無量壽經優婆提舍願生偈註 1.36

1.36

These two lines are called the accomplishment of the adornment of wonderful sound merits. Why did the Buddha originally give rise to this vow? He saw that there are lands where, although there is good Dharma, the reputation does not travel far; or where there is a reputation that travels far, but it is not subtle and wonderful; or where there is a reputation that is subtle and far-reaching, but it cannot awaken beings. Therefore he gave rise to this adornment. In India, pure conduct is called brahma-conduct (brahmacarya), and wonderful words are called brahma-words. That country highly esteems the Brahmā Heaven, and mostly uses 'brahma' for praise. It is also said: It is because the laws of the Central Country [of India] connect with the Brahmā Heaven. 'Sound' means 'name', namely, the name of the Land of Peace and Bliss. The sūtra says: 'If a person merely hears the name of the Pure Land of Peace and Bliss and aspires to be reborn there, they will also attain their wish.' This name is the proof of awakening beings. The Commentary (*Mahāprajñāpāramitopadeśa*) says: 'Such a Pure Land is not subsumed within the three realms. Why is this said? Because it is without desire, it is not the desire realm; because it is ground-dwelling, it is not the form realm; because it has form, it is not the formless realm.' It is brought about solely by the distinct karma of the Bodhisattva. Transcending existence yet existing is called 'subtle' (transcending existence means transcending the three states of existence; yet existing means the Pure Land exists). The name being able to open and awaken is called 'wonderful' (wonderful means fine; because the name can awaken beings, it is called wonderful). Therefore it is said: 'The Brahma sound awakens beings profoundly and distantly, / Subtle and wonderful, heard in the ten directions.'