無量壽經優婆提舍願生偈註 1.92

1.92

Question: If the mind strays to other conditions and one gathers it back, one can know the count of thoughts; but merely knowing the count is again not uninterrupted. If one focuses the mind and fixes one's thought, on what basis can one keep count of the thoughts? Answer: When the sūtra speaks of 'ten recitations,' it is merely to clarify that the karmic undertaking is accomplished; one does not necessarily have to know the exact count. As it is said, 'The cicada does not know spring or autumn'—how could that insect know the season of the radiant sun? Those who know are the ones who say it. That the karma of ten recitations is accomplished is likewise spoken by those of spiritual penetration. If one simply accumulates continuous thoughts without engaging in other affairs, that is enough; why need one have leisure to know the count of thoughts? If one must know, there is also an expedient method; it must be transmitted orally, and cannot be put down in writing with brush and ink.