Translations

What Are Main & Supportive Practices? 何为正助二行?

‘信愿既具,念佛方为正行,改恶修善皆为助行。’

‘[With] Faith and Aspiration [Vow] already complete, [wholehearted (utmost sincere) mindful] recitation [of the name of Amitabha] Buddha [i.e. Amituofo] is then as the “Main Practice”, [while] correction of evil and cultivation of good are all as “Supportive Practices.”’

– 净土宗九祖澫益大师
(灵峰宗论)

– Pure Land Tradition’s 9th Patriarch Great Master Ouyi
(Spirit Peak [School’s] Essential Treatise)

Note:  To reach Pure Land, upholding the Practice of reciting the name of Amituofo with the right Faith and sincere Aspiration is the “Main Practice”, while all other Dharma practices are “Supportive Practices”, for supporting the “Main Practice.”

If there is no “Main Practice”, even having many “Supportive Practices” not powered with the Three Provisions of Faith, Aspiration and Practice, Pure Land cannot be reached. If there is only “Main Practice”, yet with enough of it, Pure Land can still be reached. However, “Supportive Practices” can indeed support the “Main Practice.”

Please be mindful of your speech, Amituofo!

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