淨土或問 1.18

1.18

Question: There are very many kinds of Pure Lands of Common Residence; why specifically point to Sukhāvatī now, and specifically praise the superiority of its environment and the superiority of its conditions? Answer: The sūtra states: “The sentient beings of that realm have no suffering, but only experience every bliss; therefore it is named Sukhāvatī (Utmost Bliss).” Now let us compare it with the Sahā world: here there are bodies of flesh and blood, where all birth entails suffering; there, transformation birth occurs from lotus flowers, without the suffering of birth. Here the seasons change, and old age encroaches daily; there cold and heat do not shift, without the suffering of old age. Here the four elements are difficult to harmonize, producing many sicknesses; there transformed bodies are fragrant and pure, without the suffering of sickness. Here reaching seventy is rare, and impermanence is swift; there lifespan is limitless, without the suffering of death. Here there is intimate affection and attachment, where whatever is loved must be parted from; there are no parents, wives, or children, without the suffering of parting from the loved. Here there are enemies and adversaries, where enmity must inevitably meet; there the superior and good gather together, without the suffering of meeting the hated. Here there is distress, hunger, and cold, with greed and seeking never satisfied; there clothing, food, and rare jewels are fully provided for use. Here forms are ugly and defiled, with many sense faculties deficient; there appearances are dignified, with bodies radiating light. Here there is transmigration in birth and death; there one eternally realizes non-arising. Here there is the suffering of the four wretched destinies; there even the names of the three evil destinies do not exist. Here there are mounds, pits, and thorns forming forests, with earthen and rocky mountains full of filth and foulness; there gold forms the ground, jeweled trees touch the heavens, pavilions tower with the seven treasures, and flowers bloom in four colors. Here the Twin Trees have already passed into extinction, and the Dragon Flower has not yet arrived; there the Honoured One of Limitless Life (Amitāyus) is presently preaching the Dharma. Here one merely looks up in vain to the renowned names of Avalokiteśvara and Mahāsthāmaprāpta; there one is intimately an excellent friend of these two exalted beings. Here hordes of māras and non-Buddhists disturb correct cultivation; there the Buddha's transformation is uniform, and māras and non-Buddhists have vanished without a trace. Here alluring beauty and seductive lust delude practitioners; there the primary reward is pure and there are no women. Here vicious beasts and spirits clamor with deviant sounds; there water, birds, and groves all proclaim the marvelous Dharma. Comparing the two lands, their environments and conditions are vastly different. The superior qualities of the Land of Bliss are limitless in number, and there is no leisure to cite them all. The superiority of its environment can gather the sentient beings' disposition to seek purity. The superiority of its conditions can assist the rebirth-seeker's power of cultivation. Although there are many kinds of pure lands of Common Residence, only Sukhāvatī has complete conditions for cultivation; hence it is specifically pointed out.