Wisdom from the Masters

Great Master Yin Guang
Thirteenth Patriarch of Pure Land Buddhism

Whether a lay or a monk or nun, we need to respect
those who are older than we are and to exist
harmoniously with those around us.
We are to endure what others cannot
and practice what others cannot achieve.
We should do all we can on behalf of others
and help them to be good.
When sitting quietly, we would do well
to reflect on our own faults.
When talking with friends
do not discuss the rights and wrongs of others.
In our every action, from dawn to dusk
and dusk to dawn,
recite the Buddha's name.
When reciting, whether aloud or silently,
do not give rise to wandering thoughts.
If wandering thoughts arise,
immediately dismiss them.
Constantly maintain a modest and regretful heart.
Even if we have upheld true cultivation,
we still need to feel that our practice
is shallow and never boast.
We should mind our own business
and not the business of others.
See only the good examples of others
instead of their shortcomings.
We would do well to see ourselves as ordinary
and everyone else as bodhisattvas.
If we can cultivate according to these teachings,
we are sure to reach
the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

To be truly mindful of Buddha Amitabha
and give up attachments to the body,
the false mind, and worldly affairs
is great giving.
To be truly mindful of Buddha Amitabha
and not have any greed, anger, and ignorance
is truly upholding precepts.
To be truly mindful of Buddha Amitabha
and not be bothered by who is right or who is wrong
is great tolerance to insult.
To be truly mindful of Buddha Amitabha
and not be distracted by other thoughts
is great focus and diligence.
To be truly mindful of Buddha Amitabha
and not have wandering thoughts
is great dhyana.
To be truly mindful of Buddha Amitabha
and not be enticed by any temptation
is great prajna.

Try reflecting on the following: If I still have not given up the attachments to body, false mind, and worldly
affairs; if greed, anger, and ignorance still arise in my mind; if I am still bothered by who is right and who is
wrong; if I have not eradicated distractions from other thoughts; if I still have not ceased my wandering
thoughts; and if I am still enticed by temptations; then, I am not truly mindful of Buddha Amitabha.


Venerable Master Chin Kung

In the Pure Land school, we emulate Avalokitesvara 's compassion and Mahasthamaprapta's single-mindedness. The "Chapter of the Perfect and Complete Realization of Mahasthamaprapta" in the Surangama Sutra tells us how Mahasthamaprapta and fifty-two fellow bodhisattvas single-mindedly concentrated on being mindful of Amitabha Buddha and on chanting his name from the time they took refuge until the time they attain Buddhahood. All they
relied on was the name of Amitabha Buddha — [as the sutra says] "without the aid of any other expedient, the
mind will be opened."

In other words, Pure Land practitioners do not need to rely on any other method. From their initial determination to seek enlightenment until their attainment of Buddhahood, they only need to concentrate on Buddha-name chanting — on being mindful of Amitabha Buddha and on chanting his name.

How should we practice Buddha-name chanting?

Mahasthamaprapta taught us that the key is "the perfect control of the six senses with continuous pure thoughts." "Pure thoughts" means that when we chant "Amituofo" we should not have any doubts or other thoughts. The mind must be pure; we must chant with a pure mind. "Continuous" means that we chant with no interruption. "No intermingling, no doubt, and no interruption" is the key to success in the practice of Buddha-name chanting that Mahasthamaprapta taught us. If we practice "the perfect control of the six senses with continuous pure thoughts," we will definitely succeed in our practice of Buddha-name chanting.

Buddhism: Awakening of Compassion and Wisdom,
Second edition, Trans, by Silent Voices


Closing Thoughts

Pure Land Buddhist practice is not confined to learning about particular Buddhist principles and chanting a Buddha's name while bowing, sitting, or walking. Our practice is the development of a calmer, purer mind. It to train us to think and behave as a Buddha would in everything we do.
   
We strive to achieve this mindset through the previous practices as well as through less formal practice. How? By reminding ourselves daily that while all of us have many shortcomings, we should only be concerned with our own. By understanding causality and not blaming others for the difficulties in our lives. And by realizing that all beings suffer and that only when we awaken can we truly help others to be free from pain.
   
Ultimately, our practice will enable us to have loving-kindness and patience held equally and joyfully for all.


Wherever the Buddha's teachings flourish,
either in cities or countrysides,
people will gain inconceivable benefits.
The land and people will be enveloped in peace.
The sun and moon will shine clear and bright.
Wind and rain will appear accordingly
and there will be no disasters.
Nations will be prosperous
and there will be no need for soldiers or weapons.
People will abide by morality and accord with laws.
They will be courteous and humble,
and everyone will be content without injustices.
There will be no thefts or violence.
The strong will not dominate the weak
and everyone will get their fair share.

~ Infinite Life Sutra ~
            
Source Of Information:
《In One Lifetime: Pure Land Buddhism》, by Venerable WuLing, published in 2006, distributed by Amitabha Buddhist Society Malaysia (92, Jalan Pahang, 53300 Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
*** The information provided above does not contain personal opinion of this blog.