樂邦文類 1.182

1.182

The Commentary on the Contemplation Sūtra states: 'The larger text states that those guilty of the five heinous offenses and reviling the Dharma cannot attain rebirth. This Contemplation Sūtra states that those who have committed heinous offenses can attain rebirth. There are two meanings in explaining this: First, in terms of the persons committing the offenses, there are superior and inferior [capacities]. Those of superior faculties, like King Ajātaśatru who committed heinous offenses, necessarily have profound repentance, which causes the offense to dissolve and lessen, thereby permitting their rebirth; those of inferior faculties who commit heinous offenses mostly have no profound repentance, and therefore cannot attain rebirth. Second, in terms of practice, practice consists of focused [contemplation] and dispersed [goodness]. The samādhi of contemplating the Buddha is called focused, while cultivating other wholesome karma is dispersed. The power of dispersed wholesome actions is weak and does not eliminate the five heinous offenses, so they cannot attain rebirth. The larger text addresses this, and thus says they cannot be reborn. This sūtra explains contemplation, and thus says they can attain rebirth.'