龍舒增廣淨土文 3.20

3.20

Whenever receiving the instructions of teachers and friends, the assistance of benefactors, or the courtesy of companions, one should tell them all of the Pure Land as a repayment. Even with all people, whether one has received the kindness of a single meal or a cup of tea, or the engagement of a single word or a single seat, down to servants who labor in serving me—to all who contribute to whatever I enjoy, I tell them of this to enable them to escape the sea of suffering. Not only this: to all, whether known or unknown, familiar or unfamiliar, I wish to transform them with this, enabling them to be born together in the Pure Land. Not only this: when Śākyamuni Buddha was in the world, there was a kingdom that was difficult to convert. The Buddha said, 'They have a karmic connection with Maudgalyāyana,' and sent him to transform them; the people of that kingdom all followed his conversion. Someone asked the Buddha, 'What cause and condition did they have with Maudgalyāyana?' The Buddha said, 'In a past life, Maudgalyāyana was once a woodcutter and startled a swarm of bees in the mountains. Maudgalyāyana then uttered good words: "After I attain the Way, I will deliver all these bees." The people of this city today are those bees of that time. Because Maudgalyāyana uttered these good words, they have a karmic connection.' From this perspective, not only should one exhort all people to cultivate the Pure Land, but for all birds and beasts, down to the flying insects and crawling creatures—all that have visible forms—whenever I see them, I should recite the name of Amitābha Buddha several times for them and make a good vow, saying: 'May you all be born in Sukhāvatī, and after I attain the Way, I will deliver you all.' Not only is this done for those with visible forms, but even for those whose forms cannot be seen, I should also form this thought and speak these words. Doing so, my good thoughts will become thoroughly seasoned, and I will have karmic connections with all sentient beings; my highest birth of the highest grade will be certain, and when transforming and delivering others in the future, none will not joyfully follow.