觀無量壽佛經疏 4.30

4.30

Third, explaining the cultivation of the six recollections: namely, recollection of the Buddha, the Dharma, the Saṅgha, the precepts, abandonment, and deities. This also broadly corresponds to the meaning of the Mahāyāna in the third blessing above. As for 'recollection of the Buddha,' it means single-mindedly recollecting Amitābha Buddha's merits of oral karma, merits of bodily karma, and merits of mental karma. It is the same for all Buddhas. Furthermore, it is single-mindedly recollecting the Dharma realized by all Buddhas, as well as the retinue of the Bodhisattva Saṅgha. Furthermore, it is recollecting the precepts of all Buddhas, and recollecting past Buddhas and present bodhisattvas who were able to do what is difficult to do, able to abandon what is difficult to abandon—inner abandonment, outer abandonment, and inner-and-outer abandonment. These bodhisattvas only wished to be mindful of the Dharma and did not spare their bodies or wealth. Practitioners, having recollected and known this, must always generate the resolve to look up to and emulate earlier worthies and later sages in abandoning body and life. Furthermore, 'recollection of deities' refers to bodhisattvas of the ten bhūmis who are in their final bodily existence; these have already surpassed practices difficult to practice, have already transcended three asaṃkhyeya kalpas, have already accomplished practices of myriad virtues, and have already realized the stage of empowerment (abhiṣeka). Practitioners, having recollected and known this, should then reflect within themselves: 'From beginningless time, I made vows at the same time as others to sever evil and practice the bodhisattva path. All of them did not spare their bodies and lives; practicing the path and advancing in stages, with causes perfected and fruits ripened, those who realized sainthood exceed the fine dust motes of the great earth. Yet we pṛthagjanas have wandered aimlessly down to this very day, with afflictions and evil obstacles multiplying ever more, while our merits and wisdom are faint and minuscule, like facing a dense darkness when approaching a bright mirror.' Suddenly pondering this matter, how can one help but be struck with terror, grief, and lamentation?