淨土論 3.39

3.39

Next, the gate of aspiration is explained. The wise person again thinks: 'This present body of mine is born in the fourth five-hundred-year period, when all the sages are hidden and unmanifest. Although I wish to cultivate the Path, I have no share of concentration and wisdom; it is precisely the time for repentance and mindfulness of the Buddha. As said in the sūtra, Amitābha Buddha raises the oar of compassion and boards the ship of the great vow, carrying across all suffering sentient beings. If a person with an utmost heart is mindful of Amitābha Buddha, in every thought-moment the sins of birth and death of eighty hundred million kalpas are eradicated, and at the end of life they are definitely born in the pure land, experiencing all joys, acquiring the five spiritual penetrations, and ascending to the stage of non-retrogression. They roam at will among flowered groves and jeweled lands, and freely listen to the round sound of the true mark. Within the lotus pedestal, their body of purple-burnished gold shines forth; upon the adamantine seat, the thirty-two marks of a great person are displayed; beside the seven-jeweled staircases, they kneel long to inquire about the teachings of non-duality; in the ponds of eight virtues, they bathe to cleanse the defilements of ignorance. For clothing, patterned gossamer fits the body; for food, the hundred delicacies fill the bowls; walking, their feet tread on blue lotuses; sitting, jeweled blossoms support their form. Trees stir leaves of vaiḍūrya, groves sway with flowers of agate, white incenses diffuse swirling fragrances, and fruits disperse lightly spreading colors. Balustrades are carved of four treasures, the ground is polished with seven gems, pipes release a thousand sounds, and towers hold ten thousand colors. White swans and peacocks constantly expound the five faculties; parrots and śārikas ever proclaim the eightfold correct path. Amitābha Buddha has every mark distinct and clear, and Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva is fully endowed with all fine features. Matters such as these are inconceivable. Who, hearing this explanation, would not give rise to aspiration?' (Here ends the gate of aspiration.)