持诵经咒，贵在至诚
[215] [When] Upholding Recitation [Of] Sūtras [And] Mantras, [What] Precious Is [Having] Utmost Sincerity
持诵经咒，贵在至诚。纵绝不知义，若能竭诚尽敬，虔恳受持，久而久之，自然业消智朗，障尽心明，尚能直达佛意，何况文字训诂与其意致。
[When] upholding recitation [of] sūtras [and] mantras, [what] precious is [having] utmost sincerity. Even if absolutely not knowing [their] meanings, if able [to have] wholehearted sincerity [and] utmost reverence, [with] devout earnestness receiving [and] upholding [them], gradually over a long time, naturally [will evil] karma [be] eliminated [and] wisdom [become] clear, obstacles [be] exhausted [and the] mind [become] bright, also [with the] ability [to] directly attain [the] Buddha’s meanings, what more [with] words [of] commentary texts, [with] their meanings conveyed.
[Note 1: Reciting the Buddha’s sacred teachings with utmost sincerity is able to create great meritorious virtues (功德) to eliminate evil karma, and let their wisdom permeate the mind.]
[Note 2: Recitation of Amitā(bha) Buddha’s name (Āmítuófó: 阿弥陀佛) also creates meritorious virtues and awakens one’s inner wisdom, when connected with his wisdom light (智慧光).]
[Note 3: To expedite realisation of the meanings of the Buddha’s teachings recited, there can also be systematic and comprehensive study done, by attending proper classes and contemplating with good commentaries, while regular recitation is useful for further internalisation and realisation of their meanings.]
否则纵能了知，由不至诚，只成凡夫情见，卜度思量而已。经之真利益，真感应，皆无由得。以完全是识心分别计度，何能潜通佛智，暗合道妙，一超直入，顿获胜益也?
Otherwise, even if able [to] clearly understand [them], due [to] not [having] utmost sincerity, [they will] only become ordinary beings’ emotional views [and] speculative considerations, [with] nothing more. Of [the] sūtras’ true benefits, [and] true connections [with] responses, all [will be] without causes [to be] attained. Completely with this conscious mind differentiating [and] conjecturing, how [is one] able [to] subtly [and] thoroughly understand [the] Buddha’s wisdom, implicitly agree [with the] path’s wonders, [to at] once transcend, directly enter [the noble, to] immediately obtain supreme benefits?
[Note 4: To have genuine connections with the Buddha and responses from him, there should at least be utmost sincere mindfulness of his name. This is how the Buddha can receive and guide us to reach his Pure Land (净土), to become noble ones (圣者).]
净土宗十三祖印光大师
Pure Land Tradition’s 13th Patriarch Great Master Yìnguāng
《印光法师文钞》（三编）：朝暮课诵白话解释序；
Dharma Master Yìnguāng’s Collected Writings (Third Compilation): Preface [Of] Vernacular Explanation [Of] Morning [And] Evening Liturgy;
印光大师文钞菁华录（第两百十五则）：五、勉居心诚敬（第十则）
Record [Of] Great Master Yìnguāng’s Collected Writings’ Essence (215th Short Section): 5th [Chapter]: Encouragement [Of The] Mind [To] Dwell [In] Sincerity [And] Reverence (10th Short Section)
[Ref: #215 / 5.10]
Namo Amituofo : Translation and notes by Shen Shi’an
相关典籍
Related Text:
《印光大师文钞菁华录》
Record Of Great Master Yìnguāng’s Collected Writings’ Essence
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