阿彌陀經通贊疏 1.3

1.3

Upon contemplation: the Principle transcends all explanations—how could the three vehicles subsume it? Wisdom perfects the myriad virtues—how could the ten grounds contemplate it? Spreading the cloud of compassion to shelter the four modes of birth, scattering the rain of Dharma to moisten the nine realms of existence, he thereupon descended in spirit to Tuṣita and manifested his birth in Kapila. He wearied of sensual pleasures in the royal palace and attained the true and eternal beneath the tree of awakening. Truly, because the karma and afflictions of sentient beings and the hordes of Māra waxed ever stronger, surging over the sea of suffering to open wide the three wretched destinies, drowning the boat of compassion and swallowing up myriad virtues, he therefore hoisted high the net of the teaching and pointed directly to the pure realm. This is the profound portal for entering the noble and the wondrous track for transcending the mundane. The tenfold Pure Land is graded in accordance with the levels of attainment; the nine grades of lotus pedestals correspond to the capacities of beings in their proper sequence. How magnificent! It tosses far away the gates of emptiness and existence, and stands out singularly beyond annihilation and permanence.