《佛说阿弥陀经》
The Sūtra [1] In Which The Buddha [2] Speaks Of Amitā [3] [bha Buddha]
[Amitābha Sūtra]
《(称赞不可思议功德)一切诸佛所护念经》
The Sūtra With (Praises Of Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues [4]) And All Buddhas’ Mindful Protection [5]
[公元 402 年] 姚秦三藏法师鸠摩罗什译
[In 402 C.E.] By Yáo-Qín Dynasty’s [6] Tripiṭaka Dharma Master [7] Kumārajīva [8] Translated [To Chinese]
公元 2019 年优婆塞沈时安重译
In 2019 C.E. By Upāsakā [9] Shen Shi’an Retranslated [To English]
[1] Sūtra: Teaching of the Buddha first memorised and later recorded in writing as scripture.
[2] (i) Buddha: An awakened or fully enlightened one, who has attained liberation from all suffering, and perfected compassion and wisdom with all other virtues, for guiding all sentient beings to the same goal of Buddhahood attained.
(ii) The Buddha: Śākyamuni Buddha: The founder of Buddhism in our world, ‘the wise one (sage: 圣者) of the Śākyans’. ‘Śākya’ (释迦) means ‘able to be benevolent’ (能仁) . ‘Muni’ (牟尼) means ‘perfect stillness with flames of afflictions extinguished’ (寂默).
[3] Amitā[bha/yus Buddha]: [Buddha Of] Immeasurable [Light/Life].
[4] Meritorious virtues: Pure blessed virtues arising from pure deeds (of body, speech and mind).
[5] Sūtra With Praises Of Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues And All Buddhas’ Mindful Protection: Alternative (yet actual) name of this sūtra, which is mindfully protected by all Buddhas teaching it to all, and mindfully protecting all who learn, practise (and teach) accordingly.
[6] Yáo-Qín Dynasty: Kingdom in ancient China (between 384 to 417 C.E.), from Sanskrit to Chinese, in 402 C.E.
[7] Tripiṭaka Dharma Master: Buddhist monastic proficient in knowledge of the Buddha’s teachings (Dharma) in the Sūtras, Vinaya (discipline) and Abhidharma (commentaries) – collectively called the Tripiṭaka.
[8] Kumārajīva: Monastic scholar from Kucha, one of the four great translators of Mahāyāna sūtras.
[9] Upāsakā: Buddhist layman (who has taken refuge in the Triple Gem [三宝] of the Buddhas, Dharma and Saṃgha [i.e. community of awakened lay and monastic practitioners]).
南无莲池海会佛菩萨 [3x]
námó liánchí hǎihuì fópúsà
Homage to [and refuge for life in] the ocean-wide lotus pond assembly’s Buddha and Bodhisattvas [10]
[10] Bodhisattva: One who aspires for Buddhahood, while guiding all sentient beings to it.
《佛说阿弥陀经》
fóshuō āmítuójīng
The Sūtra In Which The Buddha Speaks Of Amitā Buddha
[序分
PREFACE SECTION]
[大阿罗汉与大弟子众
Assembly Of Great Arhats And Great Disciples]
如是我闻,一时,佛在舍卫国,祇树给孤独园。
rúshì wǒwén, yīshí, fózài shèwèiguó, qíshù jǐgūdú yuán.
与大比丘僧,千二百五十人俱。
yǔ dà bǐqiūsēng qiānèrbǎiwǔshí rénjù.
皆是大阿罗汉,众所知识。
jiēshì dà āluóhàn, zhòngsuǒ zhīshí.
长老舍利弗、摩诃目犍连、摩诃迦叶、
zhǎnglǎo shèlìfó, móhē mùjiànlián, móhē jiāshè,
摩诃迦旃延、摩诃俱絺罗、离婆多、
móhē jiāzhānyán, móhē jùchīluó, lípóduō,
周利槃陀伽、难陀、阿难陀、罗侯罗、
zhōulì pántuóqié, nántuó, ānántuó, luóhóuluó,
憍梵波提、宾头卢颇罗堕、迦留陀夷、
jiāofàn bōtí, bīntóu lúpō luóduò, jiāliú tuóyí,
摩诃劫宾那、薄拘罗、阿㝹楼驮,
móhē jiébīnnà, bójūluó, ānóu lóutuó,
如是等诸大弟子。
rúshì děng zhū dà dìzǐ.
Thus is as I [11] have heard. At one time, the Buddha was at Śrāvastī city’s [12] Jeta [13] Grove And Giver-To-The-Lonely [14] Garden [15], with the Great Bhikṣus’ [16] Saṃgha [17], one thousand two hundred and fifty persons together. All of whom are Great Arhats [18], by many those known, the Elders Śāriputra [19], Mahāmaudgalyāyana [20], Mahākāśyapa [21], Mahākātyāyana [22], Mahākauṣṭhila [23], Revata [24], Śuddhipanthaka [25], Nanda [26], Ānanda [27], Rāhula [28], Gavāṃpati [29], Piṇḍola-Bhāradvāja [30], Kālodayin [31], Mahākapphiṇa [32], Vakkula [33], Aniruddha [34], such and other many great disciples.
[11] Ānanda: The Arhat foremost in hearing and remembering the Buddha’s teachings, and personal attention.
[12] Śrāvastī: Also capital city of Kausala (Kosala) kingdom in ancient India (ruled by King Prasenajit).
[13] Jeta: ‘Conqueror’: Crown Prince of Kausala.
[14] Giver-To-The-Lonely: Senior Minister of Kausala, also known as Anāthapiṇḍada (Anāthapindika or Sudatta; Joyous Generosity): ‘The Elder Who Gives To The Lonely’ (e.g. the young and parentless, and the old and childless), the Buddha’s lay disciple foremost in generosity.
[15] Jetavana Monastery: With trees donated by Prince Jeta and ground donated by Anāthapiṇḍada.
[16] Great Bhikṣus: Senior and virtuous fully ordained Buddhist monks.
[17] Saṃgha: Community of enlightened non-Buddhas and those striving for higher enlightenment.
[18] Great Arhats: The Buddha’s monastic disciples who have attained self-liberation (Arhathood).
[19] Śāriputra: The Arhat foremost in wisdom.
[20] Mahāmaudgalyāyana: The Arhat foremost in supernormal powers.
[21] Mahākāśyapa: The Arhat foremost in ascetic practice.
[22] Mahākātyāyana: The Arhat foremost in expounding the Dharma in detail, and debate.
[23] Mahākauṣṭhila: The Arhat foremost in eloquence.
[24] Revata: The Arhat foremost in forest-dwelling.
[25] Śuddhipanthaka: The Arhat foremost in manifestation of bodies and development of wholesome mind.
[26] Nanda: The Arhat foremost in restraint of senses (self-control).
[27] Ānanda: The Arhat foremost in hearing and remembering the Buddha’s teachings, and personal attention.
[28] Rāhula: The Arhat foremost in secret fine observation of precepts.
[29] Gavāṃpati: The Arhat foremost in receiving offerings from gods.
[30] Piṇḍola-Bhāradvāja: The Arhat foremost in the lion’s roar (declaration of awakening and clarification of doubts).
[31] Kālodayin: The Arhat foremost in arousing faith in the Buddha’s kinsfolk.
[32] Mahākapphiṇa: The Arhat foremost in instruction of monastics.
[33] Vakkula: The Arhat foremost in health (without any sickness) and longevity (of 160 years).
[34] Aniruddha: The Arhat foremost in heavenly eye (divine vision).
[大菩萨与天众
Assembly Of Great Bodhisattvas And Gods]
并诸菩萨摩诃萨,文殊师利法王子、
bìngzhū púsà móhēsà, wénshū shīlì fǎwángzǐ,
阿逸多菩萨、乾陀诃提菩萨、
āyìduō púsà, qiántuó hētí púsà,
常精进菩萨,与如是等诸大菩萨。
chángjīngjìn púsà, yǔ rúshì děng zhūdà púsà.
及释提桓因等,无量诸天大众俱。
jí shìtí huányīn děng wúliàng zhūtiān dàzhòng jù.
Also there were many Bodhisattva-Mahāsattvas [35] — Mañjuśrī the Dharma Prince [36], Ajita [37] Bodhisattva, Gandhahastin [38] Bodhisattva, Constant Diligence [39] Bodhisattva, with such other many Great Bodhisattvas. And Śakro-Devānām-Indra [40] with others, immeasurably many heavenly [41] great assemblies together.
[35] [Bodhisattva]-Mahāsattvas: Great Being: honorific title of advanced Bodhisattvas with fully developed Bodhicitta [Bodhi Mind] and ability to use compassion and wisdom together to manifest skilful means to benefit one and all.
[36] Mañjuśrī the Dharma Prince: ‘Wonderful Auspiciousness’ Bodhisattva, who will ‘inherit’ the ‘throne’ to be Dharma King (Buddha) by attaining Buddhahood. He represents the perfect wisdom of all Buddhas.
[37] Ajita: ‘Unconquerable’; Maitreya (‘Clan Of Loving-kindness’) Bodhisattva, the next to manifest Buddhahood in our world about 5.6 billion years later.
[38] Gandhahastin: Bodhisattva ‘Not Resting’ (in benefitting one and all).
[39] Constant Diligence: … in benefittng one and all (Nityodyukta Bodhisattva).
[40] Śakro-Devānām-Indra: ‘Lord Of The Devas’; Śakra; Indra: Chief god of Trāyastriṃśa Heaven.
[41] Heavenly [Beings]: Devas (terrestrial and celestial gods of Desire Realm) and brahmas (gods of Form Realm heavens).
[西方极乐世界阿弥陀佛
The Western Land Of Ultimate Bliss’ Amitā Buddha]
尔时佛告长老舍利弗:
ěrshí fógào zhǎnglǎo shèlìfó,
「从是西方,过十万亿佛土,
cóngshì xīfāng, guò shíwànyì fótǔ,
有世界名曰极乐。
yǒu shìjiè míngyuē jílè.
其土有佛,号阿弥陀,今现在说法。
qítǔ yǒufó, hào āmítuó, jīn xiànzài shuōfǎ.
At that time, the Buddha told the Elder Śāriputra, ‘From here, in the western direction, passing a hundred thousand koṭis [42] of Buddha lands [43], is a world named “Ultimate Bliss [44]“. In that land, is a Buddha named “Amitā [45]“, now presently speaking the Dharma.
[42] Koṭi: About 10,000,000; unit of 10 million.
[43] Buddha lands: Worlds where Buddhas reside and manifest to teach.
[44] Ultimate Bliss: Sukhāvatī: [Amitābha Buddha’s Pure] Land [or Buddha Land] Of [Utmost] Bliss.
[45] Amitā[bha/yus Buddha]: [Buddha Of] Immeasurable [Light/Life].
[正宗分
MAIN PRINCIPLES’ SECTION]
[彼土何故名为极乐 (1):
无众苦有诸乐
Why Is That Land Named ‘Ultimate Bliss’ (1):
Without All Suffering And With All Bliss]
舍利弗,彼土何故名为极乐?
shèlìfó, bǐtǔ hégù míngwéi jílè.
其国众生,无有众苦,
qíguó zhòngshēng, wúyǒu zhòngkǔ,
但受诸乐,故名极乐。
dànshòu zhūlè, gùmíng jílè.
Śāriputra, that land, for what reason, is named as “Ultimate Bliss”? As that land’s sentient beings, are without all kinds of suffering, and only receive all kinds of bliss, it is thus named “Ultimate Bliss”.
[彼土何故名为极乐 (2):
栏楯、罗网、行树、四宝
Why Is That Land Named ‘Ultimate Bliss’ (2):
Balustrades, Nets, Lined Trees, Four Treasures]
又舍利弗,极乐国土,
yòu shèlìfó, jílè guótǔ,
七重栏楯、七重罗网、七重行树,
qīchóng lánshǔn, qīchóng luówǎng, qīchóng hángshù,
皆是四宝周匝围绕,是故彼国名为极乐。
jiēshì sìbǎo zhōuzā wéirào, shìgù bǐguó míngwéi jílè.
Moreover, Śāriputra, as the Land Of Ultimate Bliss, has seven [46] layers of balustrades [47], seven layers of nets, and seven layers of lined trees, all with four treasures [48] surrounding, therefore is that land named as “Ultimate Bliss”.
[46] Seven: … represents the Seven Subjects Of (37) Path Factors To Enlightenment (七科道品; 三十七道品): (1) Four Foundations Of Mindfulness (四念处), (2) Four Right Efforts (四正勤), (3) Four Bases Of Supernormal Power (四神足), (4) Five Roots (五根), (5) Five Powers (五力), (6) Seven Limbs (Factors) Of Enlightenment (七觉支) and (7) Eightfold Noble Path (八圣道).
[47] Balustrades: Decorative and educational railings.
[48] Four treasures: Gold, silver, lapis lazuli and crystal, that represent the Four Virtues (四德) of Buddhahood: (1) Permanence (常; eternality), (2) Bliss (乐), (3) [true] Self (我) [beyond attachment to self and non-self], and (4) Purity (净).
[彼土功德庄严 (1):
宝池、功德水、金沙、阶道、楼阁、七宝、莲花
That Land’s Meritorious Virtues’ Adornments (1):
Treasure Ponds, Meritorious Virtues’ Waters, Golden Sand, Stairways, Towering Pavilions, Seven Treasures, Lotuses]
又舍利弗,极乐国土,有七宝池,
yòu shèlìfó, jílè guótǔ, yǒu qībǎochí,
八功德水,充满其中。
bā gōngdé shuǐ, chōngmǎn qízhōng.
池底,纯以金沙布地。
chídǐ, chúnyǐ jīnshā bùdì.
四边阶道,金、银、琉璃、玻璃,合成。
sìbiān jiēdào, jīn, yín, liúlí, bōlí, héchéng.
上有楼阁,亦以金、银、琉璃、玻璃、
shàngyǒu lóugé, yìyǐ jīn, yín, liúlí, bōlí,
砗磲、赤珠、玛瑙,而严饰之。
chēqú, chìzhū, mǎnǎo, éryán shìzhī.
池中莲花,大如车轮,
chízhōng liánhuā, dàrú chēlún,
青色青光、黄色黄光、
qīngsè qīngguāng, huángsè huángguāng,
赤色赤光、白色白光,微妙香洁。
chìsè chìguāng, báisè báiguāng, wēimiào xiāngjié.
舍利弗,极乐国土,成就如是功德庄严。
shèlìfó, jílè guótǔ, chéngjiù rúshì gōngdé zhuāngyán.
Moreover, Śāriputra, the Land Of Ultimate Bliss has seven treasures’ [49] ponds, with eight meritorious virtues’ waters [50] fully filling them within. Their pond beds are purely with golden sand spread on their grounds. On their four sides are stairways, of gold, silver, lapis lazuli and crystal composed. Above are towering pavilions [51], also with gold, silver, lapis lazuli, crystal, tridacna, red pearls and carnelian thus adorning them. The ponds within have lotus flowers, as large as chariot wheels, blue coloured of blue light, yellow coloured of yellow light, red coloured of red light, white coloured of white light, refined, wonderful, fragrant and pure. Śāriputra, the Land Of Ultimate Bliss is accomplished with such meritorious virtues’ adornments.
[49] Seven treasures: Gold, silver, lapis lazuli, crystal, tridacna, red pearls [ruby] and carnelian.
[50] Eight Meritorious Virtues’ waters: … which are (1) pure and clear, (2) pure and cool, (3) sweet and pleasant, (4) light and soft, (5) moisturising, (6) peaceful and harmonious, (7) able to eliminate hunger and thirst, and (8) able to grow and nurture all sense roots.
[51] Towering pavilions: Or towers and pavilions.
[彼土功德庄严 (2):
天乐、金地、曼陀罗华、供养佛
That Land’s Meritorious Virtues’ Adornments (2):
Heavenly Music, Gold Ground, Māndarāva Flowers, Offering Of Buddhas]
又舍利弗,彼佛国土,常作天乐,黄金为地。
yòu shèlìfó, bǐfó guótǔ, chángzuò tiānyuè, huángjīn wéidì.
昼夜六时,雨天曼陀罗华。
zhòuyè liùshí, yǔtiān màntuóluó huā.
其土众生,常以清旦,
qítǔ zhòngshēng, chángyǐ qīngdàn,
各以衣祴,盛众妙华,供养他方十万亿佛。
gèyǐ yīgé, chéngzhòng miàohuā, gòngyǎng tāfāng shíwànyì fó,
即以食时,还到本国,饭食经行。
jíyǐ shíshí, huándào běnguó, fànshí jīngxíng.
舍利弗,极乐国土,成就如是功德庄严。
shèlìfó, jílè guótǔ, chéngjiù rúshì gōngdé zhuāngyán.
Moreover, Śāriputra, that Buddha Land constantly plays heavenly music, with gold as ground. Day and night, during the six periods [52], raining from the sky are Māndarāva flowers [53]. That land’s sentient beings, constantly in early mornings, each with their clothes’ lapels, fill many wonderful flowers, to make offerings to other directions’ hundred thousand koṭis of Buddhas. Promptly by mealtime, they return to the original land, to eat and do walking meditation. Śāriputra, the Land Of Ultimate Bliss is accomplished with such meritorious virtues’ adornments.
[52] Six periods: Three periods of day (morning, midday, afternoon) and three periods of night (evening, midnight, post-midnight); all the time. Each period is four hours, beginning at around 6 a.m.
[53] Māndarāva Flowers: Superbly beutiful, gragrant, auspicious and wonderful heavenly flowers.
[彼土功德庄严 (3):
奇妙之鸟
That Land’s Meritorious Virtues’ Adornments (3):
Rare And Wonderful Birds]
复次舍利弗,彼国常有种种奇妙杂色之鸟,
fùcì shèlìfó, bǐguó chángyǒu zhǒngzhǒng qímiào zásè zhīniǎo.
白鹤、孔雀、鹦鹉、舍利、
báihè, kǒngquè, yīngwǔ, shèlì,
迦陵频伽、共命之鸟。
jiālíng pínqié, gòngmìng zhīniǎo.
是诸众鸟,昼夜六时,出和雅音。
shìzhū zhòngniǎo, zhòuyè liùshí, chū héyǎ yīn.
其音演畅五根、五力、七菩提分、
qíyīn yǎnchàng wǔgēn, wǔlì, qīpútífēn,
八圣道分,如是等法。
bāshèngdào fēn, rúshì děngfǎ.
其土众生,闻是音已,
qítǔ zhòngshēng, wénshì yīnyǐ,
皆悉念佛念法念僧。
jiēxī niànfó niànfǎ niànsēng.
Furthermore, Śāriputra, that land constantly has all kinds of rare and wonderful birds of various colours — White Cranes, Peacocks, Parrots, Śāris [54], Kalaviṅkas [55], and Life-Sharing Birds [56]. All these many birds, day and night, during the six periods, produce harmonious and elegant sounds. Their sounds smoothly explain the Five Roots [57], Five Powers [58], Seven Bodhi Factors [59], Eightfold Noble Path Factors [60], such and other Dharma. That land’s sentient beings, having heard these sounds already, all become mindful of the Buddha, mindful of the Dharma, and mindful of the Saṃgha.
[54] Śāris: Eloquent mynah-like birds with clear and sharp eyes.
[55] Kalaviṅkas: Birds with wonderful voices likened to Buddhas’, who sing before hatching.
[56] Life-Sharing Birds: Jīvaṃjīvaka birds with two heads each.
[57] Five Roots: … of (1) Faith, (2) Diligence, (3) Mindfulness, (4) Concentration and (5) Wisdom.
[58] Five Powers: … of (1) Faith, (2) Diligence, (3) Mindfulness, (4) Concentration and (5) Wisdom from practice of the Five Roots.
[59] Seven Bodhi Factors: (1) Mindfulness, (2) Investigation, (3) Diligence, (4) Joy, (5) Tranqillity, (6) Concentration and (7) Equanimity.
[60] Eightfold Noble Path Factors: Right (1) Understanding, (2) Thought, (3) Speech, (4) Action, (5) Livelihood, (6) Effort, (7) Mindfulness and (8) Concentration.
[彼土无三恶道
That Land Is Without Three Evil Paths]
舍利弗,汝勿谓此鸟,实是罪报所生。
shèlìfó, rǔ wùwèi cǐniǎo, shíshì zuìbào suǒshēng.
所以者何?彼佛国土,无三恶道。
suǒyǐ zhěhé. bǐfó guótǔ wú sānèdào.
Śāriputra, you should not say these birds really are those from transgressive retribution [61] born. Why is that so? That Buddha Land is without the three evil paths [62].
[61] Transgressive retribution: … as fruition of negative (unwholesome; evil) karma.
[62] Three evil paths: Lower realms of hell-beings, hungry ghosts and animals.
[诸鸟弥陀所化
All Birds Are Amitā Buddha’s Manifestations]
舍利弗,其佛国土,尚无恶道之名,何况有实。
shèlìfó, qífó guótǔ, shàngwú èdào zhīmíng, hékuàng yǒushí.
是诸众鸟,皆是阿弥陀佛,
shìzhū zhòngniǎo, jiēshì āmítuófó,
欲令法音宣流,变化所作。
yùlìng fǎyīn xuānliú, biànhuà suǒzuò.
Śāriputra, that Buddha Land is even without names of the evil paths, much less having their reality. Of all these many birds, all are Amitā Buddha, who desires to enable the Dharma’s sounds to be propagated, with manifestations of them made.
[彼土功德庄严 (4):
百千种乐
That Land’s Meritorious Virtues’ Adornments (4):
Hundred Thousand Kinds Of Music]
舍利弗,彼佛国土,微风吹动诸宝行树,
shèlìfó, bǐfó guótǔ, wēifēng chuídòng zhūbǎo hángshù,
及宝罗网,出微妙音。
jí bǎoluó wǎng, chū wēimiào yīn.
譬如百千种乐,同时俱作。
pìrú bǎiqiān zhǒngyuè, tóngshí jùzuò.
闻是音者,自然皆生念佛念法念僧之心。
wénshì yīnzhě, zìrán jiēshēng niànfó niànfǎ niànsēng zhīxīn.
舍利弗,其佛国土,成就如是功德庄严。
shèlìfó, qífó guótǔ, chéngjiù rúshì gōngdé zhuāngyán.
Śāriputra, in that Buddha Land, gentle breezes blow and move all the lined treasure trees and treasure nets, to produce refined and wonderful sounds. For example, like a hundred thousand kinds of music, at the same time together playing. Those who hear these sounds, naturally all give rise to minds with mindfulness of the Buddha, mindfulness of the Dharma, and mindfulness of the Saṃgha. Śāriputra, that Buddha Land is accomplished with such meritorious virtues’ adornments.
[彼佛何故号阿弥陀 (1):
无量光
Why Is That Buddha Named ‘Amita’ (1):
Immeasurable Light]
舍利弗,于汝意云何,彼佛何故号阿弥陀?
shèlìfó, yúrǔ yìyún hé, bǐfó hégù hào āmítuó.
舍利弗,彼佛光明无量,照十方国,
shèlìfó, bǐfó guāngmíng wúliàng, zhào shífāngguó,
无所障碍,是故号为阿弥陀。
wúsuǒ zhàngài shìgù hàowéi āmítuó.
Śāriputra, what do you think of this? That Buddha, for what reason, is named “Amitā”? Śāriputra, as that Buddha’s bright light is immeasurable, and illuminates the ten directions’ [63] lands without any obstruction, therefore is he named as “Amitā”[bha: Immeasurable Light].
[63] Ten directions: … of all space, to the East, South, West, North, Below, Above, Southeast, Southwest, Northwest, and Northeast.
[彼佛何故号阿弥陀 (2):
无量寿
Why Is That Buddha Named ‘Amita’ (2):
Immeasurable Life]
又舍利弗,彼佛寿命,及其人民,
yòu shèlìfó, bǐfó shòumìng, jíqí rénmín,
无量无边阿僧祇劫,故名阿弥陀。
wúliàng wúbiān āsēng qíjié, gùmíng āmítuó.
Moreover, Śāriputra, as that Buddha’s lifespan, and that of his people, are of immeasurable and boundless asaṃkhyeya [64] kalpas [65], thus is he named “Amitā”[yus: Immeasurable Life].
[64] Asaṃkhyeya: ‘Innumerable’ or ‘incalculable’. (The path to Buddhahood is swiftest via Pure Land, which also offers as much time as needed.)
[65] Kalpa: An inconceivably long period of time; one world cycle: time for a world to be formed and destroyed, about 1,334,000,000 years.
舍利弗,阿弥陀佛,成佛已来,于今十劫。
shèlìfó, āmítuófó chéngfó yǐlái, yújīn shíjié.
Śāriputra, since Amitā Buddha accomplished Buddhahood, by now, it has been ten kalpas.
[国土功德庄严 (5):
无量阿罗汉与菩萨
That Land’s Meritorious Virtues’ Adornments (5):
Immeasurable Arhats And Bodhisattvas]
又舍利弗,彼佛有无量无边声闻弟子,
yòu shèlìfó, bǐfó yǒu wúliàng wúbiān shēngwén dìzǐ,
皆阿罗汉,非是算数之所能知。
jiē āluóhàn, fēishì suànshù zhīsuǒ néngzhī.
诸菩萨众,亦复如是。
zhū púsà zhòng, yìfù rúshì.
舍利弗,彼佛国土,成就如是功德庄严。
shèlìfó, bǐfó guótǔ chéngjiù rúshì gōngdé zhuāngyán.
Moreover, Śāriputra, that Buddha has immeasurable and boundless Voice-Hearer [66] disciples, all of whom are Arhats, who cannot by counting of their number be known. All Bodhisattva assemblies, are likewise thus. Śāriputra, that Buddha Land is accomplished with such meritorious virtues’ adornments.
[66] Voice-Hearer: … of the Buddha’s teachings; disciples of the Buddha seeking Arhathood (self-liberation) (first).
[无量阿鞞跋致与一生补处菩萨
Immeasurable Avaivartikas And Eka-jaṭī-prati-baddhas]
又舍利弗,极乐国土,众生生者,
yòu shèlìfó, jílè guótǔ, zhòngshēng shēngzhě,
皆是阿鞞跋致。其中多有一生补处,
jiēshì āpībázhì. qízhōng duōyǒu yīshēng bǔchǔ.
其数甚多,非是算数所能知之,
qíshù shènduō, fēishì suànshù suǒnéng zhīzhī,
但可以无量无边阿僧祇说。
dàn kěyǐ wúliàng wúbiān āsēngqí shuō.
Moreover, Śāriputra, in the Land Of Ultimate Bliss, those sentient beings born, are all Avaivartikas [67]. Among them, many are in the Position Of One Life To Replacement [68], with their number extremely great, that cannot by counting their number be known of, and only can with immeasurable and boundless asaṃkhyeya kalpas be said.
[67] Avaivartika: Those in the Stage Of Non-Retrogression, with non-backsliding progress assured of Buddhahood.
[68] Position Of One Life To Replacement: … of other Buddhas; Eka-jaṭī-prati-baddhas: Bodhisattvas in the stage of one life to Buddhahood, to ‘replace’ preceding Buddhas, to guide sentient beings to Buddhahood.
[为何愿生彼国 (1):
会上善人
Why Vow To Be Born In That Land (1)
Meet Superior Good Persons]
舍利弗,众生闻者,
shèlìfó, zhòngshēng wénzhě,
应当发愿,愿生彼国。
yīngdāng fāyuàn, yuànshēng bǐguó.
所以者何?得与如是诸上善人,俱会一处。
suǒyǐ zhěhé. déyǔ rúshì zhūshàng shànrén jùhuì yīchǔ.
Śāriputra, those sentient beings who hear this, should vow [69], vowing to be born in that land. Why is that so? To attain being with all such superior good persons, together meeting in one place.
[69] … or aspire
[如何得生彼国
How To Attain Birth In That Land]
舍利弗,不可以少善根福德因缘,得生彼国。
shèlìfó, bùkěyǐ shǎo shàngēn fúdé yīnyuán, déshēng bǐguó.
舍利弗,若有善男子、善女人,
shèlìfó, ruòyǒu shànnánzǐ, shànnǚrén,
闻说阿弥陀佛,执持名号,
wénshuō āmítuófó, zhíchí mínghào,
若一日、若二日、若三日、若四日、
ruò yīrì, ruò èrrì, ruò sānrì, ruò sìrì,
若五日、若六日、若七日,一心不乱。
ruò wǔrì, ruò liùrì, ruò qīrì, yīxīn bùluàn.
其人临命终时,阿弥陀佛,与诸圣众,现在其前。
qírén línmìng zhōngshí, āmítuófó, yǔzhū shèngzhòng, xiànzài qíqián.
是人终时,心不颠倒,
shìrén zhōngshí, xīnbù diāndǎo,
即得往生阿弥陀佛极乐国土。
jídé wǎngshēng āmítuófó jílè guótǔ.
Śāriputra, one cannot, with few good roots [70] and blessed virtues [71], as cause and condition [72], attain birth in that land. Śāriputra, if there are good men and good women, who hear this said about Amitā Buddha, firmly uphold mindfulness of his name [73] [i.e. Āmítuófó], if for one day, if for two days, if for three days, if for four days, if for five days, if for six days, if for seven days [74], wholeheartedly [75] without being scattered [76], when these persons approach life’s end, Amitā Buddha, with many in his noble assembly will appear before them. When these persons’ lives are ending, their minds will not be inverted [77], and they will immediately attain rebirth in Amitā Buddha’s Land Of Ultimate Bliss.
[70] Good roots: Spiritual foundations of being (relatively) free from the Three Poisons of attachment, aversion and delusion, for cultivation of blessed virtues. (To practise the path towards awakening is to have good roots, as its close cause [亲因].)
[71] Blessed virtues: Blessings (positive; wholesome; good karma) arising from virtuous deeds (of body, speech and mind). (To have all kinds of practices that support the path to awakening, such as generosity, upholding precepts, meditative concentration and others is to have blessed virtues, as its supportive conditions [助缘].)
[72] Cause and condition: With Faith (信) and Aspiration (愿) having the sincere Practice (行) of firmly upholding the name (执持名号) of Āmítuófó, is with each recitation complete with many good roots (善根) and blessed virtues (福德), as the crucial cause and condition (因缘).
[73] Firmly uphold mindfulness of his name: … vocally or silently.
[74] Seven days: … or more if necessary, even after physical death.
[75] Wholeheartedly: … which is with utmost sincere Faith in Amítuófó and unwavering Aspiration to reach his Pure Land, thus naturally becoming as focused (concentrated; single-minded) as possible.
[76] Without being scattered: … by being distracted. (When truly wholehearted, one will not be scattered.)
[77] Minds will not be inverted: … with confused (deluded) thoughts, thus suffering from afflictions of attachment (perhaps to wanting to live on) and aversion (perhaps with fear of death).
[为何愿生彼国 (2):
得以上利益
Why Vow To Be Born In That Land (2)
Receive Benefits Above]
舍利弗,我见是利,故说此言。
shèlìfó, wǒjiàn shìlì, gùshuō cǐyán.
若有众生,闻是说者,
ruòyǒu zhòngshēng, wénshì shuōzhě,
应当发愿,生彼国土。
yīngdāng fāyuàn, shēngbǐ guótǔ.
Śāriputra, as I see these benefits, thus do I speak these words. If there are sentient beings, who hear this said, they should vow, to be born in that land.
[流通分
TRANSMISSION SECTION]
[东方诸佛劝信称赞言
Exhortation Of Faith In These Praises By All Buddhas Of The Eastern Direction]
舍利弗,如我今者,
shèlìfó, rúwǒ jīnzhě,
赞叹阿弥陀佛不可思议功德之利。
zàntàn āmítuófó bùkěsīyì gōngdé zhīlì.
东方亦有阿閦鞞佛、须弥相佛、大须弥佛、
dōngfāng yìyǒu āchùbǐfó, xūmíxiàngfó, dàxūmífó,
须弥光佛、妙音佛,如是等恒河沙数诸佛。
xūmíguāngfó, miàoyīnfó, rúshì děng hénghé shāshù zhūfó.
各于其国,出广长舌相,
gèyú qíguó, chū guǎngcháng shéxiàng,
遍覆三千大千世界,说诚实言:『汝等众生,
biànfù sānqiān dàqiān shìjiè, shuō chéngshí yán, rǔděng zhòngshēng,
当信是称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经。』
dāngxìn shì chēngzàn bùkě sīyì gōngdé yīqiè zhūfó suǒ hùniàn jīng.
Śāriputra, like I now praise Amitā Buddha’s inconceivable meritorious virtues’ benefits, in the eastern direction, there are also Akṣobhya [78] Buddha, Sumeru [79] Form [80] Buddha, Great Sumeru [81] Buddha, Sumeru Light [82] Buddha, Wonderful Voice [83] Buddha, such and all other Ganges River’s sands’ [84] numbered Buddhas, each in his land, extending the broad and long tongue’s form [85], that covers completely his three-thousandfold great-thousandfold world [86], speaking these truthful words, “You [and] other sentient beings, should believe this ‘Sūtra With Praises Of Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues And All Buddhas’ Mindful Protection’ [87].”
[78] Akṣobhya: Immovable
[79] Sumeru: Central and tallest mountain in each world.
[80] Sumeru Form: Meru-dhvaja
[81] Great Sumeru: Mahā-meru
[82] Sumeru Light: Meru-prabhāsa
[83] Wonderful Voice: Mañju-svara
[84] Ganges River’s sands: … which are extremely fine, representing an immeasurable number.
[85] Broad and long tongue’s form: … which represents the universal truthfulness (and importance) of this sūtra’s teachings.
[86] Three-thousandfold great-thousandfold world: Great trichiliocosm (world system) with 1,000,000,000 (1 billion) worlds.
[87] Sūtra With Praises Of Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues And All Buddhas’ Mindful Protection: Alternative (yet actual) name of this sūtra, which is mindfully protected by all Buddhas teaching it to all, and mindfully protecting all who learn, practise (and teach) accordingly.
[南方诸佛劝信称赞言
Exhortation Of Faith In These Praises By All Buddhas Of The Southern Direction]
舍利弗,南方世界,有日月灯佛、
shèlìfó, nánfāng shìjiè, yǒu rìyuèdēngfó,
名闻光佛、大焰肩佛、须弥灯佛、
míngwénguāngfó, dàyànjiānfó, xūmídēngfó,
无量精进佛,如是等恒河沙数诸佛。
wúliàngjīngjìnfó, rúshì děng hénghé shāshù zhūfó.
各于其国,出广长舌相,
gèyú qíguó, chū guǎngcháng shéxiàng,
遍覆三千大千世界,说诚实言:『汝等众生,
biànfù sānqiān dàqiān shìjiè, shuō chéngshí yán, rǔděng zhòngshēng,
当信是称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经。』
dāngxìn shì chēngzàn bùkě sīyì gōngdé yīqiè zhūfó suǒ hùniàn jīng.
Śāriputra, in the southern direction’s worlds, there are Sun And Moon Lamp [88] Buddha, Renown Light [89] Buddha, Great Flaming Shoulders [90] Buddha, Sumeru Lamp [91] Buddha, Immeasurable Diligence [92] Buddha, such and all other Ganges River’s sands’ numbered Buddhas, each in his land, extending the broad and long tongue’s form, that covers completely his three-thousandfold great-thousandfold world, speaking these truthful words, “You and other sentient beings, should believe this ‘Sūtra With Praises Of Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues And All Buddhas’ Mindful Protection’.”
[88] Sun And Moon Lamp: Candra-sūrya-pradīpa
[89] Renown Light: Yaśaḥ-prabha
[90] Great Flaming Shoulders: Mahārci-skandha
[91] Sumeru Lamp: Meru-pradīpa
[92] Immeasurable Diligence: Ananta-vīrya
[西方诸佛劝信称赞言
Exhortation Of Faith In These Praises By All Buddhas Of The Western Direction]
舍利弗,西方世界,有无量寿佛、
shèlìfó, xīfāng shìjiè, yǒu wúliàngshòufó,
无量相佛、无量幢佛、大光佛、
wúliàngxiāngfó, wúliàngchuángfó, dàguāngfó,
大明佛、宝相佛、
dàmíngfó, bǎoxiāngfó,
净光佛,如是等恒河沙数诸佛。
jìngguāngfó, rúshì děng hénghé shāshù zhūfó.
各于其国,出广长舌相,
gèyú qíguó, chū guǎngcháng shéxiàng,
遍覆三千大千世界,说诚实言:『汝等众生,
biànfù sānqiān dàqiān shìjiè, shuō chéngshí yán, rǔděng zhòngshēng,
当信是称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经。』
dāngxìn shì chēngzàn bùkě sīyì gōngdé yīqiè zhūfó suǒ hùniàn jīng.
Śāriputra, in the western direction’s worlds, there are Immeasurable Life [93] Buddha, Immeasurable Form [94] Buddha, Immeasurable Banner [95] Buddha, Great Light [96] Buddha, Great Brightness [97] Buddha, Treasure Form [98] Buddha, Pure Light [99] Buddha, such and all other Ganges River’s sands’ numbered Buddhas, each in his land, extending the broad and long tongue’s form, that covers completely his three-thousandfold great-thousandfold world, speaking these truthful words, “You and other sentient beings, should believe this ‘Sūtra With Praises Of Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues And All Buddhas’ Mindful Protection’.”
[93] Immeasurable Life: Amitāyus
[94] Immeasurable Form: Amita-ketu
[95] Immeasurable Banner: Amita-dhvaja
[96] Great Light: Mahā-prabha
[97] Great Brightness: Mahā-prabhāsa
[98] Treasure Form: Ratna-ketu
[99] Pure Light: Śuddha-raśmi-prabha
[北方诸佛劝信称赞言
Exhortation Of Faith In These Praises By All Buddhas Of The Northern Direction]
舍利弗,北方世界,有焰肩佛、
shèlìfó, běifāng shìjiè, yǒu yànjiānfó,
最胜音佛、难沮佛、日生佛、
zuìshèngyīnfó, nánjǔfó, rìshēngfó,
网明佛,如是等恒河沙数诸佛。
wǎngmíngfó, rúshì děng hénghé shāshù zhūfó.
各于其国,出广长舌相,
gèyú qíguó, chū guǎngcháng shéxiàng,
遍覆三千大千世界,说诚实言:『汝等众生,
biànfù sānqiān dàqiān shìjiè, shuō chéngshí yán, rǔděng zhòngshēng,
当信是称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经。』
dāngxìn shì chēngzàn bùkě sīyì gōngdé yīqiè zhūfó suǒ hùniàn jīng.
Śāriputra, in the northern direction’s worlds, there are Flaming Shoulders [100] Buddha, Most Victorious Voice [101] Buddha, Difficult-To-Defeat [102] Buddha, Sun Birth [103] Buddha, Net Of Brightness [104] Buddha, such and all other Ganges River’s sands’ numbered Buddhas, each in his land, extending the broad and long tongue’s form, that covers completely his three-thousandfold great-thousandfold world, speaking these truthful words, “You and other sentient beings, should believe this ‘Sūtra With Praises Of Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues And All Buddhas’ Mindful Protection’.”
[100] Flaming Shoulders: Arci-skandha
[101] Victorious Voice: Vaiśvānara-nirghoṣa
[102] Difficult-To-Defeat: Duṣpradharṣa
[103] Sun Birth: Āditya-saṃbhava
[104] Net Of Brightness: Jālinī-prabha
[下方诸佛劝信称赞言
Exhortation Of Faith In These Praises By All Buddhas Of The Below Direction]
舍利弗,下方世界,有师子佛、
shèlìfó, xiàfāng shìjiè, yǒu shīzǐfó,
名闻佛、名光佛、达摩佛、
míngwénfó, míngguāngfó, dámófó,
法幢佛、持法佛,
fǎchuángfó, chífǎfó,
如是等恒河沙数诸佛。
rúshì děng hénghé shāshù zhūfó.
各于其国,出广长舌相,
gèyú qíguó, chū guǎngcháng shéxiàng,
遍覆三千大千世界,说诚实言:『汝等众生,
biànfù sānqiān dàqiān shìjiè, shuō chéngshí yán, rǔděng zhòngshēng,
当信是称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经。』
dāngxìn shì chēngzàn bùkě sīyì gōngdé yīqiè zhūfó suǒ hùniàn jīng.
Śāriputra, in the below direction’s worlds, there are Lion [105] Buddha, Renown [106] Buddha, Name Of Light [107] Buddha, Dharma Buddha, Dharma Banner [108] Buddha, Upholding Dharma [109] Buddha, such and all other Ganges River’s sands’ numbered Buddhas, each in his land, extending the broad and long tongue’s form, that covers completely his three-thousandfold great-thousandfold world, speaking these truthful words, “You and other sentient beings, should believe this ‘Sūtra With Praises Of Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues And All Buddhas’ Mindful Protection’.”
[105] Lion: Siṃha
[106] Renown: Yaśas
[107] Name Of Light: Yaśaḥ-prabhāsa
[108] Dharma Banner: Dharma-dhvaja
[109] Upholding Dharma: Dharma-dhara
[上方诸佛劝信称赞言
Exhortation Of Faith In These Praises By All Buddhas Of The Above Direction]
舍利弗,上方世界,有梵音佛、
shèlìfó, shàngfāng shìjiè, yǒu fànyīnfó,
宿王佛、香上佛、香光佛、
sùwángfó, xiāngshàngfó, xiāngguāngfó,
大焰肩佛、杂色宝华严身佛、娑罗树王佛、
dàyànjiānfó, zásèbǎohuā yánshēnfó, suōluóshùwángfó,
宝华德佛、见一切义佛、如须弥山佛,
bǎohuādéfó, jiànyīqièyìfó, rúxūmíshānfó,
如是等恒河沙数诸佛。
rúshì děng hénghé shāshù zhūfó.
各于其国,出广长舌相,
gèyú qíguó, chū guǎngcháng shéxiàng,
遍覆三千大千世界,说诚实言:『汝等众生,
biànfù sānqiān dàqiān shìjiè, shuō chéngshí yán, rǔděng zhòngshēng,
当信是称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经。』
dāngxìn shì chēngzàn bùkě sīyì gōngdé yīqiè zhūfó suǒ hùniàn jīng.
Śāriputra, in the above direction’s worlds, there are Brahmā Voice [110] Buddha, Constellation King [111] Buddha, Fragrance Superior [112] Buddha, Fragrant Light [113] Buddha, Great Flaming Shoulders [114] Buddha, Varicoloured Treasure Flower Adorned Body [115] Buddha, Śāla Tree King [116] Buddha, Treasure Flower Virtue [117] Buddha, Seeing-Of-All-Meanings [118] Buddha, Likeness-To-Sumeru-Mountain [119] Buddha, such and all other Ganges River’s sands’ numbered Buddhas, each in his land, extending the broad and long tongue’s form, that covers completely his three-thousandfold great-thousandfold world, speaking these truthful words, “You and other sentient beings, should believe this ‘Sūtra With Praises Of Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues And All Buddhas’ Mindful Protection’.”
[110] Brahmā Voice: Brahma-ghoṣa
[111] Constellation King: Nakṣatra-rāja
[112] Fragrance Superior: Gandhottama
[113] Fragrant Light: Gandha-prabhāsa
[114] Great Flaming Shoulders: Mahārci-skandha
[115] Varicoloured Treasure Flower Adorned Body: Ratna-kusuma-saṃpuṣpita-gātra
[116] Śāla Tree King: Sālendra-rāja
[117] Treasure Flower Virtue: Ratnotpalaśrī
[118] Seeing-Of-All-Meanings: Sarva-artha-darśa
[119] Likeness-To-Sumeru-Mountain: Sumeru-kalpa
[为何名为一切诸佛所护念经
Why Is This Named The ‘Sūtra With All Buddhas’ Mindful Protection’]
舍利弗,于汝意云何,何故名为一切诸佛所护念经?
shèlìfó, yúrǔ yìyún hé, hégù míngwéi yīqiè zhūfó suǒ hùniànjīng.
舍利弗,若有善男子、善女人,
shèlìfó, ruòyǒu shànnánzǐ, shànnǚrén,
闻是经受持者,及闻诸佛名者。
wénshì jīng shòuchí zhě, jíwén zhūfómíng zhě.
是诸善男子、善女人,
shìzhū shànnánzǐ, shànnǚrén,
皆为一切诸佛之所护念,
jiēwéi yīqiè zhūfó zhīsuǒ hùniàn,
皆得不退转于阿耨多罗三藐三菩提。
jiēdé bùtuìzhuǎn yú ānòu duōluó sānmiǎo sānpútí.
是故舍利弗,汝等皆当信受我语,及诸佛所说。
shìgù shèlìfó, rǔděng jiēdāng xìnshòu wǒyǔ, jí zhūfó suǒshuō.
Śāriputra, what do you think of this? For what reason is this named as the “Sūtra With All Buddhas’ Mindful Protection”? Śāriputra, if there are good men and good women, who hear this sūtra, accept and uphold it, and hear all these Buddhas’ names, all these good men and good women, will all by all Buddhas, be mindfully protected, and all attain non-retrogression [120] for Anuttarā Samyak Saṃbodhi [121]. Therefore, Śāriputra, you and all others should faithfully accept my words, and those that all Buddhas say.
[120] Non-retrogression: Non-backsliding progress assured of Buddhahood.
[121] Anuttarā Samyak Saṃbodhi: Unsurpassable Equally Perfect Enlightenment (Unsurpassable Right And Equally Right Awakening [无上正等正觉]); Buddhahood.
[为何发愿往生彼国 (2):
得不退转于阿耨多罗三藐三菩提
Why Vow To Be Born In That Land (3):
Attain Non-Retrogression For Anuttarā Samyak Saṃbodhi]
舍利弗,若有人,已发愿、
shèlìfó, ruò yǒurén, yǐfāyuàn,
今发愿、当发愿,
jīnfāyuàn, dāngfāyuàn,
欲生阿弥陀佛国者。
yùshēng āmítuófó guózhě.
是诸人等,皆得不退转于阿耨多罗三藐三菩提。
shì zhūrén děng, jiēdé bùtuìzhuǎn yú ānòu duōluó sānmiǎo sānpútí.
于彼国土,若已生、若今生、若当生。
yúbǐ guótǔ, ruòyǐshēng, ruòjīnshēng, ruòdāngshēng.
是故舍利弗,诸善男子、善女人,
shìgù shèlìfó, zhū shànnánzǐ, shànnǚrén,
若有信者,应当发愿,生彼国土。
ruò yǒuxìn zhě, yīngdāng fāyuàn, shēngbǐ guótǔ.
Śāriputra, if there are people who have already vowed, are now vowing, or will be vowing, with the desire to be born in Amitā Buddha’s Land, all these people and others, will all attain non-retrogression for Anuttarā Samyak Saṃbodhi. In that land, they have already been born, or are now being born, or will be born. Therefore, Śāriputra, all good men and good women, if they have faith, should vow, to be born in that land.
[诸佛称释迦牟尼佛称赞言
All Buddhas’ Praises Of Śākyamuni Buddha]
舍利弗,如我今者,
shèlìfó, rúwǒ jīnzhě,
称赞诸佛不可思议功德。
chēngzàn zhūfó bùkě sīyì gōngdé.
彼诸佛等,亦称赞我不可思议功德,而作是言:
bǐ zhūfó děng, yì chēngzàn wǒ bùkě sīyì gōngdé, érzuò shìyán,
『释迦牟尼佛,能为甚难希有之事。
shìjiāmóunífó, néngwéi shènnán xīyǒu zhīshì.
能于娑婆国土,五浊恶世,
néngyú suōpó guótǔ, wǔzhuó èshì,
劫浊、见浊、烦恼浊、众生浊、命浊中,
jiézhuó, jiànzhuó, fánnǎozhuó, zhòngshēngzhuó, mìngzhuó zhōng,
得阿耨多罗三藐三菩提。
dé ānòu duōluó sānmiǎo sānpútí.
为诸众生,说是一切世间难信之法。』
wèizhū zhòngshēng, shuōshì yīqiè shìjiān nánxìn zhīfǎ.
Śāriputra, like I now praise all Buddhas’ inconceivable meritorious virtues, all those Buddhas and others, also praise my inconceivable meritorious virtues, and make this statement, “Śākyamuni Buddha, was able to do these extremely difficult and rare of matters, able to, in this Sahā Land’s [122] Five Defilements’ [123] Evil Period, with Kalpa’s Defilement [124], Views’ Defilement [125], Afflictions’ Defilement [126], Sentient Beings’ Defilement [127], and Lifespan’s Defilement [128] within, attain Anuttarā Samyak Saṃbodhi, and for all sentient beings, speak this Dharma, that all in the world have difficulty believing in.”
[122] Sahā Land: … of ‘endurance’ (of sufftering).
[123] Five Defilements: Five Corruptions; Turbidities.
[124] Kalpa’s Defilement: … is this period when all kinds of corrupted phenomena (defilements below) increasingly gather.
[125] Views’ Defilement: … which are wrong (and harmful).
[126] Afflictions’ Defilement: … which cause suffering due to attachment, aversion, delusion, pride and doubt.
[127] Sentient Beings’ Defilement: … which arise from Views’ Defilement and Afflictions’ Defilement mixing to give rise to sentient beings who are defiled in body and mind.
[128] Lifespan’s Defilement: … which is the ill effect of having shorter lives (due to defilements above), that makes spiritual progress without the Pure Land path difficult.
[成佛说此法之甚难
Extreme Difficulty Of Attaining Buddhahood And Speaking This Dharma]
舍利弗,当知我于五浊恶世,行此难事,
shèlìfó, dāngzhī wǒyú wǔzhuó èshì, xíngcǐ nánshì,
得阿耨多罗三藐三菩提。
dé ānòu duōluó sānmiǎo sānpútí.
为一切世间说此难信之法,是为甚难。」
wèi yīqiè shìjiān shuōcǐ nánxìn zhīfǎ, shìwéi shènnán.
Śāriputra, you should know that I, in this Five Defilements’ Evil Period, did these difficult matters, of attaining Anuttarā Samyak Saṃbodhi, and for all in the world spoke this difficult to believe Dharma, which is extremely difficult.’
[大众欢喜信受
Great Assembly’s Rejoice And Faithful Acceptance]
佛说此经已,舍利弗,及诸比丘、
fóshuō cǐjīng yǐ, shèlìfó, jízhū bǐqiū,
一切世间天人阿修罗等,
yīqiè shìjiān tiānrén āxiūluó děng,
闻佛所说,欢喜信受,作礼而去。
wénfó suǒshuō, huānxǐ xìnshòu, zuòlǐ érqù.
The Buddha, having spoken this sūtra already, Śāriputra, and all the Bhikṣus, with all the world’s heavenly beings, humans, asuras [129] and others, having heard that the Buddha said, joyfully and faithfully accepted it, as they paid homage and departed.
[129] Asuras: Demi-gods who tend to be jealous of gods (i.e. heavenly beings; devas).
《佛说阿弥陀经》
fóshuō āmítuójīng
The Sūtra In Which The Buddha Speaks Of Amitā Buddha
_____
《拔一切业障根本得生净土陀罗尼》【往生咒】[3x]
bá yīqiè yèzhàng gēnběn déshēng jìngtǔ tuóluóní
(Dhāraṇī [130] For Uprooting All Karmic Obstacles And Attaining Birth In Pure Land [Rebirth Mantra] [131])
南无阿弥多婆夜。哆他伽跢夜。
námóāmíduōpóyè. duōtāqiéduōyè.
Namo Amitābhāya Tathāgatāya.
归命无量光如来。
[Homage to and] refuge for life in Immeasurable Light Thus Come One.
哆地夜他。
duōdìyètā.
Tadyathā:
即说咒曰:
[Now speaking it, the mantra] is thus:
阿弥唎都。婆毗。
āmílìduō. pópí.
Amṛtod Bhave!
甘露所生!
Ambrosia [132] born!
阿弥唎哆。悉耽婆毗。
āmílìduō. xīdānpópí.
Amṛta Siddhaṃ Bhave!
甘露成就所生!
Ambrosia [for] perfect birth!
阿弥唎哆。毗迦兰帝。
āmílìduō. píjiālándì.
Amṛta Vikrānte!
甘露具大神力!
Ambrosia [that is] powerful!
阿弥唎哆。毗迦兰哆。伽弥腻。
āmílìduō. píjiālánduō. qiémínì.
Amṛta Vikrānta Gāmini!
甘露令度得!
Ambrosia [for] transcendence and attainment [133]!
伽伽那。枳多迦隷。
qiéqiénà. zhǐduōjiālì.
Gagana Kīrta Kāre!
遍虚空称扬此!
[In all] space, [may this] praise [be] made!
娑婆诃。
sāpóhē.
Svāhā [134]!
成就圆满!
[May all] accomplishments [be] complete!
[130] Longer mantra with ‘total retention’ of the Dharma’s essence, with protective power and
blessings, also for recitation to cultivate concentration and wisdom. (Often used interchangeably
with ‘mantra’.)
[131] String of syllables encapsulating the Dharma’s essence. (Often used interchangeably with
‘dhāraṇī’.) The Chinese and English versions here are approximate translations.
[132] ‘Nectar’ of immeasurable life, representing Āmítuófó’s immeasurable meritorious virtues and blessings.
[133] Transcendence of Saṃsāra (cycle of birth and death) and attainment of birth in Pure Land
(for swiftest progress to liberation of Buddhahood).
[134] Hail! (So be it!)
For latest improved version, please contact purelanders.com/contact
相关经典
Related Sūtras:
中国净土宗十三祖印光大师校订之《净土五经》
‘The Pure Land Tradition’s Five Sūtras’ As Checked By The Chinese Pure Land Tradition’s 13th Patriarch Great Master Yìnguāng
https://purelanders.com/wujing
《称赞净土佛摄受经》
The Sūtra On Praises Of The Pure Land With Buddhas’ Protection And Reception
https://purelanders.com/tang
《一切诸佛所护念经》:
The Sūtra With All Buddhas’ Mindful Protection:
《佛说阿弥陀经》与《称赞净土佛摄受经》中英对照文
Chinese-English Comparative Text Of The Sūtra In Which The Buddha Speaks Of Amitābha Buddha & The Sūtra On Praises Of The Pure Land With Buddhas’ Protection And Reception
https://purelanders.com/2023/01/06/comparative-text-of-two-amitabha-sutras
《佛说阿弥陀经》与《往生咒》(拼音念诵版)
Amitābha Sūtra And Rebirth Mantra (Pīnyīn Recitation Version)
https://purelanders.com/chant
相关经论
Related Commentary:
《佛说阿弥陀经要解》
The Essential Explanation On The Amitā[bha] Sūtra As Spoken By The Buddha
https://purelanders.com/yaojie
Related Articles:
Summary Of The Amitābha Sūtra
https://purelanders.com/2018/05/12/summary-of-the-amitabha-sutra
Synopsis Of The Amitābha Sūtra
https://purelanders.com/2015/10/16/synopsis-of-the-amitabha-sutra
Book:
With footnotes on all Dharma terms and related chants
https://thedailyenlightenment.com/2015/07/new-translation-of-amitabha-sutra
弥陀净土青色莲花是蓝的吗?
Are The ‘Green’ Lotus Flowers In Āmítuófó’s Pure Land Blue?
https://purelanders.com/2019/06/30/are-the-green-lotus-flowers-in-amituofos-pure-land-blue/
南无阿弥陀佛
Namo Amituofo
AMITUOFO
Thank you to Purelanders