觀彌勒上生兜率天經贊 2.193

2.193

Question: Hearing the name and taking refuge in contemplation eradicates much sin, as clearly stated in the smaller sūtra. How much merit is there in making images and making offerings? Answer: The merit is even greater, because engaging in continuous practice and the contemplation are also grander. Here [the sūtra] merely mentions a brief contemplation, a brief bow, or taking refuge and hearing for a brief moment; if one repeatedly listens, frequently pays reverent homage, and makes offerings morning after morning, the merit is far greater. The previous cultivation of the three grades merely explained the blessings of attaining birth, without discussing the marks of eradicating sins; in the second section it explained the benefit of non-retrogression through taking refuge; now, this third section only begins to explain the eradication of sins—that is, it generally speaks of taking the great refuge, causing the assembly joyfully to seek birth, take refuge, venerate, and eradicate sins.