觀無量壽佛經疏 3.5

3.5

Second, from 'How does one visualize?' down to 'all see the sun setting' directly clarifies mentioning the matter to be contemplated. This clarifies that all sentient beings, having long drifted in saṃsāra, do not understand how to settle the mind; although directed to the West, they do not know how to generate the thought. Therefore, the Tathāgata posed a rhetorical question for them to dispel doubt and attachment, so as to show the method of right mindfulness. 'Anyone who visualizes' clarifies mentioning the preceding intent in general to reveal the subsequent expedient means for entering contemplation. 'All sentient beings' generally raises the category of those who attain rebirth. The phrase 'unless born blind' and so forth clarifies selecting capacities for capability and incapability. 'Born blind' refers to those whose eyes cannot see objects from the time they emerge from the mother's womb; they are called 'born blind'. Such persons must not be taught to practice the sun contemplation, because they do not know the light and form of the sun disk. Except for those born blind, those who contract disease through circumstances can all achieve perfection if taught to practice the sun contemplation. Because they knew the characteristics of the sun disk's light and form before their eyes were diseased, now, although their eyes are diseased, if they are only made to grasp well the characteristics of the sun disk and hold them firmly with right mindfulness, without restriction of time, they will certainly attain perfection.