遊心安樂道 1.46

1.46

Fifth, explaining the number of grades of rebirth. Only the Contemplation of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life Sūtra states that rebirth in that land does not exceed nine grades; therefore, that sūtra says: "'I only wish that the World-Honored One will extensively explain for me a place free of sorrow and affliction, where I shall be reborn! I take no pleasure in this defiled and evil world of Jambudvīpa. This defiled and evil place is filled with hells, hungry ghosts, and animals, packed with many unwholesome gatherings. I pray that in the future I may hear no evil sounds and see no evil people. Now, prostrating myself before the World-Honored One with the five limbs touching the ground, I beg for mercy and repent; I only wish that the Sun of the Buddha will teach me to contemplate a place of pure karma.'"