阿彌陀經疏 1.65

1.65

From "Moreover, Śāriputra" onward, second, the adornment of non-retrogression among those born there. 'Avaivartika' translates here as 'non-retrogression.' Non-retrogression has three kinds: position, practice, and mindfulness. From the first fruit of the Common Teaching onward up to the arhat is non-retrogression of position; the seventh bhūmi is non-retrogression of practice; the eighth bhūmi is non-retrogression of mindfulness. In the Distinct Teaching, matching them with faith, practice, and dedication: the first bhūmi realizes non-retrogression of mindfulness, while dedication merely cultivates it. In the Perfect Teaching, from the first to the seventh stage of faith is non-retrogression of position; from the eighth stage of faith onward is non-retrogression of practice; the first abode realizes non-retrogression of mindfulness. When the sūtra says 'all are,' the meaning necessarily encompasses all three. 'Those in the position of succession in one lifetime' means equal enlightenment. Since that land has a long lifespan and supreme surroundings, many in their manifestation bodies reach equal enlightenment. 'Asaṃkhya' translates as 'innumerable.'