Question: Some only learn and practise the Pure Land teachings for a short while. Is this because their karma is not yet ready, and will they be more diligent when their karma ripen?
Answer: The only skilfully productive way to look at this is that they either lack motivation in learning or lack instruction by a good teacher. Motivation should be increased by seeking instruction via a good teacher. Often, it is simply laziness at play. We should not excuse ourselves vaguely with karma, by thinking, ‘Well, my karma is not ready for this.’ Karma is what we actively create in the present too; not just what happens to us according to what done in the past. Challenges that obstruct Dharma learning and practice should be overcome, by reflecting, ‘I will create pure karma by diligent learning and practice!’
Life is short and unpredictable. Without learning and practising to reach Pure Land, one will be stuck in Samsara for indefinite time to suffer due to the repetitive problem of three lifetimes: http://
佛告弥勒：「其有得闻彼佛名号，欢喜踊跃，乃至一念，当知此人，为得大利，则是具足无上功德。
[Sakyamuni] Buddha told Maitreya [Bodhisattva], ‘If there are those who attain hearing of that Buddha’s name [Āmítuófó], with joyful enthusiasm, and even with one thought, you should know that these persons will be attaining great benefits, who are then complete with unsurpassable meritorious virtues [as they will progress towards Buddhahood].
是故，弥勒！设有大火，充满三千大千世界，要当过此，闻是经法，欢喜信乐，受持读诵，如说修行。
Therefore, Maitreya! If there is a great fire, that fully fills the three-thousand great-thousand world, [one should and] must cross it, to hear this sutra’s Dharma, and with joyful faith and understanding, receive, uphold, read and recite it, to cultivate the practices as said.
所以者何？多有菩萨，欲闻此经，而不能得。若有众生，闻此经者，於无上道，终不退转。是故，应当专心信受，持诵说行。吾今为诸众生，说此经法，令见无量寿佛，及其国土一切所有。所当为者，皆可求之，无得以我灭度之后，复生疑惑。
Why is that so? There are many Bodhisattvas, who desire to hear this sutra, yet not able to attain it. If there are sentient beings, who hear this sutra, of the unsurpassable path [to Buddhahood], they will to the end never retrogress. Therefore, you should, with focused minds, faithfully accept, uphold, recite, speak and practise this. I now for all sentient beings, speak this sūtra’s Dharma, enabled sight of Immeasurable Life Buddha [Āmítuófó: 阿弥陀佛], and all that exists in his [Pure] Land [净土]. With that which should be done, all can seek it. You must not, with my Parinirvana after, again give rise to doubts and confusions.
当来之世，经道灭尽，我以慈悲哀愍，特留此经，止住百岁。其有众生，值斯经者，随意所愿，皆可得度。」
In the world of the future, when sutras’ paths are destroyed completely, I, with loving-kindness, compassion and sympathy, will specially retain this sutra, to remain and dwell for one hundred years [longer]. If there are sentient beings, who encounter this sutra, accordingly as wished, with that aspired, all attain deliverance.
佛语弥勒：「如来兴世，难值难见；诸佛经道，难得难闻；菩萨胜法，诸波罗蜜，得闻亦难；遇善知识，闻法能行，此亦为难。若闻斯经，信乐受持，难中之难，无过此难。是故我法，如是作，如是说，如是教。应当信顺，如法修行。」
The Buddha told Maitreya, ‘The Thus Come Ones’ arisings in the world, are difficult to encounter, and difficult to see. All Buddhas’ sutra paths, are difficult to attain, and difficult to hear. Of Bodhisattvas’ excellent Dharma, and all Paramitas, to attain hearing of them is likewise difficult. Encountering good-knowing friends, to hear the Dharma and be able to practise it, this likewise is difficult. If hearing this sutra, with joyful faith accepting and upholding it, this is the most difficult of difficulties within, without that surpassing this difficulty. Therefore, is my Dharma, thus done, thus spoken, and thus taught. It should be faithfully followed, according with this Dharma, for cultivation of practice.’
