¿å¼¥é™€ã€‚’

   

  ‘å�ˆèˆ�利弗。彼佛寿命，å�Šå…¶äººæ°‘，无é‡�无边阿僧祇劫，故å��阿弥陀。’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗。阿弥陀佛æˆ�佛已æ�¥ï¼ŒäºŽä»Šå��劫。’

   

  ‘å�ˆèˆ�利弗。彼佛有无é‡�无边声闻弟å­�，皆阿罗汉，é�žæ˜¯ç®—数之所能知。诸è�©è�¨ä¼—，亦å¤�如是。’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗。彼佛国土，æˆ�就如是功德庄严。’

  å�ˆèˆ�利弗。æž�ä¹�国土，众生生者，皆是阿鞞跋致，其中多有一生补处，其数甚多，é�žæ˜¯ç®—数所能知之，但å�¯ä»¥æ— é‡�无边阿僧祇说。’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗。众生闻者，应当å�‘愿，愿生彼国，所以者何？得与如是诸上善人俱会一处。’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗。ä¸�å�¯ä»¥å°‘å–„æ ¹ç¦�德因缘，得生彼国。’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗。若有善男å­�善女人，闻说阿弥陀佛，执æŒ�å��å�·ï¼Œè‹¥ä¸€æ—¥ã€�若二日，若三日，若四日，若五日，若六日，若七日，一心ä¸�乱，其人临命终时，阿弥陀佛，与诸圣众，现在其å‰�。是人终时，心ä¸�颠倒，å�³å¾—往生阿弥陀佛æž�ä¹�国土。’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗。我è§�是利，故说此言。若有众生，闻是说者，应当å�‘愿，生彼国土。’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗。如我今者，赞å�¹é˜¿å¼¥é™€ä½›ï¼Œä¸�å�¯æ€�议功德之利。东方亦有阿鞞佛ã€�须弥相佛ã€�大须弥佛ã€�须弥光佛ã€�妙音佛，如是等æ�’河沙数诸佛，å�„于其国，出广长舌相，é��覆三å�ƒå¤§å�ƒä¸–界，说诚实言：“æ±�等众生，当信是称赞ä¸�å�¯æ€�议功德一切诸佛所护念ç»�。”’

  ‘èˆ�利弗。å�—方世界，有日月ç�¯ä½›ã€�å��闻光佛ã€�大焰肩佛ã€�须弥ç�¯ä½›ã€�æ— é‡�精进佛，如是等æ�’河沙数诸佛，å�„于其国，出广长舌相，é��覆三å�ƒå¤§å�ƒä¸–界，说诚实言：“æ±�等众生，当信是称赞ä¸�å�¯æ€�议功德一切诸佛所护念ç»�。”’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗。西方世界，有无é‡�寿佛ã€�æ— é‡�相佛ã€�æ— é‡�幢佛ã€�大光佛ã€�大明佛ã€�å®�相佛ã€�净光佛，如是等æ�’河沙数诸佛，å�„于其国，出广长舌相，é��覆三å�ƒå¤§å�ƒä¸–界，说诚实言：“æ±�等众生，当信是称赞ä¸�å�¯æ€�议功德一切诸佛所护念ç»�。”’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗。北方世界，有焰肩佛ã€�最胜音佛ã€�难沮佛ã€�日生佛ã€�网明佛，如是等æ�’河沙数诸佛，å�„于其国，出广长舌相，é��覆三å�ƒå¤§å�ƒä¸–界，说诚实言：“æ±�等众生，当信是称赞ä¸�å�¯æ€�议功德一切诸佛所护念ç»�。”’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗。下方世界，有师å­�ä½›ã€�å��闻佛ã€�å��光佛ã€�达摩佛ã€�法幢佛ã€�æŒ�法佛，如是等æ�’河沙数诸佛，å�„于其国，出广长舌相，é��覆三å�ƒå¤§å�ƒä¸–界，说诚实言：“æ±�等众生，当信是称赞ä¸�å�¯æ€�议功德一切诸佛所护念ç»�。”’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗。上方世界，有梵音佛ã€�宿王佛ã€�香上佛ã€�香光佛ã€�大焰肩佛ã€�æ�‚色å®�å�Žä¸¥èº«ä½›ã€�娑罗树王佛ã€�å®�å�Žå¾·ä½›ã€�è§�一切义佛ã€�如须弥山佛，如是等æ�’河沙数诸佛，å�„于其国，出广长舌相，é��覆三å�ƒå¤§å�ƒä¸–界，说诚实言：“æ±�等众生，当信是称赞ä¸�å�¯æ€�议功德一切诸佛所护念ç»�。”’

  èˆ�利弗。于æ±�æ„�云何？何故å��为一切诸佛所护念ç»�？’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗。若有善男å­�ã€�善女人，闻是ç»�å�—æŒ�者，å�Šé—»è¯¸ä½›å��者，是诸善男å­�ã€�善女人，皆为一切诸佛之所护念，皆得ä¸�退转于阿耨多罗三è—�三è�©æ��。是故èˆ�利弗，æ±�等皆当信å�—我语，å�Šè¯¸ä½›æ‰€è¯´ã€‚’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗。若有人已å�‘æ„¿ã€�今å�‘æ„¿ã€�当å�‘愿，欲生阿弥陀佛国者，是诸人等，皆得ä¸�退转于阿耨多罗三è—�三è�©æ��，于彼国土，若已生ã€�若今生ã€�若当生。是故èˆ�利弗，诸善男å­�ã€�善女人，若有信者，应当å�‘愿，生彼国土。èˆ�利弗，如我今者，称赞诸佛ä¸�å�¯æ€�议功德，彼诸佛等，亦称赞我ä¸�å�¯æ€�议功德，而作是言：“释迦牟尼佛能为甚难希有之事，能于娑婆国土，五浊æ�¶ä¸–，劫浊ã€�è§�浊ã€�烦æ�¼æµŠã€�众生浊ã€�命浊中，得阿耨多罗三è—�三è�©æ��。为诸众生，说是一切世间难信之法。”’

   

  ‘èˆ�利弗。当知我于五浊æ�¶ä¸–，行此难事，得阿耨多罗三è—�三è�©æ��，为一切世间说此难信之法，是为甚难。’

   

  佛说此�已，�利弗，�诸比丘，一切世间天人阿修罗等，闻佛所说，欢喜信�，作礼而去。

• Dawnfirstlight

  26 Aug 12, 20:15

   

  佛说阿弥陀� in English

   

  In this sutra, it describes how the Pureland is like :

  Sutra of the Buddha's Teaching On Amitabha

  Thus I have heard, at one time the Buddha dwelt at Shravasti, in the Jeta Grove in the Garden of the Benefactor of Orphans and the Forlorn, together with a gathering of Great Bhikshus, twelve-hundred fifty in all, all Great Arhats well-known to the assembly: Elders Shariputra, Mahamaudgalyayana, Mahakasyapa, Mahakatyayana, Mahakausthila, Revata, Suddhipanthaka, Nanda, Ananda, Rahula, Gavampati, Pindola-Bharadvaja, Kalodayin, Mahakaphina, Vakkula, Aniruddha, and others such as these, all Great Disciples, together with all the Bodhisattvas, Mahasattvas: Manjushri, Prince of Dharma; Ajita Bodhisattva, Gandhastin Bodhisattva, Nityodukta Bodhisattva, and others such as these, all Great Bodhisattvas, and together with Shakra, Chief among Gods, and the numberless great multitudes from all the heavens.

  At that time, the Buddha told the Elder Shariputra, From here, passing through hundreds of thousands of millions of Buddhalands to the West there is a world called Utmost Happiness. In this land a Buddha called Amitabha right now teaches the Dharma.

  Shariputra, why is this land called Utmost Happiness? All living beings of this country never suffer, but enjoy every bliss. Therefore it is called Utmost Happiness.

  Moreover, Shariputra, this land of Utmost Happiness is completely surrounded by seven tiers of railings, seven layers of netting, and seven rows of trees, all formed from the four treasures, and for this reason called Utmost Happiness.

  Moreover, Shariputra, in the land of Utmost Happiness are pools of the seven jewels, filled with the waters of eight meritorious qualities; the bottom of each pool is pure, covered with golden sands. On the four sides climb stairs of gold, silver, lapus lazuli, crystal, mother-of pearl, rubies, and carnelian.

  In the pools bloom lotuses as large as carriage wheels with colors of green light, red light, yellow light, and white light, subtle, rare, fragrant, and pure. Shariputra, the Land of Utmost Happiness is crowned in splendor and virtues such as these.

  Moreover, Shariputra, in this Buddhaland heavenly music always plays, and the ground is made of gold. In the six periods of the day and night a heavenly rain of mandarava flowers falls, and throughout the clear morning, each living being of this land offers sacks filled with myriads of wonderful flowers to the hundreds of thousands of millions of Buddhas of the other directions. At mealtime they return to their own countries and after eating they walk about. Shariputra, the Land of Utmost Happiness is crowned in splendor and virtues such as these.

  Moreover, Shariputra, in this country there are always rare and unusual birds of many kinds and colors: white geese, cranes, peacocks, parrots, egrets, kalavinkas and two-headed birds. In the six periods of the day and night the flocks of birds sing forth harmonious and elegant sounds. Their clear and joyful calls proclaim the Five Roots, the Five Powers, the Seven Limbs of Bodhi, the Eightfold Path of Sages, and dharmas such as these. When living beings of this land hear their calls they are altogether mindful of the Buddha, mindful of the Dharma, and mindful of the Sangha.

  Shariputra! Do not say that these birds are born as retribution for their sins. And why not? Because in this Buddhaland the three evil paths do not exist. Shariputra, even the names of the three evil paths are unknown in this Buddha's land; how much the less could they actually exist! Wishing to proclaim the Dharma's sound far and wide, Amitabha Buddha created these multitudes of birds by transformation.

  Shariputra, in that Buddhaland when the gentle winds blow, the rows of jewelled trees and jewelled nets reverberate with fine and wondrous sounds, as a symphony of one hundred thousand kinds of music played in harmony. All who hear these sounds are naturally mindful of the Buddha, mindful of the Dharma, and mindful of the Sangha. Shariputra, the Land of Utmost Happiness is crowned in splendor and virtues such as these.

  Shariputra, what do you think? Why is this Buddha called Amitabha? Shariputra, the brilliance of that Buddha's light is measureless, illumining the lands of the ten directions everywhere without obstruction. For this reason he is called Amitabha.

  Moreover, Shariputra, the lifespan of that Buddha and that of his people extends for measureless, limitless asamkhyeyas of kalpas. For this reason he is called Amitayus. And, Shariputra, since Amitabha became a Buddha, ten kalpas have passed.

  Moreover, Shariputra, that Buddha has measureless, limitless asamkheyas of Sound-Hearer disciples, their number incalculable. So too is the assembly of Bodhisattvas. Shariputra, that Buddhaland is crowned in splendor and virtues such as these.

  Moreover, Shariputra, the living beings born in the Land of Utmost Happiness are all avaivartika. Among them are many who in this very life will dwell in Buddhahood. Their number is extremely many; it is incalculable. And only in measureless, limitless asamkyeyas of kalpas could they be counted.

  Shariputra, those living beings who hear of this should vow: I wish to be born in that country. And why? Because those who are born there assemble in one place with people whose goodness is unsurpassed. Shariputra, if one has few good roots, blessings, and virtues, one cannot be born in that land.

  Shariputra, if there is a good man or good woman who hears of Amitabha and holds his name whether for one day, two days, three, four, five days, six days, as long as seven days with one mind unconfused, when this person nears the end of life, before him will appear Amitabha and all the Assembly of Holy Ones. When the end comes, his mind will not be utterly confused, and in Amitabha's Land of Utmost Happiness he will quickly be reborn. Shariputra, because I see this benefit, I speak these words; and, if living beings hear this teaching they should make the vow: I wish to born in that land.

  Shariputra, just as I now praise the inconceivable benefits arising from the merit and virtue of Amitabha, so too in the East does Akshobya Buddha, Sumeru Likeness Buddha, Great Sumeru Buddha, Sumeru Light Buddha, Wonderful Sound Buddha; all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all the Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, a sutra they protect and bear in mind.

  Shariputra, in the Southern World, Sun-Moon Lamp Buddha, Sumeru Lamp Buddha, Celebrated Light Buddha, Great Radiant Shoulders Buddha, Sumeru Lamp Buddha, Measureless Vigor Buddha, all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, a sutra they protect and bear in mind.

  Shariputra, in the Western World, Measureless Life Buddha, Infinite Features Buddha, Measureless Curtain Buddha, Great Light Buddha, Great Clarity Buddha, Jewelled Likeness Buddha, Pure Light Buddha, all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, protecting and bearing it in mind.

  Shariputra, in the Northern World, Radiant Shoulders Buddha, Most Glorious Sound Buddha, Invincible Buddha, Sun-Birth Buddha, Luminous Net Buddha, all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, a sutra they protect and bear in mind.

  Shariputra, in the World Below, Lion Buddha, Well-Known Buddha, Celebrated Light Buddha, Dharma Buddha, Dharma-Curtain Buddha, Upholding Dharma Buddha, all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, a sutra they protect and bear in mind.

  Shariputra, in the World Above, Pure Sound Buddha, Constellation King Buddha, Superior Fragrance Buddha, Fragrant Light Buddha, Great Radiant Shoulders Buddha, Varicolored Jewels-Adorned Body Buddha, Sala Tree King Buddha, Jewelled Flower of Virtue Buddha, Discerning All Meanings Buddha, Like Sumeru Mountain Buddha, all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, a sutra they protect and bear in mind.

  Shariputra, what do you think? Why is it called Sutra which all Buddhas protect and bear in mind? Shariputra, if a good man or good woman hears this sutra and upholds it, and hears the names of all these Buddhas, this good man or good woman will also be one whom all Buddhas protect and bear in mind, and will attain non-retreat from anuttarasamyaksambodhi. Therefore, Shariputra, all of you should believe and accept my words and the words all Buddhas speak.

  Shariputra, if there are people who have already made the vow, who now make the vow, or who will make the vow, I wish to be born in Amitabha's country, these people, whether born in the past, now being born there, or to be born there in the future, will all attain non-retreat from anuttarasamyaksambodhi. Therefore, Shariputra, all good men and good women who believe should make the vow, I wish to be born in that country.

  Shariputra, just as I now praise the inconceivable merit and virtue of all Buddhas, all those Buddhas also praise my inconceivable merit and virtue, saying these words: Shakyamuni Buddha can accomplish extremely difficult and rare deeds in the Saha Land during the evil time of the Five Turbidities: during the time turbidity, the views turbidity, the affliction turbidity, the living beings turbidity, and the lifespan turbidity. He can attain anuttarasamyaksambodhi and for the sake of living beings proclaim this Dharma, which the whole world finds hard to believe.

  Shariputra, you should know that I, in the evil time of the Five Turbidities, perform these difficult deeds, attain anuttarasamyaksambodhi, and for the entire world proclaim this Dharma which is difficult to believe, extremely difficult!

  After the Buddha spoke this Sutra, Shariputra, all the Bhikshus, and the entire world of gods, humans, asuras, and others, hearing what the Buddha had said, joyously delighted in it, faithfully accepted it, bowed and withdrew.

  End of the Sutra of the Buddha's Teaching on Amitabha

• Dawnfirstlight

  26 Aug 12, 21:00

  

• Dawnfirstlight

  10 Sep 12, 17:25

  

• Dawnfirstlight

  10 Sep 12, 17:30

  

• Dawnfirstlight

  19 Sep 12, 17:08

  

• Dawnfirstlight

  25 Sep 12, 22:40

  1. 生命已入倒计时，
     首先就�破情执；
     家亲眷属全是债，
     讨债还债这一世；
     身外之物全是�，
     若能带走是愚痴；
     ...

     放下万缘精进修，
     �难�是�考试；
     深信切愿��土，
     �心�就这一世；
     一分一秒�空过，
     弥陀圣��中�；
     家乡离我本�远，
     曲伸臂倾到莲池；
     阿弥陀佛盼儿归，
     归心似箭�会迟。
     
     
     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     
     
     万劫�生得个人
     须知�生��因
     此生��今身度
     更待何生度此身
     
     我们必须把�这一生��净土念佛法门的�载难逢因缘，仰仗阿弥陀佛愿力，求生西方��净土啊�
     
     
     莫忘佛�
     请常�时诚敬�念
     �无阿弥陀佛
     

     
     

     

• Dawnfirstlight

  3 Oct 12, 21:08

  

• Dawnfirstlight

  8 Oct 12, 21:11

  1. 

• Dawnfirstlight

  12 Oct 12, 23:05

  

• Dawnfirstlight

  31 Oct 12, 19:16

  1. 念一�阿弥陀佛, 能消无�劫罪, 也能增无�无边�。< �无光寿安�阿弥陀佛 >
     Just chant the name Amituofo once , is able to eradicate immeasurable eons of sin/negative karma and gain immeasurable and boundless blessings.