To seek rebirth int the Pure Land is not pessimistic. In fact,
it is because the Pure Land = Nirvana itself, and is the Buddha's
field of Enlightenment that Sakyamuni Buddha urged us to attain
birth there, so that we may swiftly help others.
According to the Amitabha Sutra, "Sariputra, one cannot have
few good roots, blessings, virtues, and causal connections to
attain birth in that Land."
This is a most misunderstood passage in the Amitabha Sutra. When
the Buddha states this, He means that no other practices can be
compared to the merit of the Nembutsu. As recorded by Master
Yuan-chao in his commentary on the Amitabha Sutra;
Master Yüan-chao's Commentary on the Amida Sutra states:
The Tathagata seeks to clarify the excellence of virtue of
holding to the Name. First, other good acts are criticized and
labeled "small roots of good." If performed without true trust, all
meritorious acts - including charity, observance of the precepts,
temple construction, making images, worship and chanting, seated
meditation, repentance, and ascetic practices - are only small good
acts, even though they are directed toward birth with aspiration
for the Pure Land. They are not the cause of birth. If one holds
steadfast to the Name in accord with this sutra, one will
definitely attain birth. We know then that saying the Name is
possessed of many roots of good and many merits.
I formed this understanding long ago, but people hesitated to
accept it because of their doubts. Recently, I have obtained a copy
of the sutra as engraved on a stone monument at Hsiang-yang and
find that this text corresponds perfectly with the truth. Thus
people have begun to embrace a deep faith. The inscribed text
states:
Good sons and daughters, hearing the teaching of Amida
Buddha, solely say the Name single-heartedly, without being
disturbed by other thoughts. Because one says the Name, all one's
evils are eradicated. It
is the act of many roots of good, many virtues, and many
merits.
