廬山蓮宗寶鑑 1.63

1.63

The Buddha is the great teacher of the three realms, the Dharma is the eyes of all living beings, and the Saṅgha comprises the superior persons of the six harmonies; together they are the true and pure field of merit. To turn against them is heterodoxy; to accord with them is rectitude. Their spiritual potency is without equal, and their holy power is inconceivable. Eradicating suffering is like the medicinal drum that causes arrowheads to fall out; escaping calamities is like a frosted blade breaking through an encirclement. Turning suffering into joy takes but an instant, and transforming the ordinary into the holy takes only a moment. Therefore, when the fiery chariot appears, taking refuge immediately brings cool refreshment; when hell is about to befall, invoking their names causes one to leave suffering completely behind. That King Puming and the other kings escaped calamity was the merit of empty concentration; that Śakra repelled the might of Mandhātṛ was the power of prajñā. Therefore, faithful Buddhist disciples take refuge in the Three Jewels, make offerings to the Buddha and Saṅgha with incense and flowers of true compassion, read, recite, and disseminate the Dharma jewel, and gather these good benefits to dedicate toward bodhi, that all sentient beings may be born together in the Pure Land. Have you not heard: Kalaviṅkas and parrots obtained birth in the Western Realm by reciting the name; devas and kings revered them and vowed to seek the holy path. All are able above to accomplish the fruit of buddhahood, and below to escape the wheel of suffering. It may indeed be said: 'Chan belongs to Dahui, poetry to Daozhi; / The Tang emperors were only three.'