By Householder Jingtsan

  

       All Dharma Masters and Lotus Friends, Namo Amituofo! I am honored yet humbled to have this opportunity to speak with you briefly tonight - some words that come from my own perspective.

       各位法师、各位莲友，南无阿弥陀佛！今晚怀着荣幸且惶恐的心情，以自身的角度观点，与大家简短地分享一些心得体会。

       I would like to share a bit about what I have learned from my own efforts of walking the Pristine Pure Land Path; that is, efforts to put Amitabha recitation at the center of my life. Balancing both learning and practicing, so as not to lose sight of the utmost importance of the latter.                            

       我想分享一些我在努力学习纯正净土之道中所得到的体会，也就是努力地将念阿弥陀佛融入我的生命中。在学习与实践之间寻求平衡，避免忽视後者至关重要的意义。

       I am brought back to how I graciously discovered the Pure Land Dharma. Since childhood, I remember having an interest in Buddhism from a distance with a very vague understanding. In searching for answers as an adult, I began considering Buddhism as a practice for myself, occasionally reading some books that were very inspiring albeit too abstract for me to embrace personally and wholeheartedly. Deep down, I remember wanting to understand how Buddhism can be a suitable practice for so many ordinary normal people. The ideals of Mahayana Buddhism clicked with me once I read the Lotus Sutra and the Earth Store Bodhisattva Sutra. It was then that I read a book ‘The Teaching of the Buddha,’ which casually mentioned the salvation of beings who call Amitabha’s name. The conditions must have been right for me to discover the Pristine Pure Land Path. I remember then reading some Pure Land based teachings - and easily identifying the difference between those which facilitate self-power, versus those which are solely based on Amitabha’s other-power. I remember first finding Master Huijing’s Pristine Pure Land teachings, emphasizing the 18th vow of Amitabha Buddha through short animations. Thus illuminating the easy path for me, and lifting a weight off of my shoulders.        

       我回想起自己如何有幸接触到净土法门。自童年时期，我就对佛教怀有兴趣，但只是从远处遥望，对其内涵的理解非常模糊。在成年後寻求答案的过程中，我开始考虑将佛教作为自己的修行方式，偶尔阅读一些佛教书籍，这些书虽然十分启发人心，但对我而言过於抽象，无法真心全然接受。在内心深处，我一直渴望理解佛教如何能成为多数普通人都能实践的修行方式。

       当我读到《法华经》和《地藏菩萨本愿经》时，大乘佛教的理想与我产生了共鸣。接着，我读到了一本《佛陀的教导》的书，其中提到众生称念阿弥陀佛名号能得救度。当时应是因缘成熟，使我得以接触到纯正净土之道。记得後来阅读了一些基础的净土法门教义，并很快辨别出其中自力修行与完全依靠阿弥陀佛他力救度的不同之处。我最初接触到慧净法师的纯正净土教法时，他通过短篇动画强调阿弥陀佛的第十八愿。这些教法为我指明了易行道，并让我感到如释重负。

       I, as an ordinary being, may not even scratch the surface of true sincerity or “pure faith.” I do find peace and comfort in knowing that the merits and virtue of Amitabha Buddha and his Pure Land are already encapsulated through the power of exclusive name-recitation. I’m sure I would never be able to stay on course without the guidance of the Pristine Pure Land Dharma teachings and the good Dharma teachers.                        

       我，一个平凡的众生，可能连真正的「至诚心」或「清净信心」的表面都触及不到。然而，我从中找到了一份平静和安慰，因为我知道，阿弥陀佛及其净土的功德和德行，已通过专称名号的力量完全包含其中。我深信，若没有纯正净土法门的教义和善知识的引导，我绝不可能坚持走在这条道路上。

       I am left to - at best - admire and imitate the many simple practitioners of this path who I have had the blessings to encounter in my short time learning Buddhism.

       我充其量只能仰慕并效法那些在我短暂学佛期间，有幸结识的许多淳朴修行者。

       Learning the Pure Land Dharma should be easy to do. I am finding that a good understanding can help strengthen one's faith in Amituofo and in rebirth, building an important foundation for our practice. It’s best to decisively focus our attention on the solid teachings of our lineage and not be distracted by our curiosities, dissenting voices, or past practices. To me; understanding karma and practicing chanting together help me cope with the worries of this life. Accepting my participation in my own Karma, and leaving my shortcomings to Nianfo. This is why the learning is easy, because the practice itself is easy. If our learning is sufficient to sustain our practice - it’s enough!                    

       学习净土法门应该是简单易行的。我发现，良好的理解有助於增强对阿弥陀佛及往生的信心，为我们的修行奠定重要的基础。最好果断地将注意力集中在我们传承的坚实教义上，而不是被好奇心、异议的声音或过去的修行所分心。对我而言，理解业力并结合念佛修行，帮助我应对此生的种种忧虑。我接受自己在业力中的参与，并将自己的不足交给念佛。这就是为什麽学习是容易的，因为修行本身就是简单的。如果我们的学习足以保持我们的修行，那就足够了！

       Balancing time to focus on chanting has required discipline; as well as for social obligations such as family and work. With the ups and downs in life, I think our energy to chant or study will naturally vary which is why I feel it requires discipline. I personally admire those who are steady in a daily routine to supplement their practice.                  

       均衡的安排时间来专注於念佛需要一定的纪律，同时也要兼顾社交责任，如家庭和工作。随着生活中的起伏，我认为我们的念佛或学习动力会自然有所波动，因此觉得这需要自律。我个人十分钦佩那些能够保持稳定日常作息来辅助修行的人。
       I have always found myself feeling better returning to the basic sharings from our teachers that appeal to my emotional needs. In this way there is the value in themes that encourage simply developing and growing faith in our assurance of rebirth as we practice recitation. One example is a publication available to us titled ‘Let’s Learn to Love’ by Master Jingzong. It is a simple compilation of Dharma pieces which has now helped me many times to end a long stressful day with tranquility. I think it’s okay to avoid frustration in studying more complex teachings. When I am certain something is written from a Pristine Pure Land perspective, I try to remember this and let things be - so if I don’t understand a difficult concept, I just remember that all of the knowledge I need is already included in the straightforward Nianfo practice. It’s liberating to know that all of the long explanations of the Dharma and Amitabha’s Pure Land are an expedient means for us to recite his name as to receive full benefits.                       

       我发现，每当我重新学习我们法师们教导的基本法义时，这些教诲总是触动我的情感，能让我的心情变得更好。这样一来，那些鼓励我们简单地培养并增长对往生信心的教义，就显得尤其有价值，因为念佛的修行就是往生的保证。举个例子，有一本净宗法师所编的书《让我们学会去爱》，这是一本简单的法义汇编，它已经帮助我多次在长时间的压力过後，找到平静。我认为，在学习更复杂的教义时，避免产生挫折感是完全可以理解的。我确信某些文字是从纯正净土的角度所写时，我会努力记住这一点，并让一切随顺而行。若我无法理解某个难懂的概念，我就提醒自己，所有我需要的知识已经包含在简单的念佛修行中。知道所有关於法义和阿弥陀佛净土的长篇解释，其实是为了帮助我们正确地念佛，以便获得真实的利益，这让我感到释怀。

       I can look back on how inspired I was when finding out that this universal path provides us an ultimate solution in that it helps us all leave this world of suffering, and thus gives us a faith to hold on to. Recognizing this truth has helped me build aspiration for rebirth. Seeing certain public events as well as those in my personal life had pushed me to seek further for answers until I have now found steady ground walking forward on the Pure Land Path.     

       我回顾自己当初发现这宇宙真理修行之路所带来的启发，深感这条道路提供了最终的解决方法，帮助我们所有人脱离这个苦难的世界，并赋予我们坚定的信心。认识到这个真理後，我建立了往生的意愿。看到一些公共事件以及我个人生活中的经历，促使我不断寻求答案，直到我现在在净土的道路上找到了稳定的步伐，继续前行。

       So again, while studying to accumulate good doctrinal knowledge has been important for me in developing right views - I also think it’s perhaps more important to study or read materials that appeal to our humanness. I personally have found myself much more eager to read the more simple yet inspiring accounts that help me feel sound - regardless of our unstable surroundings. Maybe we can’t be this laxed in our mundane responsibilities; but when it comes to learning the Pure Land teachings - it is okay to do so in search of refuge and relaxation. This Dharma path should allow us to feel like we’ve arrived home, so we can open up to the Buddha with confidence and trust. I hope we can finally rest when we hear the Dharma words that reassure us of our rebirth.                 

       因此，虽然学习积累正确的教义对我建立正知正见非常重要，但我也认为，学习或阅读那些触动人性的题材可能更为重要。我个人发现自己对那些简单却能启发人心的故事更为渴望阅读，这些故事更能激励我，无论我们的环境多麽不稳定。或许我们无法在日常责任中如此放松，但在学习净土教义时，寻求庇护和放松是完全可以的。这条学佛道路应该让我们有回到家中的感觉，从而能够以信心和信任向佛打开心扉。我希望当我们听到那些让我们决定能够往生的法语时，能够真正地得到安心。

       As we learn to see ourselves as a simple child of the Buddha who holds us close and pardons all of our transgressions, we can lose the habit of being callous and calculating with others. We will also have more slack to give to those who seemingly take from us or trespass us even through slander. I am learning to better accept my ordinary place and limitations. No pretentious cultivating or fooling myself I can help others through ‘expedient means’ like Bodhichitta. No meritorious suffering to gain sainthood, etc. It is better for me to humbly retreat to the Pure Land path as soon as possible, trusting the Buddha’s name. I am confident putting this Dharma into practice has helped me be a kinder, and more calm person in this life - however the ultimate goal will be to cultivate true compassion when reborn in the Land of Bliss.                 

       当我们学会将自己视为佛的单纯孩子时，佛紧紧拥抱我们，原谅我们所有的过错，我们便能逐渐抛弃对他人冷漠和算计的习气。也会更宽容那些似乎在夺取我们利益或冒犯我们，甚至诽谤我们的人。我正在学习更好地接受自己平凡与不足之处，不再虚伪地自认能用「方便法」如菩提心来帮助他人，也不再透过刻意追求苦行以期成就圣果。对我来说，最好的选择是谦卑地早日回归净土之道，信受佛名救度。我深信，将这法门付诸实践已让我在今生成为一个更善良、更平静的人。然而，最终的目标是在极乐世界往生後培养出真正的慈悲心。

       As a person coming from a background different from Buddhism: there have been challenges that some may say would be unique to a Pure Land practitioner coming from a “Western” culture. Although maybe we could say the challenges are more universal and come from being trapped in this Saha world due to past Karma. Either way, I know that the challenges I have faced have been weakened (if not actually diminished) by the power of the Buddha. One main challenge would be embracing faith in Amitabha Buddha vs. trying to let go of dissenting views from my upbringing and previous religious experiences. The second main challenge would be the obstacles that can arise with those closest to us who may express their concerns, even when made in a loving way.            

       作为一个来自与佛教不同背景的人，我遇到了一些挑战，有人可能认为这些挑战对於来自「西方」文化的净土修行者来说是独特的。然而，也许我们可以说，这些挑战更具有普遍性，是因为过去的业力将我们困在娑婆世界之中。无论如何， 我知道这些挑战是被削弱还是实际上被消除了，这都是靠佛力的加持。

       其中一个主要的挑战是，在建立对阿弥陀佛的信心时，需要努力放下我成长环境中的不同观点以及过去宗教经历中的影响。第二个主要挑战则是来自我们身边最亲近的人所表达的担忧，即使这些担忧是出於爱意，也可能成为修行的障碍。

       With any change, I think our doubts can easily make things much more difficult for us than is needed. Luckily for us Amitabha-reciters, we can take a step back in Amitabha’s grace and allow our emotions to subside naturally. When certain wrong views bubble up to the surface, I simply remember valuable things I learned from my previous paths that actually helped me find my way to Pure Land Buddhism. Even certain doctrines which were deeply ingrained through my upbringing have helped me to ask questions that led me to where I am now. If I decided to hold on to my muddled understanding and believe by my own power, it would probably just lead to trouble. The good buddhist teachers show us the way to seek the assistance of Amitabha Buddha. I am not alone while seeking out the truth. Master Jingzong has said the following when addressed with this topic:  “Do we ordinary beings have the ability to make a wise choice? No. So we recite Amitabha Buddha's name. We should pray to Amitabha Buddha who can grant us strength, clear understanding and wisdom so that we can ultimately determine our faith. Amitabha-reciters are all blessed by the Buddha. With that blessing, we will naturally know what is the most appropriate and smooth way to deal with our past spiritual experience. We do not have to struggle on our own.” [1]                         

       在任何改变中，我认为疑惑很容易让我们的处境变得比实际更为艰难。幸运的是，对於我们念佛的人来说，可以退一步，依靠阿弥陀佛的慈悲，让情绪自然平息。当某些错误见解浮现时，我会简单地回想起从过去的修行道路中学到的一些宝贵经验，这些经验实际上帮助我找到了纯正净土的方向。甚至一些因成长背景而深深植入心中的教义，也帮助我提出了问题，最终引领我来到今天的道路。如果我选择固守自己模糊的理解并相信自力，这很可能只会导致更多的困难与迷茫。善知识为我们指引方向，教导我们如何寻求阿弥陀佛的加持。在追寻真理的道路上，我并不孤单。                        

       净宗法师曾说过:「凡夫自己有智慧来抉择吗？是没有的。那我们念佛，可以祈求阿弥陀佛，请阿弥陀佛给我们力量，给我们明确的认识、智慧，使我们的信仰最後能够决定。只要念佛，都有佛力的加持，让你最後自自然然地对於过去的经历有一种非常顺势的、非常随顺的、非常适合的处理，不会自己在那里纠结。」

       This reminds me to return my attention to Nianfo, as our ego can cause hurdles in our path. We have caused the deep karmic relationships that sometimes resemble the painting of the Two Rivers and the White Path. The friends re-assure us that they mean no harm and have the best intentions in mind. We learn to avoid becoming too emotionally charged, return the same love Amitabha Buddha has already given us, and resolutely continue forward. I am grateful for the Dharma words that have helped me to slowly learn to avoid reactions such as arguments that may worsen the situation. I am finding we can save ourselves the exhaustion and employ the energy for Nianfo. While it can feel desperate when we are not able to convince the ones closest to us to join us on the White Path - we can still benefit them knowing that we planted a seed and that is enough on our behalf. Master Honen stated,  “there’s no need to be anxious or impatient when we face a stubborn or resistant audience while spreading the Dharma. Just plant the seeds of liberation. Who knows? The person who opposes the teachings most fiercely now might be the one who develops the most fervent faith in the future.”[2] 

       这让我想起应将注意力重新回到念佛上，因为自我意识往往会在我们的修行道路上设下障碍。我们自身曾造作的深重业缘，有时就像《二河白道图》中的场景。身边的朋友虽然再三保证他们无害且心怀善意，但我们仍需学习避免过度情绪化，以阿弥陀佛已经赐予我们的慈爱回应他们，并坚定地继续前行。我感恩那些法语，帮助我逐渐学会避免争论这种可能使情况更糟的反应。我越来越体会到，我们可以省去这些消耗身心的劳累，将精力用於念佛，从而更加安稳地走向解脱之路。当我们无法说服身边最亲近的人与我们一同踏上白道时，这种感觉或许会令人感到无助。然而，我们仍然可以利益他们，因为我们已经为他们种下了解脱的种子，这对我们而言已经足够了。

       正如法然上人所说:「当面对顽硬的弘法对象时，不必心焦心急，只管种下解脱种子，说不定此时反对得最厉害的，将来也是发心最勇猛的呢！」

       Our Dharma teachings help me to know it is okay to retreat from conflict and recite Amitabha’s name. Our ordinary abilities blind us all to the past actions that have caused our circumstances. We can pray for wisdom from Amitabha Buddha knowing when we recite his name the current situation has already been lightened and pivoted towards the best possible outcome unfolding before us.

       I find the reinforcing words from an excerpt by Master Jueyue remind me how to best practice daily just as I am, she says -

        “Accept the ordinary being self,
       And find peace in the reciting self.
       Learn to embrace our imperfections,
       For in unwavering recitation of the Buddha’s name,
       We are his perfect children.”

       我们的法门教义让我明白，从冲突中退下来专心念阿弥陀佛名号是可行的。凡夫的我们无法看清过去的行为是造成当下的处境。我们可以向阿弥陀佛祈求智慧，因为当我们念佛时，眼前的处境已经得以缓解，并朝着最佳的结果发展。

       我从觉悦法师的一段开示中找到力量，她的话提醒我如何以自己的本来面貌来日常修行。她这样说：

       接受凡夫的自己，
       便能安心做念佛的自己，
       学着接受不完美的自己，
       只要一向念佛，
       就是佛最完美的孩子。

       So reciting the Buddha's name in this way has helped me cope with my daily life. I am sure I make wiser decisions than before in my interpersonal relationships. Now I more appreciate allowing others to have the advantage; Master Huijing’s teachings show what it means to be yielding to others. I can benefit others and myself by avoiding discord; I can also suffer unfairness more easily to give back to Karmic creditors, thus mindful I may have been worse in the past. I can be sure Amitabha Buddha will repay me for my temporary worldly loss and bless the lives of all who are involved.

       所以这种念佛方式能帮助我应对日常生活。我相信自己在处理人际关系时，比以前更能做出明智的决定。我现在更加体会让他人占优势的价值；正如慧净法师的教导所说，这是一种谦让的美德。我能通过避免争执来利益他人和自己；同时，我也更容易承受不公平，将之视为对业力债主的回报，因为我明白过去的自己或许曾经更为恶劣。我深信阿弥陀佛会补偿我在世间暂时的损失，并保佑所有业力相缠的众生的生命。

       Problems now do not seem so magnified. We cannot deny the daily divisions in our lives - but now I can do my best to at least try to adopt a grateful attitude even when things do not go as planned. If it were not for these minor inconveniences, would I possibly forget about resolutely aspiring for rebirth in the Pure Land? I can appreciate that when I suffer a little in this world, it is as if signs point me to aspiration in Amitabha’s Pure Land. Better understanding Buddhism, even the outwardly enjoyable worldly affairs can be tiring. Nianfo helps loosen the clinch on our attachments while returning to Amitabha’s name for healing.

       现在的问题似乎不再那麽放大了。我们无法否认生活中的日常分歧，但现在我至少能够尽力尝试以感恩的态度来面对，即使事情并未如预期进行。如果没有这些小小的不便，我是否会忘记坚定地发愿往生净土呢？

       我很感恩，当我在这世上受到一些苦难时，彷佛有迹象在指引我去望向阿弥陀佛净土。随着对佛法理解的加深，即使是那些外表看似愉快的世间事，也会让我感到疲惫。念佛帮助我松开对执着的紧握，并回到阿弥陀佛名号中寻求疗癒。

       To sum the concept of our practice up most effectively - we rely on the “two kinds of deep faith.” This is the most important lifelong learning I can esteem. Words from a piece titled “Vanity & Substance”, by Master Jingzong say this in regards to these two kinds of faith …

       总之最有效的修行是——我们依止於「两种深信」。这是我视为最重要的终身学习的功课。在净宗法师所着《虚与实》文中，是这样讲述这两种深信：                 

         “Ego and “face” are of no account to practitioners of the Pure Land School [who are guided by two kinds of deep faith.] Possessing the first kind of deep faith, one confesses this readily. “I am an iniquitous ordinary being subject to endless rebirth. Since time immemorial I have died and been reincarnated without hope of leaving the cycle of rebirth.[3] ” Such deep faith and conviction leaves no place for the ego or dignity of the practitioner, does it?

       「对於净土宗的修行者来说，自我与‘面子’并不重要 [他们依赖两种深信来指引自己]。拥有第一种信心的人会毫不犹豫地承认这一点：‘自身现是罪恶生死凡夫，旷劫以来常没常流转，无有出离之缘’。这样的深信与坚定，便不再为修行者的自我或尊严留下任何空间，对吧？」 [4] 

       One gains a very real benefit by developing the second kind of deep faith, which says, “Amitabha Buddha embraces and receives all sentient beings with his 48 Vows. Without doubt or fear, we are certain of rebirth in the Pure Land by relying on the power of his vows.” Does any benefit of real substance outshine the jewel of rebirth and achievement of Buddhahood in the Pure Land?”

       通过发展第二种深信，我们获得了真实的利益。第二种深信说:

       「彼阿弥陀佛四十八愿摄受众生，无疑无虑，乘彼愿力，定得往生。」

       还有什麽真实利益能比得上往生极乐净土成佛更殊胜呢？

       To finalize my thoughts I turn back to you, our Lotus Friend community. Including this presentation, I have been given the unique opportunity to be able to share many different Dharma articles over a few years. I have found while preparing each time, I am still learning from the teaching even at the final moment of speaking live. More importantly, through this learning of the dharma I can find ways to apply the teaching directly to my life. I hope that as I share and learn, it will encourage others to do the same to benefit their lives as well. We are all in need of peaceful truths in which to rely and hold onto with reverence.                 

       接着要对我们念佛群组的莲友们来总结我的想法。包括今天的演讲在内，我有幸在这些年来分享许多不同的法义文章。我发现每次准备的过程中，我仍然在从教义中学习，即使是在最後一刻当我现场分享时。更重要的是，通过学习佛法，我能够找到将教义直接应用到自己生活中的方法。我希望在我分享与学习的过程中，也能鼓励他人做同样的事，以便让他们的生活也能从中受益。我们每个人都需要有可以依靠的并且虔诚持守的平和真理。

       Lastly, with this in mind - I find myself mentioned in the Pure Land Sutras. I hope you will too. When I read Amitabha Buddha’s promise spoken as Bhikkhu Dharmakara saying “If I should not become a great benefactor in lives to come for immeasurable kalpas to save the poor and afflicted everywhere. May I not attain perfect enlightenment.” Reflecting on this, “I”, am the poor and afflicted here that is saved by the Buddha; our Great Benefactor. Knowing this, I learn I must receive help before I myself can help those whom I cherish.           

       最後，在内心深处—我发现自己被提及在净土经典中。我希望你们也能如此。当我读到阿弥陀佛的誓愿，当时的法藏比丘说：【我於无量劫，不为大施主，普济诸贫苦，誓不成等觉。】 反思这句话时，我体悟到「我」正是那位被佛—我们的大施主—救度的贫苦与痛苦的众生。明白了这一点，我学会了必须先接受阿弥陀佛的救度，才能帮助那些我珍爱的人。

       Thank you for allowing me your time, I hope you are inspired to share your learnings with each other more often.

       Namo Amituofo!           

       感谢有此机会。我希望您们也能经常地彼此分享所学，互相启发。

       南无阿弥陀佛！

2024年11月