觀無量壽佛經疏 1.60

1.60

I answer: You merely recite its text without peering into the principle, and moreover, clinging to narrow views and harboring delusion, you have no way to open into awakening. Now I cite the Buddha's teaching as clear proof to dispel your doubt. What is it? It is precisely the three grades of people of the lower class in the Dhyāna Sūtra. How is this known? As it says regarding the highest level of the lower class: There may be sentient beings who commit many evil deeds and have no shame or remorse. When such a foolish person approaches the end of life, he meets a good friend who explains the Mahāyāna to him and instructs him to chant 'Amitābha Buddha.' When he chants the Buddha's name, transformation buddhas and bodhisattvas appear before him, and with golden light and a jeweled canopy, they welcome him back to that land. After the flower opens, Avalokiteśvara expounds the Mahāyāna for him. Having heard this, this person immediately gives rise to the mind of the unsurpassed path.