other power and self power

sinweiy SG

someone can post about other power and self power, since it's also an important topic for Pureland school. i found:-

The Practice of Self-Power and Faith in Other-Power in Mahāyāna Buddhism

Ho-ryeon Jeon*

http://ftp.buddhism.org/Publications/IABTC/Vol01_05_Ho-ryeon%20Jeon.pdf

Amitayus48 SG

In buddhism, there are 84,000 methods relying on self-power including the mahayanists. Wheras the buddha power is only to reveal the nature buddhahood in you, but still require your 100 percents diligency. A special tradition amongst the 84,000 methods is the pureland tradition on both powers of vow to develop it. Liken to mother providing constant aides to a child as opposed to mother providing only a support to the child in the process of self-power. There is nothing incorrect on the compassionate vow of Buddhas but the child themselves refuse to accept its support in the goal of Buddhism.

sinweiy SG

that said, we, sentient beings are stuck in the mud, while one can get out by self effort, or easier if another person can help give u a helping hand. u also need to grab his hand, yourself.

Amitayus48 SG

Or if you are in a sinking mud

and if you are not anywhere near the pole of enlightenment realization to hold on and gradually pull yourself out.

The result is that you wish them good-bye. But you had another great chance next life, very likely or almost certain is during Meiretya Buddha appearing on 56 billions years later, as you had taken refuge of triple jewels.

realization SG

Rather than building one's own raft from scratch - having to cut down trees to get wood, put the planks together and weave them together - we can use a raft that someone has already painstakingly built for us. This is the advantage that Pureland method of cultivation offers.

Nevertheless, this is not to say that we can't choose to rely on self-power. Each has their own inclinations and capacities. Then again, I've also read that even after awakening by self-power, one should still refine one's cultivation in Pureland.

Dawnfirstlight SG

There are people who do not know that in Buddhism we can rely on other power (Amituofo's vow).

Some told me they don't believe in self power and they hesitate to turn to Buddhism because Buddhism relies on self power which is not true. There are many dharma doors, Pureland is one of the dharma door which we can rely on Amituofo's power. Of course it is not solely rely on other power but it is both self and other power （自力和他力). Many people prefer to be saved by grace as they have doubts about themselves. For this group of people, I will advise them to practice Pureland.

sinweiy SG

T’an Luan . . . Self-Power and Other Power

We owe to him a commentary in which he magnifies more than anyone had yet done the saving power of Amitabha’s name. We owe to him likewise a certain number of dithyrambs, which are a great outburst of devotion. They may be judged by the following example:

O Amitabha, light without peer,

O Amitabha, infinite splendour,

so pure, so calm,

so sweet and so consoling . . . ,

How much we desire to be reborn near thee!

Thou whose power is unlimited,

Thou towards whom turn the beings of all the worlds,

How beautiful is thy Kingdom,

Where the breeze sows flowers beneath the feet of the blessed!

How much we desire to be reborn near thee!

Foolishly, during innumerable existences,

We have renewed the karma which bound us to the earth.

Oh! guard us, mild light, from now on!

Let us no longer lose the wisdom of the heart!

We extol thy knowledge and thy works,

We desire that all may go to thee!

Let no obstruction prevent any being

From rebirth in the peace and happiness with thee!

We offer thee all that we have, all that we are.

In return, grant us to be reborn near thee.

Hail to thee, O splendour unfathomable!

Whole-heartedly and full of faith we bow down before thee! ^⁴9

English translation of the French language text “History of Pure Land Buddhism”

By Henri de Lubac, translated into English by Amita Bhaka

http://www.bdcu.org.au/BDDR/bddr12no6/pureland4.html

Dawnfirstlight SG

T’an Luan . . . Self-Power and Other Power

O Amitabha, light without peer,

O Amitabha, infinite splendour,

so pure, so calm,

so sweet and so consoling . . . ,

How much we desire to be reborn near thee!

Thou whose power is unlimited,

Thou towards whom turn the beings of all the worlds,

How beautiful is thy Kingdom,

Where the breeze sows flowers beneath the feet of the blessed!

How much we desire to be reborn near thee!

Foolishly, during innumerable existences,

We have renewed the karma which bound us to the earth.

Oh! guard us, mild light, from now on!

Let us no longer lose the wisdom of the heart!

We extol thy knowledge and thy works,

We desire that all may go to thee!

Let no obstruction prevent any being

From rebirth in the peace and happiness with thee!

We offer thee all that we have, all that we are.

In return, grant us to be reborn near thee.

Hail to thee, O splendour unfathomable!

Whole-heartedly and full of faith we bow down before thee! ^⁴9

English translation of the French language text “History of Pure Land Buddhism”

By Henri de Lubac, translated into English by Amita Bhaka

http://www.bdcu.org.au/BDDR/bddr12no6/pureland4.html

Thanks for sharing. Is there any Chinese version?

sinweiy SG

hmm, not that i know.