起信論疏筆削記 20.29

20.29

Question: According to the Suiyuan wangsheng jing, there are pure lands in all the ten directions; why specifically point to the West? Answer: Because the cause is easy and the conditions are strong, surpassing other directions. 'The cause is easy' means that ten thoughts serve as the cause. 'The conditions are strong' means the power of that Buddha's vows. For that Buddha, during his causal stage, made forty-eight great vows, among which he states: 'If there are sentient beings who wish to be born in my land, accomplished in ten thoughts, and yet are not born there, may I not attain correct awakening.' It is for this reason that it is specifically pointed out, fully detailed as in the Ruixiang jing. 'Constantly seeing the Buddha' is said with respect to being born there. 'Contemplating the dharmakāya' is said with respect to cultivating the cause in the present.