淨土論 2.3

2.3

Question: Karmic practices are tangled and intricate, so that ordinary beings cannot discern their threads; the differences between suffering and pleasure are such that followers of the two vehicles have not plumbed their source. In the mundane world, karma divides into the six destinies; in the supramundane realm, the paths differ among the three vehicles. Based on principle, the myriad phenomena share a single standard; according to the teachings, there are definitive and non-definitive expositions. Now, this Western Pure Land was attained through the great vows of Dharmākara, occupied and divinely ruled by the Dharma King; the world is adorned with thousands of treasures, and the sacred master is marked with myriad characteristics. Neither this person nor this land is something that can be viewed or visited by lower stages. Although sūtras and treatises speak of attaining rebirth, I fear it may be an expression with an implicit meaning concerning another time. Now, in accordance with what principle is it determined that rebirth can be attained? Both monastics and laity share this doubt; we wish to hear its essential meaning.