Question: The Six Perfections are needed for perfecting spiritual practice, to become Buddhas. How can we practise the Six Perfections in Samsara now, via the practice of mindfulness of Amituofo’s name (Nianfo)? What about in Amituofo’s (Amitabha Buddha) Pure Land?
Answer: The answer is self-explanatory in the quote below, followed by notes on it. Briefly, the proper sincere practice of Nianfo IS the practice of the Six Perfections, as we shall see…
[念念佛，行六度]
[Thought To thought With Buddha Is Practice Of The Six Perfections]
修净土者，不越一行。则此六义。
Those cultivating the Pure Land path, do not transcend one practice. Then having these six meanings.
念念离，行于施。
念念净，行于戒。
念念寂，行于忍。
念念续，行于进。
念念一，行于定。
念念佛，行于智。
[1] Thought to thought with Renunciation is practice of Generosity (布施).
[2] Thought to thought with Purity is practice of Upholding Precepts (持戒).
[3] Thought to thought with Stillness is practice of Forbearance (忍辱).
[4] Thought to thought with Continuity is practice of Diligence (精进).
[5] Thought to thought with Oneness is practice of Meditative Concentration (禅定).
[6] Thought to thought with Buddha is practice of Wisdom (般若).
当知离净寂续一，必有事相随缘而起，而皆从念佛添出。正助不二，事理不二，是故念佛一行，能该诸行。以念佛是一心法门，心外无诸行故。若废诸行，即是废心。
It should be known that with Renunciation, Purity, Stillness, Continuity, Oneness, this definitely has practices’ forms according to conditions then arising, then with all from mindfulness of Buddha appended out. With Main and Supportive Practices not two, practices and principles not two, therefore is mindfulness of Buddha one practice, able to bring together all practices. With mindfulness of Buddha, it is the Dharma Door Of Wholeheartedness, with the mind outside without all practices thus. If abandoning all practices, this then is abandoning of the mind.
《净土圣贤录》
Record Of Pure Land’s Noble Sages
袁宏道, 石头居士篇
Section On Yuán Hóngdào, Layperson Shítou
Notes:
[1] As in the moment, there is letting go of all other thoughts and things.
[2] As in the moment, there is aligning with our pure Buddha-Nature.
[3] As in the moment, there is being unmovable by anything.
[4] As in the moment, there is sincere perseverance.
[5] As in the moment, there is wholehearted (single-minded) focus.
[6] As in the moment, there is awakening of wisdom with Āmítuófó’s blessings.
Further Notes:
There is no need to deliberately think of the above during Nianfo as the perfections are naturally within sincere practice. Although Nianfo in its simplest form of silent chanting is a mental practice, it thus encompasses all other practices in essence. For the old, sick, and those lacking time and resources for other tangible (physical) practices of the perfections, this is truly encouraging!
Nianfo is therefore the easiest yet still complete way to practise the Six Perfections. The more we practise Nianfo sincerely, due to further alignment with our Buddha-Nature, the more will we naturally practise the Six Perfections in everyday life beyond Nianfo sessions too. This tendency continues when Amituofo’s Pure Land is reached.
Due to its most excellent environment, companions and teachers, all in Pure Land will be automatically inspired to be mindful of the Triple Gem (including the Buddha) constantly. After training, when they leave Pure Land, be it temporarily or permanently, they will naturally be able to practise the Six Perfections to their fullest tangible extent, according to the perfect model ten great vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (as mentioned in the 22nd Vow of Amituofo)!
Related Articles:
Great Master Lianchi: How Buddha Mindfulness Completes The Six Perfections (1)
https://purelanders.com/2012/01/16/how-buddha-mindfulness-completes-the-six-perfections-1
Great Master Ouyi: How Buddha Mindfulness Completes The Six Perfections (2)
https://purelanders.com/2012/01/16/how-buddha-mindfulness-completes-the-six-perfections-2
