無量壽經優婆提舍願生偈註 1.5

1.5

This treatise from beginning to end has two main sections: the first is the general summary section, and the second is the section explaining the meaning. The general summary section consists entirely of the preceding five-syllable verses. The section explaining the meaning consists entirely of the prose from "The treatise says" onward. The reason there are two sections is due to two purposes: verses are used to recite the sūtra in order to provide a general synopsis; the treatise is used to explain the verses in order to clarify the meaning. "Immeasurable Life" means that the lifespan of the Tathāgata of Immeasurable Life is so long and vast as to be immeasurable. "Sūtra" means constant; it refers to the pure adornment of merits of the Buddha and bodhisattvas of the Land of Peace and Bliss. The pure adornment of merits of that land can bring great benefit to sentient beings and may be practiced constantly in the world; therefore, it is called a sūtra. Upadeśa is the name of the Buddha's discourse-sūtras. "Aspiration" has the meaning of desire and delight. "Rebirth" means that Bodhisattva Vasubandhu aspires to be reborn in that Pure Land of Peace and Bliss. Being born within the pure lotus of the Tathāgata, it is therefore called "aspiration for rebirth." "Gāthā" has the meaning of a metric verse; because it briefly recites the Buddha's sūtra in lines of five syllables, it is named gāthā. Vasu is translated as "heaven" (tian), and bandhu is translated as "kinsman" (qin). This person's style name is Tianqin; this matter is found in the Record of the Transmission of the Dharma Treasury. As for "bodhisattva," if the Sanskrit sound were fully preserved, one should say bodhisattva. Bodhi is the name for the Buddha's path. Sattva means either sentient being or one of heroic strength. A sentient being who seeks the Buddha's path with a brave and valiant resolve is therefore called a bodhisattva. Now saying merely "bodhisattva" is just an abbreviation by the translator. "Composed" also means made. Hoping that people will esteem the Dharma on account of the person, it is said that such-and-such composed it. Therefore, it says: "Verses of Aspiration for Rebirth with an Upadeśa on the Sūtra of Immeasurable Life, composed by Bodhisattva Vasubandhu." The explanation of the treatise's title is concluded.