阿彌陀經疏 1.22

1.22

Third, clarifying the central theme: pure karma based on faith and vows is the central theme of the sūtra. 'Central theme' (*zong*) means essential. When speaking of the cause, it gathers all the diverse practices; when speaking of the fruit, it gathers the immeasurable merits. One should know that both cause and fruit are central and essential. The sūtra says: 'You should make the vow to be born in that land'—this clarifies the cause. It also says: 'Those who hear this sūtra and uphold it shall all attain non-retrogression in *anuttarā samyaksaṃbodhi*'—this clarifies the fruit. Although both meanings are included, the cause is primary and the fruit is secondary, because the sūtra directly exhorts practitioners to seek rebirth. Therefore the sūtra states: 'Those who have faith should make the vow to be born in that land.' It also says: 'If they hear it said of Amitābha Buddha and hold fast to his name... for as long as seven days, they will immediately attain rebirth.' Thus, pure karma based on faith and vows is taken as the central theme. The clarification of the central theme is concluded.