阿彌陀經通贊疏 3.3

3.3

The commentary states: The second [section] explains the many causes. 'Good man' in Sanskrit is upāsaka, rendered here as 'near-serving man'; -aka indicates masculine gender, because by firmly upholding the five precepts he is qualified to draw near and serve the assembly of bhikṣus. 'Good woman' is upāsikā; -ikā indicates feminine gender, because she also upholds the five precepts and is qualified to serve the bhikṣuṇīs. This is because in the Western region [Sanskrit] distinguishes masculine and feminine genders. 'Hearing spoken of Amitābha Buddha' means hearing about the matter of rebirth in the teaching of this Amitābha from a good spiritual friend, or investigating it oneself. 'Holding fast to the Buddha's name for one day up to seven days whole-heartedly': with no further interruption, it is therefore called 'whole-heartedly'. 'Without distraction' means concentrated and unscattered.