To add in the point about the "Larger Amitabha Sutra" that will
last for 100 years more after all other Sutras have perished, i
shall quote from it:
To reveal the true teaching: It is the Larger Sutra of the
Buddha of Immeasurable Life. The central purport of this sutra is
that Amida, by establishing the incomparable Vows, has opened wide
the dharma-storehouse, and full of compassion for small, foolish
beings, selects and bestows the treasure of virtues. [The sutra
further reveals that] Sakyamuni appeared in this world and
expounded the teachings of the way to enlightenment, seeking to
save the multitudes of living beings by blessing them with this
benefit that is true and real. Thus, to teach the Tathagata's
Primal Vow is the true intent of this sutra; the Name of the Buddha
is its essence.
How is it known that [this sutra] was the great matter for which
Sakyamuni appeared in the world? The Larger Sutra
states:
[Ananda asked,] "Today, World-honored one, your sense organs are
filled with gladness and serenity. Your complexion is pure. Your
radiant countenance is majestic, like a luminous mirror in which
clear reflections pass unobstructed. Your lofty features are
resplendent, surpassing all words or measure. Never before have I
beheld your lineaments as sublime as they are now. Indeed, Great
Sage, I have thought to myself: Today, the World-honored one abides
in the dharma most rare and wondrous. Today, the Great Hero abides
where all Buddhas abide. Today, the World's Eye abides in the
activity of guide and teacher. Today, the Preeminent one of the
world abides in the supreme enlightenment. Today, the
Heaven-honored one puts into practice the virtue of all Tathagatas.
The Buddhas of the past, future and present all think on one
another. Do not you, the present Buddha, also think on all the
other Buddhas now? Why does your commanding radiance shine forth
with such brilliance?
Then the World-honored one said to Ananda, "Did devas so instruct
you that you ask this, or do you inquire of my noble mien out of
your own wisdom?"
Ananda replied to the Buddha, "No deva came to teach me; I ask this
myself, simply from what I observe."
The Buddha said, "Well spoken, Ananda! Your question is excellent.
You ask this insightful question having summoned up deep wisdom and
true and subtle powers of expression, and having turned tender
thoughts to all sentient beings. In his boundless compassion, the
Tathagata is filled with commiseration for the beings of the three
realms. I have appeared in the world and expounded the teachings of
the way to enlightenment, seeking to save the multitudes of living
beings by blessing them with the benefit that is true and real.
Rare is it to encounter and rare to behold a Tathagata, even in
countless millions of kalpas. It is like the blossoming of the
udumbara, which seldom occurs. This question you now ask will bring
immense benefit; it will enlighten the minds of all devas and human
beings. Know, Ananda, that the perfect enlightenment of the
Tathagata is immeasurable in its wisdom and vast in its guidance of
beings to enlightenment. His insight knows no impediments; nothing
can obstruct it."
(from the Kyogyoshinsho
http://www.shinranworks.com/majorexpositions/kgssI-1_7.htm#teaching)
From the Sutra itself:
The Buddha said to Maitreya, "If there are people who hear the
Name of that Buddha, rejoice so greatly as to dance, and remember
him even once, then you should know that they have gained great
benefit by receiving the unsurpassed virtue. For this reason,
Maitreya, even if a great fire were to fill the universe of a
thousand million worlds, you should pass through it to hear this
sutra, to arouse joyful faith, to uphold and chant it, and to
practice in accordance with its teachings. This is because there
are many bodhisattvas who wish to hear this teaching but are still
unable to do so. If there are sentient beings who have heard it,
they will attain the Stage of Non-retrogression for realizing the
highest Enlightenment. This is why you should single-heartedly
accept in faith, uphold and chant this sutra, and practice in
accordance with its teaching."
The Buddha further said, "I have expounded this teaching
for the sake of sentient beings and enabled you to see Amitayus and
all in his land. Strive to do what you should. After I have passed
into Nirvana, do not allow doubt to arise. In the future, the
Buddhist scriptures and teachings will perish. But, out of pity and
compassion, I will especially preserve this sutra and maintain it
in the world for a hundred years more. Those beings who encounter
it will attain deliverance in accord with their
aspirations.
The Buddha said to Maitreya, "It is difficult to encounter and
behold Tathagata when he is in this world. Difficult of access,
difficult to hear are the Buddhas' teachings and scriptures. It is
also difficult to hear the excellent teachings for bodhisattvas,
the Paramitas. Difficult too is it to meet a good teacher, to hear
the Dharma and perform the practices. But most difficult of all
difficulties is to hear this sutra, have faith in it with joy and
hold fast to it. Nothing is more difficult than this. Thus have I
formed my Dharma, thus have I expounded my Dharma, and thus have I
taught my Dharma. You must receive it and practice it by the method
prescribed."
Gassho
