Ch'an and Pure Land
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Zen Master Han-Shan Te-Ch'ing
Translated by Dharma Master Lok To
http://www.ymba.org/han/hanfrm.htm
All teachings in the Tripitaka (Buddhist Canon) are tools to induce sentient beings to sever attachment. To those attached to Emptiness, Buddha Sakyamuni taught Existence to break that grasp. To those attached to Existence, He taught Emptiness so as to loosen that grasp. To those grasping at both Emptiness and Existence, He taught "neither Emptiness nor Existence" to break that grasp. Lastly, to those grasping at "neither Emptiness nor Existence," He taught both Emptiness and Existence to break that attachment. (1)
In short, the purpose is to draw all sentient beings away from attachments.
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Buddha is very wise.
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difficult to sever attachments....
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Originally posted by 2009novice:
difficult to sever attachments....
Are you crazy?!Zen buddhism wants you to give up eating and drinking,you really want to obey?!
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Originally posted by Offensive:
Are you crazy?!Zen buddhism wants you to give up eating and drinking,you really want to obey?!
I advise you to read up on Zen Buddhism before you comment. Zen Buddhism do not ask anybody to do silly things like giving up eating and drinking. I wonder where you get this idea from.
Please don't comment on something that you have no knowledge of. You can always ask if you do not know.
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Currently, I am reciting as much as I can and also practising compassion, but I do not know if that is enough. Apart from reciting the buddha's name, I am not sure if I need to be mindful of anything else or do I just have to concentrate on the recitation and have faith in practising pureland.
Also,I have read from this website
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pure_Land_Buddhism
That bad spirits can disguise themselves to attempt to stop the person from rebirth in pureland. How do I not get tricked? I do not know how Amit�bha Buddha will look like.
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Just concentrate on the recitation, have faith and make vow to go. No need to practice any other forms of mindfulness else, will just jump from one method to another.
Cause give rise to effect. When you recite Amitabha Buddha's name it's cause, Amitabha Buddha come it's effect. Only follow Amitabha Buddha. There was once a man who recited when he was about to pass on, he saw Di Zang Bodhisattva come, but he didn't follow. Then later Amitabha and the Bodhisattvas came then he follow to rebirth.
Just have faith and keep reciting, but not recite mindlessly (unless you have to do other thinking work)... when there's nothing to do, concentrate and hear every syllabe of the name clearly.
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Having a zen mind recite Amitabha Buddha until peace upon you, and the finale of welcome party by Amitabha and the Bodhisattvas to your rebirth for Ultimate Buddhahood fruition and/or liberation of sentient beings in the ten directions.
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Originally posted by Beautiful951:
u will know who's who, just like in the dream, u know who's who.although bad spirits can disguise as bodhisattva and or even buddhas, but they cannot disguise as One's Root Buddha 本尊. what's one's Root Buddha? Root Buddha is the Buddha u Often recite. that mean the Buddha is already Part of u.
for example if u recite Amit�bha everytime, then come Medicine Buddha, then u know it's not the real one.
Besides, if u see the three, Amitabha, Guan Yin and Da Shi Zhi together, u can go with them. sometimes, they can even bring a whole lot of other bodhisattvas along. bad spirits very hard to disguise.
In Contemplation Sutra, those of Arahant or hinayana path who last minute believe in Pureland, and who only know of one Buddha, will simply see one Buddha coming.
another tip is a real Amit�bha or Guan Yin or Da Shi Zhi's light is very soothing, even if it's bright, it's not glaring like the sun. all the disguise ones are not soothing and pretty glaring.
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Originally posted by sinweiy:
u will know who's who, just like in the dream, u know who's who.although bad spirits can disguise as bodhisattva and or even buddhas, but they cannot disguise as One's Root Buddha 本尊. what's one's Root Buddha? Root Buddha is the Buddha u Often recite. that mean the Buddha is already Part of u.
for example if u recite Amit�bha everytime, then come Medicine Buddha, then u know it's not the real one.
Besides, if u see the three, Amitabha, Guan Yin and Da Shi Zhi together, u can go with them. sometimes, they can even bring a whole lot of other bodhisattvas along. bad spirits very hard to disguise.
In Contemplation Sutra, those of Arahant or hinayana path who last minute believe in Pureland, and who only know of one Buddha, will simply see one Buddha coming.
another tip is a real Amit�bha or Guan Yin or Da Shi Zhi's light is very soothing, even if it's bright, it's not glaring like the sun. all the disguise ones are not soothing and pretty glaring.
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Thanks for all the tips. I feel that the difference in the light will be one of the easiest telltale sign. =)
Could you explain a bit about the dream part where I would know who's who? Because I have not really seen many pictures of buddha, and apart from the light tip, I don't think I really know the difference between Amitabha and a spirit disguised as the other buddhas. Do you think I will need to see more pictures about the different buddhas?
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Originally posted by Beautiful951:
Thanks for all the tips. I feel that the difference in the light will be one of the easiest telltale sign. =)
Could you explain a bit about the dream part where I would know who's who? Because I have not really seen many pictures of buddha, and apart from the light tip, I don't think I really know the difference between Amitabha and a spirit disguised as the other buddhas. Do you think I will need to see more pictures about the different buddhas?
the Buddha appearance will look like the Buddha in your mind, it's automatic projection of the mind.it's also advicable that u fix on an Amitabha Picture. tell your mind that this is going to be the one i'll see. don't change.
a few people went to a Guan Yin Mountain to hope that they can have a sight at Guan Yin Pusa. they all did, but when they came down to describe the appeance, they are all quite different. some prefer Guan Yin wearing white, some prefer golden etc...
so up to u.
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Originally posted by Offensive:
Are you crazy?!Zen buddhism wants you to give up eating and drinking,you really want to obey?!
Sorry U were trying to tell me something...?I thought it was something zen.
I was trying to figure out... Seriously...
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Originally posted by sinweiy:
it's also advicable that u fix on an Amitabha Picture. tell your mind that this is going to be the one i'll see. don't change.
mine is:-
i have a large one about 3 feet height at home.
Amituofo!
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Originally posted by sinweiy:
u will know who's who, just like in the dream, u know who's who.although bad spirits can disguise as bodhisattva and or even buddhas, but they cannot disguise as One's Root Buddha 本尊. what's one's Root Buddha? Root Buddha is the Buddha u Often recite. that mean the Buddha is already Part of u.
for example if u recite Amit�bha everytime, then come Medicine Buddha, then u know it's not the real one.
Besides, if u see the three, Amitabha, Guan Yin and Da Shi Zhi together, u can go with them. sometimes, they can even bring a whole lot of other bodhisattvas along. bad spirits very hard to disguise.
In Contemplation Sutra, those of Arahant or hinayana path who last minute believe in Pureland, and who only know of one Buddha, will simply see one Buddha coming.
another tip is a real Amit�bha or Guan Yin or Da Shi Zhi's light is very soothing, even if it's bright, it's not glaring like the sun. all the disguise ones are not soothing and pretty glaring.
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Medicine buddha is blue so see blue image dun follow. -
Originally posted by sinweiy:
mine is:-i have a large one about 3 feet height at home.
Amituofo!
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I am currently going on the internet at times to see the Amitabha Buddha pictures. To choose one that can stick in my mind.
Thanks for showing me your choice. You seem quite prepared. =)
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Originally posted by Beautiful951:
I am currently going on the internet at times to see the Amitabha Buddha pictures. To choose one that can stick in my mind.
Thanks for showing me your choice. You seem quite prepared. =)
internet is it low resolution or not?i got mine at singapore buddhist lodge.
BTW, MCK and Amitabha Society one is this:-
Amituofo!
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Originally posted by sinweiy:
internet is it low resolution or not?i got mine at singapore buddhist lodge.
BTW, MCK and Amitabha Society one is this:-
Amituofo!
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My internet is ok. I can see both the pictures you sent quite well.
Thanks for showing me these pictures. Now I have an idea what picture to use.
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Originally posted by sinweiy:
the Buddha appearance will look like the Buddha in your mind, it's automatic projection of the mind.it's also advicable that u fix on an Amitabha Picture. tell your mind that this is going to be the one i'll see. don't change.
a few people went to a Guan Yin Mountain to hope that they can have a sight at Guan Yin Pusa. they all did, but when they came down to describe the appeance, they are all quite different. some prefer Guan Yin wearing white, some prefer golden etc...
so up to u.
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According to Amitabha Sutra and commentaries, it did not specifically state it lest the image remembrance. Once the moment arrives, and under the blessing of Buddha's vow that casts upon living beings', the mind will be purestly sweet and will never haywire - 是人终时，心ä¸�é¢ å€’ï¼Œå�³å¾—往生阿弥陀佛æž�ä¹�国土。This manner of Buddha recitation is more liberating rather than fixing on specific Buddha image, it also prevents practitioners from discriminating different forms of Amitabha image.
其人临命终时，阿弥陀佛，与诸圣众，现在其å‰�。是人终时，心ä¸�é¢ å€’ï¼Œå�³å¾—往生阿弥陀佛æž�ä¹�国土。Hope that it is useful. Namo Amitabha Buddha
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What I understand is Buddhist can follow any of the Buddha from Pureland, not neccessarily Amitabha. For example, only Goddess of Mercy, only Great Strength Boddhivista or only Amitabha will come and fetch you to Pureland. For me, I will not just attach to Amitabha, I will follow any Buddha from Pureland Amitabha, Goddess of Mercy or Great Strength Boddhivista. Of course, the best is the 3 Buddhas come together.
I'm not trying to be funny, just curious whether are we able to ask the identity of the Buddha before we follow Him. Don't laugh at me for asking silly question.
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Originally posted by Amitayus48:
According to Amitabha Sutra and commentaries, it did not specifically state it lest the image remembrance. Once the moment arrives, and under the blessing of Buddha's vow that casts upon living beings', the mind will be purestly sweet and will never haywire - 是人终时，心ä¸�é¢ å€’ï¼Œå�³å¾—往生阿弥陀佛æž�ä¹�国土。This manner of Buddha recitation is more liberating rather than fixing on specific Buddha image, it also prevents practitioners from discriminating different forms of Amitabha image.
其人临命终时，阿弥陀佛，与诸圣众，现在其å‰�。是人终时，心ä¸�é¢ å€’ï¼Œå�³å¾—往生阿弥陀佛æž�ä¹�国土。Hope that it is useful. Namo Amitabha Buddha
think u didn't read the link provided and the concerned carefully.Going to the Pure Land
Some have claimed there is evidence of dying people going to the pure land, such as:
- Knowing the time of death (é �知時至) - some prepare by bathing and reciting the name of the Buddha Amitabha.
- The "three saints in the west" (西方三�) (Amit�bha Buddha and the two bodhisattvas, Avalokiteśvara on his right and Mah�sth�mapr�pta on his left), appear and welcome the dying person. Visions of other buddhas or bodhisattvas are disregarded as they may be bad spirits disguising themselves, attempting to stop the person from entering the Pure Land.[16]
perhaps the problem here is not about whether the mind is non-confused or not. it's regarding the deptors 冤亲债主 and bad spirits . even if your mind is non-confused , deptors 冤亲债主 can also disturb. then it is about your good roots, blessings, virtues, and causal connections, as mentioned in Amitabha Sutra.
Shariputra, one cannot be lacking in good roots, blessings, virtues, and causal connections and attain birth in that land. ä¸�å�¯ä»¥å°‘å–„æ ¹ç¦�å¾·å› ç¼˜å¾—ç”Ÿå½¼å›½-- Amitabha Sutra
of course u need a non-confuse mind 心ä¸�é¢ å€’. but one also need good roots, blessings, virtues, and causal connections å–„æ ¹ ç¦�å¾· å› ç¼˜.
the idea of specific Buddha image, btw is also learned from 净空�法师。it's not my idea. 一切为心照 All is mind made does not have to mean u are discriminating different forms of Amitabha image.
阿弥陀佛
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Originally posted by Dawnfirstlight:
What I understand is Buddhist can follow any of the Buddha from Pureland, not neccessarily Amitabha. For example, only Goddess of Mercy, only Great Strength Boddhivista or only Amitabha will come and fetch you to Pureland. For me, I will not just attach to Amitabha, I will follow any Buddha from Pureland Amitabha, Goddess of Mercy or Great Strength Boddhivista. Of course, the best is the 3 Buddhas come together.
I'm not trying to be funny, just curious whether are we able to ask the identity of the Buddha before we follow Him. Don't laugh at me for asking silly question.
u are right that u can follow any of the three saints from Pureland. detail are in Contemplation sutra. there was also a recorded case, about a guy, recited very well, and only Guan Yin Pusa came with a purple pedestal. the guy could go with Guan Yin Pu, but he rejected as he want higher attainment. then he recited even more sincerely, this time round, Amitabha came Himself with the golden pedestal. the guy was satisfy and went with Amitabha.but for me i would have gone with Guan Yin Pusa. Good enough for me. :)
regarding asking, i think u can. just that my concern is a fake one lie to u? so u need to follow your Root Buddha 本尊. that mean if u are in to Amitabha's Pureland, then if they say they are other than the three saints from Western Pureland, then u should not go with them. simple.
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u are right that u can follow any of the three saints from Pureland. detail are in Contemplation sutra. there was also a recorded case, about a guy, recited very well, and only Guan Yin Pusa came with a purple pedestal. the guy could go with Guan Yin Pu, but he rejected as he want higher attainment. then he recited even more sincerely, this time round, Amitabha came Himself with the golden pedestal. the guy was satisfy and went with Amitabha.
Likely is this -
ä»–è¯´ï¼šæˆ‘ä»¬è¿™ä¸ªä¸–é—´ä¿®å‡€åœŸçš„äººï¼Œä»–æ˜¯äº²çœ¼çœ‹åˆ°çš„ï¼ŒèŽ²èŠ±ä¸Šç»Ÿç»Ÿæ ‡ç¤ºç�€å��å—，确实莲花上有自己的å��å—。功夫好的，上å“�往生的是金å�°ï¼ŒèŽ²èŠ±é‡Œé�¢åƒ�èŽ²è“¬ä¸€æ ·çš„å�°æ˜¯ 金色的，这是上å“�生的。他说：有æˆ�都广教院的è€�和尚，他看到那个å��å—，这个è€�和尚还没有往生，但是他在七å®�æ± é‡Œçœ‹åˆ°ä»–çš„èŽ²èŠ±ï¼Œä¸Šé�¢æ ‡ç�€ä»–çš„å��å—，是金å�°ï¼Œ å�¯è§�得这功夫好ï¼�å�¦å¤–还有明州å™å��二郎，以å�Šä»–自己本人，这都是金å�°ã€‚ä»–è¯´ï¼šæ ‡é“¶å�°çš„，次一ç‰çš„。我们在净宗历å�²é‡Œé�¢çœ‹åˆ°ï¼Œä»Žå‰�怀玉法师往生的时候，阿弥 陀佛æ�¥æŽ¥å¼•ä»–，拿ç�€è¿™ä¸ªèŽ²èŠ±æ˜¯é“¶å�°ã€‚æ€€çŽ‰ç¦…å¸ˆä¸€çœ‹ï¼Œå¿ƒé‡Œå¾ˆéš¾è¿‡ï¼Œæˆ‘è¿™æ ·çš„åŠŸå¤«ï¼Œå¾€ç”Ÿçš„æ—¶å€™æ‰�得银å�°ï¼Œä¸ºä»€ä¹ˆé‡‘å�°æˆ‘æ‹¿ä¸�到？他这个念头一动，阿弥陀佛就走 了，就ä¸�è§�了。于是就拼命å†�用功夫，日夜ä¸�æ–的念佛，念了七天七夜，阿弥陀佛æ�¥äº†ï¼Œæžœç„¶æ‹¿çš„是金å�°ï¼Œä»–就跟ç�€åŽ»äº†ã€‚ä¸�是阿弥陀佛æ�¢ä¸€ä¸ªé‡‘å�°æ�¥æŽ¥å¼•ä»–，是他 的功夫达到了。
http://hi.baidu.com/focn/blog/item/d4c28ccbdaebd9f752664f37.html
圆瑛法师讲义ä¸çš„往生æž�ä¹�è§�é—» -
万法归一，一归何处？All dharma return to one, one return to...?
阿弥陀佛 Amituofo.
as we say Namo Amituofo.
Namo is å½’ return back and take refuge.
Amituofo is Boundless life boundless light. can also mean true Emptiness.
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Originally posted by sinweiy:
u are right that u can follow any of the three saints from Pureland. detail are in Contemplation sutra. there was also a recorded case, about a guy, recited very well, and only Guan Yin Pusa came with a purple pedestal. the guy could go with Guan Yin Pu, but he rejected as he want higher attainment. then he recited even more sincerely, this time round, Amitabha came Himself with the golden pedestal. the guy was satisfy and went with Amitabha.but for me i would have gone with Guan Yin Pusa. Good enough for me. :)
regarding asking, i think u can. just that my concern is a fake one lie to u? so u need to follow your Root Buddha 本尊. that mean if u are in to Amitabha's Pureland, then if they say they are other than the three saints from Western Pureland, then u should not go with them. simple.
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Hi sinweiy,
why is there difference in the level of attainment whether guan yin pu sa or Amitabha fetching the deceased ?
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Amitabha of one's own nature and the Pure Land of mind-only” (自性彌陀 唯心淨土)
For example, the Zen school teaches meditation on a "hua-t'ou" (wato). Hua-t'ou means "before words," before a single thought rises up in one's mind. (2) What is there before a single thought rises up? It is No Thought. No thought is one's own Pure Mind, one's own Buddha Nature, one's own Original Face. Meditating on a hua-t'ou does not mean repeating it, because the repetition of a hua-t'ou is also a great false thought. Rather, to recognize one's own Original Face is the purpose of a hua-t'ou.
The Pure Land school teaches Buddha Recitation -- the repetition of Amitabha Buddha's name. However, it does not teach merely to recite by mouth, like a parrot mindlessly squawking out words. Buddha Recitation centered on the mind is real Buddha Recitation. This is because Mind is Buddha, Buddha is Mind. As the sutras state: "The Mind, Buddhas and Sentient Beings are undifferentiated and equal." Outside of Mind, there is no Buddha, outside of Buddha, there is no Mind. Buddha is Mind, Mind is Buddha. If a practitioner recites the Buddha's name in this manner, he will gradually arrive at the stage where there is neither Mind as subject nor Buddha as object. And there is neither a subject reciting nor an object of recitation. This is the stage before the arising of a single thought. This is the hua-t'ou and this is one's own Original Face. If the practitioner can really understand the Dharma as transcending subject and object, what difference is there between Zen and Pure Land?
Hi knightlll,
When living beings aware of their pure nature for Pureland tradition, they began towards the journey of attainment. Along that path of bliss, their attainment varied in degrees and according to the Flower Adornment Sutra, there are altogether 52 categories of attainment where the last state 52 is supreme nature. Therefore the different in level of attainment in pureland is owing to sentient beings "purification" of mind per se. Even in supreme nature, there is individual vow on expediency & yuan to liberate sentient beings of the ten directions.
Nonetheless, living beings that do not know their pure nature such as old folks etc may also be having different level of attainment in pureland or supreme enlightenment depending on their level of cultivation.