樂邦文類 4.53

4.53

Question: The Vimalakīrti Sūtra says: "Fulfilling eight dharmas, one moves through this world without blemish and is born in the Pure Land. What are the eight? Benefiting sentient beings without expecting reward; enduring all afflictions on behalf of all sentient beings, dedicating all merit one produces to them; regarding sentient beings with an impartial mind, humble and unimpeded; viewing bodhisattvas as if they were Buddhas; hearing sūtras not heard before without doubting them; not conflicting with śrāvakas; not envying the offerings received by others nor boasting of one's own gain, while subduing one's mind within such situations; constantly examining one's own faults and not speaking of others' shortcomings; and constantly seeking all merits with single-mindedness." How can one attain rebirth through inferior practices and slight goodness? Answer: In principle one must be complete in them; this pertains to great capacities: when the eight dharmas are flawless, one achieves the highest grade. As for those of medium and lower [capacities], if they are endowed with even a single dharma and their determination is unwavering, they also attain the lower grade.