廬山蓮宗寶鑑 2.12

2.12

The Ganlu shu says: “First, the excellence of few words and easy practice: because one only recites the single phrase ‘Namo Amitābha Buddha,’ all people can practice mindfulness. Second, the excellence of mindfulness taking the Buddha's realm as its object: because with single mind one takes the Buddha's physical marks and excellent features and the Pure Land as object. Third, the excellence of leaving difficulties and attaining peace: because all Buddhas and bodhisattvas protect and support those who are mindful of the Buddha, they are free from all afflictions and disasters, and are peaceful, auspicious, and blessed. Fourth, the excellence of reciting the name and extinguishing offenses: reciting the Buddha['s name] once extinguishes the heavy offenses of birth and death of eighty kotis of kalpas. Fifth, the excellence of upholding mindfulness and obtaining blessings: reciting the Buddha['s name] once surpasses offering the seven treasures of the four continents to Buddhas and arhats. Sixth, the excellence of the fruit evoking the vision of the Buddha: when sentient beings are mindful of the Buddha, they will definitely see the Buddha. Seventh, the excellence of being personally welcomed for rebirth: transformed Buddhas and bodhisattvas emit light to welcome the practitioner to be reborn in the Buddha-land.”