觀無量壽佛經義疏 3.231

3.231

"‘Suppose there are sentient beings who commit unwholesome deeds, the five heinous sins and the ten unwholesome deeds, and are complete in all unwholesome things.’" The five heinous sins are: killing one's father, killing one's mother, killing an arhat, causing schism in the Sangha, and shedding the Buddha's blood. Because they go against and betray kindness and virtue, they are called the five heinous sins. Their immediately following retribution is in Avīci, so they are named the five acts of inexpiable retribution. The ten unwholesome deeds are: three of the body, four of speech, and three of the mind; all evil karmas are subsumed under these ten. Having already committed the gravest, there is nothing else they would not do, hence it says "complete in all unwholesome things." Question: The Larger Sūtra states: "Even down to ten recitations, if they are not born in my land, I will not attain supreme enlightenment; excluded only are those who commit the five heinous sins and slander the correct Dharma." How is it that in the present sūtra those who commit the five heinous sins also attain rebirth? The present interpretation is: if based on Amitāyus's vow-power, how could it bar those who commit heinous crimes? It is an expedient means adapting to capacities; while the words appear contrary, their purport aligns. That sūtra demonstrates the extraordinary wonder of the land of bliss in order to encourage wholesome people to advance; this sūtra illuminates the profound efficacy of pure karma, leaving out not even the extremely wicked. So long as one upholds the name and dedicates the vows, there is none whose sins are not eliminated and who does not attain rebirth. Thus the Guanfo sanmei jing states: "Disciples of the four groups who slander the Vaipulya sūtras, commit the five heinous sins, and violate the four grave prohibitions—if such people can with a sincere mind for one day and one night fasten their mindfulness and contemplate a single mark of the Buddha, all their evil sins and hindrances will be entirely eradicated." Citing that to substantiate this, what doubt can there be regarding the eradication of sins? Second, showing future retribution.