Question 22 （Doubts and Questions about Pure Land）

by Elder Zen Master T'ien Ju

Question 22

I no longer have doubts about the Pure Land method, thanks to your repeated teaching. I have also developed correct faith. However, you said earlier that the cultivator should put aside all mundane concerns and cleanse his body and Mind. In this world, everyone lives in different circumstances. Those with leisure time and favorable conditions can follow your advice, but what about those who are beset by countless duties and obligations? How can they cultivate?

Answer

Cultivators who deeply realize the impermanence of the world earnestly seek liberation. They do not neglect Buddha Recitation, regardless of whether conditions are favorable or unfavorable, fortunate or bitter, upsetting or tranquil, pressing or relaxed, or whether they themselves are entertaining, attending to private or official business, or coping with all manner of situations. The ancients have said:

   “High mountains cannot obstruct the path of white clouds; dense stands of bamboo cannot stop limpid streams and springs!”

They further added:

   “Recite Amitabha Buddha’s name in the morning, recite again in the evening. Even if you are as rushed as a flying arrow, do not part from Amitabha Buddha.”

The ten thousand scenes are always calm and still; it is only we who are perturbed. If a cultivator truly seeks rebirth and knows how to utilize his Mind, there are no circumstances which can hinder his cultivation.
     
Nevertheless, those who lack energy and are involved in many worldly affairs should try to find the necessary free time, remain calm in the midst of commotion, and recite the Buddha’s name as many times as possible, according to their capacities. They should decide upon the number of utterances, whether 30，000， 10，000， 3，000， or 1,000, and keep to that number each day, without interruption. Those who are extremely busy should follow the Ten Recitations Method each morning, transferring the merits and adhering to that practice throughout life. Then, they, too, can achieve rebirth.

Those who have the time and favorable circumstances, can, in addition to their regular Buddha Recitation sessions, chant mantras or sutras, practice repentance or charity, or cultivate other merits and blessings, according to their capacities and strengths. Whatever virtue they derive from all these practices should be dedicated to rebirth in the Western Pure Land. (98)

Cultivating in this way, they will not only be assured of rebirth in the Pure Land, their grade of rebirth will also be higher.
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98. See the following passage:

     “You must take reciting the buddha-name as the correct basis, and making merit as an auxiliary factor. Cultivating both merit and wisdom, you will achieve correct enlightenment. Thus, causes encompass the sea of results, and results extend back through the causal source.” (cited in J.C. Cleary, Pure Land, Pure Mind.) 

related post:  Question 23 （Doubts and Questions about Pure Land）

Source Of Information:
《Pure Land Buddhism (Dialogues with Ancient Masters)》, by Elder Zen Master T'ien Ju, translated with annotations by Master Thich Thien Tam, printed and donated for free distribution by: The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation (11F, 55, Hang Chow South Road Sec 1, Taipei, Taiwan), printed in February 2023.
*** The information provided above does not contain personal opinion of this blog.