This World and the Pure Land

by Master Tsung-pen

Zen master Tsung-tse of Ch'ang-lu said: 

Now let us compare this world "Endurance" with the Pure Land. 

Here, birth in a flesh and blood body is painful. There, you are born by transformation in a lotus flower, and are free from the pains of birth. 

Here, the seasons succeed each other and you weaken and grow old day by day. There, there are no hot and cold seasons, and you are free from the pains of aging. 

Here, the physical body is hard to temper and often becomes sick. There, your transformed body is fragrant and pure and free from the pains of sickness. 

Here, those who live to be seventy are rare and impermanence is swift. There, the lifespan is measureless and you are free from the pains of death. 

Here, you fondly love those who are close to you, but you are sure to be separated from those you love. There, there are no parents or spouses or children, and you are free of the pain of being parted from loved ones. 

Here, enemies hate you, and you are sure to be with those who resent you. There, those of the highest virtue are assembled together and you are free of the pain of being with those who hate you. 

Here, you may be exhausted, and suffer from hunger and cold, and have unsatisfied cravings. There, food and clothing and precious things are provided ready-made for you to use. 

Here, you may have a body that is ugly and defiled and has many defects. There, your countenance is dignified and your body shines with light. 

Here, you revolve in the cycle of birth and death. There, you experience birthlessness. 

Here, there are outcrops and depressions and brambles and thorns and the landscape is filled with filth and evil. There, the ground is made of gold, jewel trees reach to the sky, towers of precious stones rise up above you, and flowers of all colors are spread at your feet. 

Here, Shakyamuni Buddha has already passed away and Maitreya Buddha has not yet come. There, Amitabha Buddha is preaching the Dharma right now. 

Here, you look up in vain to the glory of Kuan-yin and Shih-chih. There, you are on intimate terms with these two bodhisattvas, and they are your special friends. 

Here, a myriad of demons and heretics attempt to confuse correct cultivation. There, the Buddha's teaching unifies everything, and there is no trace of demons or heretics. 

Here, lust misleads practitioners. There, your body is pure and clean, and there is no sexual desire. 

Here, evil beasts and monsters beat their wings with an evil sound. There, the water birds and the forest trees all communicate the wondrous Dharma. 

Comparing the two worlds, the landscape is as different as can be. The Pure Land is superior in countless ways: there is no time to mention them all. 

Therefore all the scriptures of the complete meaning of the Great Vehicle point the way to the Pure Land. The worthy sages of the past and present all make vows that they themselves and others will be born in the Pure Land. 

Whoever wants to save people, must first recite the buddha-name himself or herself. Unfortunately, people do not think in long range terms: they only worry about things close at hand. Once the human body is lost, it is hard to regain it even in ten thousand eons. Thus I urge all sentient beings to recite "Amitabha Buddha" a hundred times or a thousand times or even ten thousand times [every day]. Transfer the merit to those who share the affinity [for the Pure Land], and vow to be born in Amitabha 's land. . . . 

related post: Pure Land and Pure Mind

Source Of Information:
《Pure Land Pure Mind 心净佛土净》, by Master Chu-hung and Tsung-pen, translated by J.C.Cleary, distributed by: Persatuan Penganut Agama Buddha Amitabha Malaysia, 90 & 92, Jalan Pahang, Gombak, 53000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.)
*** The information provided above does not contain personal opinion of this blog.