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。
净土宗九祖蕅益大师
《灵峰宗论》
What is called Faith? First, is Faith in Āmítuófó’s vows’ power. Second, is Faith in Śākyamuni Buddha’s teachings spoken. Third, is Faith in the six directions’ all Buddhas’ high praises [of Āmítuófó, everywhere in the East, South, West, North, Below and Above]. With these, yet not having Faith, one truly cannot be saved [by Āmítuófó]. Therefore, there must first be profound [i.e. deep] Faith, not giving rise to doubts and confusions.
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。
净土宗九祖蕅益大师
《灵峰宗论》
What is called Aspiration [i.e. Vow]? At all times, loathe the suffering of this Sahā World’s cycle of birth and death, and joyfully yearn for the bliss of [Āmítuófó’s] Pure Land’s Bodhi [i.e. awakening]. Following having that done, be it good or evil, with the good, then dedicate to seek birth in the Pure Land, and with the evil, then repent and aspire to seek birth in the Pure Land. Furthermore, without a second aspiration, this is named as 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。
净土宗九祖蕅益大师
《灵峰宗论》
With Faith and Aspiration [i.e. Vow] already complete, [wholehearted] recitation of Āmítuófó’s name is then the Main Practice, while correction of evil and cultivation of good are all 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。
净土宗九祖蕅益大师
《佛说阿弥陀经要解》
Whether attaining birth [in Āmítuófó’s Pure Land] or not, is completely due to the presence or absence of Faith and Aspiration [i.e. Vow]. The grade and position being high or low, is completely due to the depth or shallowness [of the Practice of] upholding Āmítuófó’s name.
Pure Land Tradition’s 9th Patriarch Great Master Ǒuyì
(Essential Explanation Of The Sūtra In Which The Buddha Speaks Of Amitābha 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
