觀無量壽佛經疏 1.9

1.9

As for 'contemplation', it means to illuminate: constantly using the hands of pure faith to hold the radiance of wisdom, illuminating matters such as the primary and circumstantial [retributions] of Amitābha. As for 'sūtra', it means a warp: a warp can hold the woof, producing bolts of cloth and serving their purpose; a sūtra can hold the Dharma, matching principle and phenomena, meditative and non-meditative according with faculties so that the meaning is never lost. It enables those who cultivate and aspire to rely on the causal conditions of teaching and practice, to mount the vow and attain rebirth, realizing the unconditioned bliss of the Dharma. Having been reborn in that realm, there is nothing further to fear; over a long time they carry out practice, the fruit culminating in bodhi, the dharmakāya eternally abiding like empty space. Because it brings about these benefits, it is called a sūtra. As for 'in one fascicle', although this Dhyāna Sūtra is said to consist of two assemblies of correct preaching, they are combined into this single [volume], hence called one fascicle. Therefore it is called 'The Sūtra on the Contemplation of Amitāyus Spoken by the Buddha, in one fascicle.' This concludes the explanation of its title and meaning.