釋淨土群疑論 6.31

6.31

釋曰：此有四釋。一釋言：作此第九真身觀時，非直見阿彌陀佛，亦見十方一切諸佛。是故非直生極樂國，亦得隨願通生諸佛國，故言生諸佛前。二釋云：雖見十方諸佛，然作此觀本擬往生西方，如何通生諸佛國也？而言諸佛前者，以此觀勝，行者得生西方之時，非直見阿彌陀佛，即見十方一切諸佛，故言生諸佛前。三釋言：此阿彌陀佛雖是一身，國中化佛其數無量。行者初生之時化佛雲集，皆來摩頂，為其說法。化佛非一，故言生諸佛前。四釋言：阿彌陀佛雖現一身，而此一身多佛同變，相雖是一、其體實多。以多諸佛於一眾生皆悉有緣，並悉共變阿彌陀佛同在一處，猶如多盞燈光光各別不相障礙似同一光。佛身亦爾，諸一一佛各變一身，雖似一身其實多身，雖生一佛前即名生諸佛前也。

Explanation: There are four explanations for this. The first explanation states: when performing this ninth contemplation of the true body, not only does one see Amitābha Buddha, one also sees all the Buddhas of the ten directions. Therefore, not only is one reborn in the land of Sukhāvatī, but according to one's vows one may also be reborn universally in the lands of all Buddhas; hence it says 'born before the Buddhas.' The second explanation states: although one sees the Buddhas of the ten directions, when performing this contemplation one originally intended to attain rebirth in the West, so how could one be reborn universally in the lands of all Buddhas? As for saying 'before the Buddhas,' it is because this contemplation is superior: when the practitioner attains rebirth in the West, not only does he see Amitābha Buddha, but he immediately sees all the Buddhas of the ten directions; hence it says 'born before the Buddhas.' The third explanation states: although this Amitābha Buddha is a single body, the transformation Buddhas in that land are immeasurable in number. When the practitioner is first reborn, transformation Buddhas gather like clouds, and all come to rub his crown and preach the Dharma to him. Because the transformation Buddhas are not one, it says 'born before the Buddhas.' The fourth explanation states: although Amitābha Buddha manifests as a single body, this single body is manifested collectively by many Buddhas; although the appearance is one, its substance is in reality manifold. Because many Buddhas all have conditions with a single sentient being, they together collectively manifest Amitābha Buddha residing in the same place—just as when there are many lamps, the light of each lamp is distinct and does not obstruct the others, appearing to be a single light. The Buddha's body is also like this: each of the various Buddhas manifests a single body; although it appears to be one body, it is in reality many bodies. Thus, although one is born before one Buddha, this is termed being 'born before the Buddhas.'