廬山蓮宗寶鑑 1.57

1.57

The Sūtra on the Contemplation of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life states: "At that time, Vaidehī wept aloud and addressed the Buddha, saying: 'World-Honoured One! Would that you explain for me at length a place free from grief and sorrow, where I may go to be reborn, for I take no joy in the turbid and evil world of Jambudvīpa.' At that time, the World-Honoured One emitted light from between his eyebrows, completely illuminating the immeasurable worlds of the ten directions; the lands of all buddhas appeared therein. When Vaidehī saw them, she addressed the Buddha, saying: 'Although these buddha-lands are pure and all have radiance, I now wish to be born in the world of Sukhāvatī, where Amitābha Buddha resides. Would that the World-Honoured One teach me how to contemplate, teach me how to attain correct reception.' The Buddha told Vaidehī: 'Amitābha Buddha is not far from here; you should fasten your thought and attentively contemplate that land. I shall now explain it for you at length, and also enable ordinary beings of the future who cultivate pure karma to attain rebirth in the Western land of Sukhāvatī. Those who wish to be born in that land should cultivate the three blessings: First, to filial-mindedly support parents and serve teachers and elders, to have a compassionate mind without killing, and to cultivate the ten good karmas. Second, to receive and uphold the three refuges, to be complete in all precepts, and not to violate the rules of deportment. Third, to generate bodhicitta, deeply believe in cause and effect, read and recite the Mahāyāna, and encourage practitioners. These three things are called the proper cause for pure karma.' The Buddha told Ānanda and Vaidehī: 'Listen attentively, listen attentively, and reflect on it well.'"