云何为信?
一,信阿弥陀佛愿力,
二,信释迦文佛教话,
三,信六方诸佛赞叹。
此而不信,真不可救,
故须先深信,勿起疑惑。
净土宗九祖澫益大师
《灵峰宗论》
What is meant by Faith? First, Faith in the power of Amitābha Buddha’s [Āmítuófó’s] vows. Second, Faith in Śākyamuni Buddha’s spoken teachings. Third, Faith in the praises of [Āmítuófó by] all Buddhas of the six directions [everywhere: East, North, West, South, Below and Above]. With this, yet not having Faith, one truly cannot be saved [by Āmítuófó]. Thus, one should first give rise to deep Faith, and not give rise to doubt.
Pure Land Tradition’s 9th Patriarch Great Master Ǒuyì
(Spirit Peak Tradition’s Treatise)
云何为愿?
一切时中,
厌恶娑婆生死之苦,
欣慕净土菩提之乐 。
随有所作,若善若恶,
善则回向求生,
恶则忏愿求生,
更无二志,是名为愿。
净土宗九祖澫益大师
《灵峰宗论》
What is Aspiration [Vow]? At all times, loathe the suffering of birth and death in this Sahā World, rejoice in and yearn for the bliss of enlightenment in [Āmítuófó’s] Pure Land. For all that is done, be it good or evil, for the good, thus should it be dedicated for seeking of birth in Pure Land, for the evil, thus should there be repentance for seeking of birth in Pure Land. Furthermore, without a second ambition, this is named Aspiration.
Pure Land Tradition’s 9th Patriarch Great Master Ǒuyì
(Spirit Peak Tradition’s Treatise)
信愿既具,
念佛方为正行,
改恶修善皆为助行。
净土宗九祖澫益大师
《灵峰宗论》
With Faith and Aspiration already complete, recitation of [Amitābha] Buddha’s name [Āmítuófó] is then as the Main Practice, while correction of evil and cultivation of good are all as Supportive Practices.
Pure Land Tradition’s 9th Patriarch Great Master Ǒuyì
(Spirit Peak Tradition’s Treatise)
得生与否,
全由信愿之有无。
品位高下,
全由持名之深浅。
净土宗九祖澫益大师
《佛说阿弥陀经要解》
Attaining birth [in Āmítuófó’s Pure Land] or not, completely depends on Faith and Aspiration being present or absent. The grade [of birth] being high or low, completely depends on [the Practice of] upholding [i.e. mindfulness of] the name [of Āmítuófó] being deep or shallow.
Pure Land Tradition’s 9th Patriarch Great Master Ǒuyì
(Essential Explanation Of The Amitābha Sūtra As Spoken By The Buddha)
信愿持名深,
得生品位高。
信愿持名浅 ,
得生品位下。
With Faith, Aspiration and deeper upholding of the name [of Āmítuófó],
attained is birth of higher grade [in Pure Land].
With Faith, Aspiration and shallower upholding of the name [of Āmítuófó],
attained is birth of lower grade [in Pure Land].
Namo Amituofo : Translation by Shen Shi’an