In the Amita[bha] Sutra (阿弥陀经), the Buddha taught,
‘… In the Land of Ultimate Bliss [Amituofo’s Pure Land],
beings who are born there are all Avaivartikas
(‘… 极乐国土，众生生者，皆是阿鞞跋致…’)
[who are non-retrogressible on the path to Buddhahood]…’
Upon reaching Amituofo’s Pure Land,
we will become Avaivartikas,
non-retrogressible Bodhisattvas.
But do we have to wait until then to be ‘non-retrogressible’?
What can we do now to ensure we will reach Pure Land?
(‘…若有人已发愿、今发愿、当发愿，
欲生阿弥陀佛国者，
是诸人等，皆得不退转于阿耨多罗三藐三菩提，
于彼国土，若已生、若今生、若当生。
是故… 诸善男子善女人，若有信者，应当发愿，生彼国土…’)
‘… If there are those who already aspired [vowed], now aspire [vow], or will aspire [vow]
to be born in Amita[bha] Buddha’s land,
all of them will attain [the Stage of] Non-retrogression for realising Anuttara Samyak Sambodhi [Buddhahood].
In that land, they have already been born, are now being born, or will be born.
This is why… all good men and good women, if they have Faith, should aspire [vow] to be born in that land…’
This is not just an exhortation to be born in Pure Land
due to the great advantage of being able to attain Non-retrogression there.
It is also a direct instruction on the timeless importance
of having strong Aspiration to be born there, as powered by strong Faith.
The cultivation of non-retrogressible Faith and Aspiration is part of Practice too.
Before reaching Pure Land,
if we have determined and mindful Practice to stay connected to Amituofo(‘s blessings) via his name,
that is powered by unshakable Faith and Aspiration,
we too, in a way, are already ‘non-retrogressible’,
for Pure Land will certainly be reached.
Before reaching Pure Land,
to become truly non-retrogressible in Faith and Aspiration,
the only way is by strengthening our Faith and Aspiration with continual Practice (and learning).
Those who are already non-retrogressible,
will express their Faith and Aspiration with continual Practice too.
Why procrastinate or hesitate then?
Why delay or wait?
Why not embark on the path of becoming Avaivartikas now?
The earlier we begin our sincere and diligent Practice,
the sooner will we have non-retrogressible Faith and Aspiration .
Only with non-retrogressible Faith and Aspiration,
can we reach Pure Land
to become non-retrogressible Bodhisattvas.
As life is short and unpredictable,
the path to Pure Land must begin with Practice now!
Related Articles:
The Three Provisions of Faith, Aspiration and Practice
https://purelanders.com/2010/04/01/the-three-provisions-of-faith-aspiration-practice/
Is Your Faith & Aspiration Strong Enough?
https://purelanders.com/2011/12/16/is-your-faith-aspiration-vow-resolute-enough/
