【广海明月】第33讲 有圆满认识再念佛，才是万修万去

Greetings to all! I am very pleased that it is time for our Lamrim discussion again. I sincerely hope that, prior to the discussion class, you would first listen to the recording of Master’s commentary on Lamrim a couple of times. If you have previewed it, you would be able to raise certain issues during your discussion with classmates, and listen to their viewpoints as well. In this manner, you would have a better understanding of what Master was trying to convey in this paragraph, whilst at the same time, clarify any doubts you might have too. Furthermore, this would also assist you in orientating the direction of your thoughts on this short paragraph.  [00′40″]

Many classmates have given feedback that, “Ah! By first listening [to the recording] before listening to the Global Lamrim, I discover that at times, the direction of my thoughts is different.” When we discover the difference, we would focus on: Well! Where the difference lies? You would discover that, you develop a deeper level of reflection from each lesson, as compared to the initial stage of your original discussion and understanding. [01′07″]

I sincerely hope that everyone could write to me about your reflections on the topics of discussion. I do read your feedbacks. Many classmates wrote numerous feedbacks. I am very moved to receive them. Through years of studying Lamrim, faith has been deeply rooted in the hearts of many classmates. I notice that your enthusiasm towards Master’s commentaries on Lamrim has remained steadfast. Likewise, I will persist to continue my discussions with this large study group with as much enthusiasm as yours. [01′37″]

Great! We still need to pay attention to our aspiration today, and gradually calm our mindstream. Our aspiration is to achieve unsurpassed enlightenment. For the sake of relieving immeasurable sentient beings from cyclic existence, I must attain Buddhahood. In order to attain Buddhahood, I must plant this cause which arises from listening and understanding the Buddha’s teachings. [02′07″]

Everyone must remember that, whilst listening, it is very crucial to stay focused! As you are usually preoccupied with other [mundane] tasks, your mindstream probably would not be able to focus on the scriptures right away. However, this is trainable. Train yourself to immediately switch from one busy channel to another channel of studying the scriptures.  Once you are able to fully focus on [studying the scriptures], let go of all other concerns. This is trainable. By practicing it for a period of time, you can instantly stay focused upon hearing Master’s voice giving the teachings. [02′42″]

Very well! Now, let us listen to one more paragraph of Master’s commentary. Take heed! Pay attention! Do not be distracted! Let us begin! [02′50″]

So you may ask, [with respect to] Pure Land practice, what is the difference between your Pure Land and my Pure Land? It is different. There is a big difference. Often, those of us who chant Buddha’s name once learn this recitation approach would hastily [apply it]! They would usually say, “As long as I chant [Buddha’s name], I will get to the entry-level [of the Pure Land].” In the end, however, after all the recitation, the entrance is not necessarily available. This is the true reality. We have heard that thousands of people apply this approach [of Pure Land chanting], right? Yes, it is true! The Pure Land reciting method should deliver whoever chants Buddha’s name to the Pure Land but how many have actually entered [the Pure Land]? There is hardly any. This is the reality. If we practice according to the teaching [in Lamrim], what are the advantages? With a complete understanding, not only will all practitioners enter [the Pure Land], but they will also enter with enhanced aspirations. Initially [the goal] was just to get to the Pure Land. Now there is more. “I want to achieve Buddhahood, not only for personal liberation but also for the liberation of all other sentient beings. However, for the sake of achieving this goal, I will start with my most conforming way of practice for now, which is reciting Buddha’s name. I will go to the Pure Land with such an aspiration!” [03′46″]

Very quickly, we completed listening to this paragraph. I wonder if you have any impression? The first question is, “[with respect to] the Pure Land practice, what is the difference between your Pure Land and my Pure Land?” What does “my Pure Land” refer to? Think about your answer. To do that, you need to recollect Master’s commentary in the last [Global Lamrim] session, and also read up on the preceding paragraphs in his commentary, isn’t this correct? What kind of Pure Land? I am not sure what your answer would be? As we have learned the two analogies of “the skyscraper and the hastily built iron sheet shelter” in the last Global Lamrim discussion session, Master said that, from the beginning, we should have an encompassing understanding of the entire framework of the teachings. After achieving this encompassing understanding and defining our goal [of attaining Buddhahood], we could choose a path that we concord with, that is, our Pure Land. After achieving an encompassing understanding of the entire teachings, what is the goal that we have defined? It is the goal of attaining Buddhahood, right? This is what Master meant by “my Pure Land”. [04′56″]

Master continued by saying, “It is different. There is a big difference!” Whilst one person may lack in extensive study and contemplation [of Buddhism] and a well-defined goal [of attaining Buddhahood], another person may have a well-defined goal [of attaining Buddhahood] and proceed to have an overall understanding of Buddhism. Master continued, “Often, those of us who chant Buddha’s name once learn this recitation approach would hastily [apply it]! They would usually say, “As long as I chant [Buddha’s name], I will get to the entry-level [of the Pure Land].” Pay attention [to the word] “Hastily!” It is a hasty attitude. He would say, “Why hastily? We are running out of time! Life is impermanent. At every moment, we are being chased by aging and death! It is absolutely not easy to hear of Amitabha Buddha’s immeasurable virtues and sacred name, as well as developing this yearning and faith in the Pure Land. We should hastily chant Buddha’s name! Thus, we would begin to do so. What kind of aspiration does this practitioner develop? “As long as I chant [Buddha’s name], I will get to the entry-level [of the Pure Land].” He continued by saying, “Even the border region of Pure Land is fine, because as long as I can be reborn in the Pure Land, I have escaped from cyclic existence!” Hence, this is how such an aspiration is established. [05′57″]

Pay attention! What is his aspiration? Even the entry level will do! Isn’t this correct? Moreover, we have discussed before and some laities even said, “Even the border region is fine!” Those who are aspired to be reborn at the entry level of Pure Land would even consider the border region, as long as it is the Pure Land. Take heed! “In the end, however, after all the recitation, the entrance is not necessarily available.” Although we may uphold such an aspiration, but yet, we may not necessarily realise this. Master continued with, “This is the true reality.” [06′25″]

In reality, concerning this matter, one would enquire: How many people can still have the will to chant the Buddha’s name when they come face to face with life and death crisis? Just like our senior students who have studied the concept of Going For Refuge to the Three Jewels – “You will have visions of the Buddha day and night.” Whether it is day or night, we are perpetually in the midst of sickness, suffering, inflicted with unbearable painfulness, being forced to separate from family members or things that we love, and so forth. Whilst experiencing all sorts of sufferings that are closely interwoven together, we barely have any energy left, especially those who are bearing the afflicting torture of illness and suffering. During such a critical moment, upholding the chanting of Buddha’s name, the aspiration of going for refuge and our faith in Amitabha Buddha, will our concerted efforts be paid off? Hence, with respect to this Pure Land practice, Master said, “how many have actually entered [the Pure Land]?“ This is a phenomenon. [07′21″]

Master continued, “If we practice according to the teaching [in Lamrim], what are the advantages?” What teaching is referred to here?  It is the concept established by Master  in the previous session, that is, to first commence with extensive study and contemplation of the entire teachings. Isn’t this correct? “What are the advantages?” Master expanded on the advantages again by saying, “With a complete understanding, not only will all practitioners enter [the Pure Land].” Well! The Pure Land recitation method delivers whoever chants the Buddha’s name to the Pure Land has been revealed! From here, do you still truly believe that, with a complete understanding [of the entire teachings],  the Pure Land recitation method should deliver whoever chants Buddha’s name to the Pure Land? Why? [08′03″]

This would involve enquiring, what exactly is our complete understanding of Buddhism? For instance, first, let us ponder what exactly is Pure Land? How much good qualities does Amitabha Buddha have? To what extent do we understand about our refuge, and the magnificent Pure Land where we eventually want to be reborn? Have we completely understood the 48 aspirational vows of Amitabha Buddha, the mindfulness of death, sufferings in the three miserable realms and going for refuge? There are two causes for going for refuge: If we are absolutely firm about these two causes, then the benefits from our going for refuge to the Three Jewels, will be very very sublime and encompassing. Hence, Master said here, “The Pure Land recitation method should deliver whoever chants Buddha’s name to the Pure Land”, [but] is it true? Is it true that upon having a complete understanding [of the entire teachings], all practitioners will be reborn in the Pure Land by practicing the Pure Land recitation method? Is there an alternative option? Pay attention! This statement is from an eminent Monk. He would not randomly speak about this. We can keep this question in mind and continue with our learning. [09′08″]

Here, let me reiterate another point: If a practitioner who has studied scriptures and commentaries for 15 to 20 years, is fully apprised of all the stages of the path towards Buddhahood, is able to discern all the major and minor differences in the scriptures, and has completely understood and internalised even the very subtle choices, would it be any different if he chant Amitabha Buddha’s name? After acquiring the complete understanding, how would he chant Amitabha Buddha’s name? First, during chanting, one needs to know that one should not be lethargic or muddled. Second, one should know the meaning of “chanting the Buddha’s name with the spirit of enlightenment in mind”, that is, aligned with Amitabha Buddha’s aspirational vows. Amitabha Buddha built the Pure Land not for himself, but for all sentient beings to quickly alleviate suffering and attain happiness. If we can study the scriptures and commentaries, and is fully aware that the essence of attaining Buddhahood embodies the spirit of enlightenment, then the attitude concordant with Amitabha Buddha is the spirit of enlightenment! Although the Pure Land practice does not require one to develop the great spirit of enlightenment, but is this Amitabha Buddha’s fundamental aspiration? What exactly is Buddha’s aspiration? What exactly are the aspirations of virtuous teachers? This leads us to its “purpose”. Listen well, do not be distracted! Do not let your mind wander off! [10′20″]

[Master said], “They will also enter with enhanced aspirations.” Take notice! This is about the purpose. Well! Is there any purpose other than being reborn in the Pure Land? Isn’t it that one will be liberated from samsara as soon as possible? [In addition to the aspiration], the purpose is also different! Master stated, “Initially [the goal] was just to be there!” Is it right? Just to be reborn in the Pure Land, then I can be liberated from samsara because we have to endure six types of suffering, eight types of suffering and three types of suffering in samsara [v.1 chapters 17~19]; such sufferings are totally unbearable! Thus, being reborn in the Pure Land would [eliminate all such sufferings]. Pay attention! Master said it again. “Now there is more. I want to achieve Buddhahood.” Take heed! Here comes the purpose. Before I have studied and contemplated extensively, the purpose was only to get myself there. However, after a practitioner has the encompassing understanding, he begins to transform. Why does one need to be reborn in the Pure Land? It is because one wants to achieve Buddhahood. Why does one need to achieve Buddhahood? “Not only for personal liberation but also for the liberation of all other sentient beings.” This is the great compassion of Amitabha Buddha, the profound and compassionate attitude toward all living beings! For the sake of learning the great compassion and wisdom that Buddha has toward all living beings, as well as our achieving Buddhahood, we would like to be reborn in the Pure Land. Take a look at this! What manifests here is such a transition. “Not only for personal liberation but also for the liberation of all other sentient beings. However, for the sake of achieving this goal, I will start with my most conforming way of practice for now, which is reciting Buddha’s name. I will go to the Pure Land with such an aspiration!” Master said, “I will go for it!” Where to go? To the Pure Land. [11′55″]

Thus, the disparity between the earlier and later [aspirations] is highly noticeable. In the earlier [aspiration], as long as one can be reborn in the Pure Land, it is fine. However, this subsequently changes to: “No! I am going there for the sake of attaining Buddhahood. Not only am I going there for myself, but I also have to help everyone else get there.” Hence, extensive study and contemplation have broadened the vision of one’s life. Standing from a very lofty perspective, one becomes aware of the value of one’s life, as well as one’s universal responsibility toward all other sentient beings. Upon noticing this, not only will we have a profound understanding of the Pure Land established by Amitabha Buddha, we have inconceivable faith in Amitabha Buddha’s compassion and wisdom as well. After cultivating such inconceivable faith, the “Namo Amitabha Buddha” we chant now, is world’s apart from our usual lethargic and muddled attitude. We may chant with the prayer beads as if our lives depend on it, but we are totally clueless about its purpose. By chanting  “sou, sou, sou”, as if our lives depend on it, and not knowing what is on our mind, there is, of course, no comparison between the two attitudes!  [12′50″]