觀無量壽佛經疏 1.6

1.6

Second, explaining the name: The sūtra states: 'The Sūtra on the Contemplation of Amitāyus Spoken by the Buddha, in one fascicle.' As for 'Buddha', this is the correct pronunciation from the Western realm. In this land it is called 'the Awakened One': one who is self-awakened, awakens others, and whose awakened conduct is fully perfected is called 'Buddha'. 'Self-awakened' distinguishes him from pṛthagjanas; this is because śrāvakas are narrow and inferior, able only to benefit themselves and lacking the great compassion to benefit others. 'Awakening others' distinguishes him from the two vehicles; this is because bodhisattvas possess wisdom and therefore can benefit themselves, and possess compassion and therefore can benefit others, constantly practicing both compassion and wisdom without clinging to existence or non-existence. 'Awakened conduct fully perfected' distinguishes him from bodhisattvas; this is because the Tathāgata's wisdom and practice are already exhausted, his eons already fulfilled, transcending the three stages; hence he is called 'Buddha'. As for 'spoken', setting forth and proclaiming with vocal sound is called 'spoken'. Furthermore, the Tathāgata preaches the Dharma according to faculties in many different ways: gradual or sudden according to what is appropriate, differing in being hidden or revealed; or preaching through all six sense faculties, and likewise through his marks and signs; responding to thought and according with conditions, all receive the benefit of realization. As for 'Amitāyus' [Boundless Life], this is the Chinese translation of this land. As for 'Namo Amitābha', this is the correct pronunciation from the Western realm. Furthermore, 'na' means taking, 'mo' means refuge [or life], 'a' means non-, 'mi' means measure, 'tā' means life, and 'bha' (fo) means awakened; thus it says 'taking refuge in the Awakened One of Boundless Life'. This is the Sanskrit and Chinese correspondence, and such is its meaning. Now, 'Boundless Life' is the Dharma, and 'the Awakened One' is the person. Person and Dharma are both manifested, hence the name Amitābha Buddha.