廬山蓮宗寶鑑 6.22

6.22

The Shiyi lun says: "One who wishes to be born in the Pure Land must possess the two practices of revulsion and aspiration: First is the practice of revulsion and departure. Constantly contemplate that this body is impure with pus, blood, feces, urine, foul discharges, and stinking filth. First, contemplate that worldly people are born from sensual desire, greed, and love; this is impurity of the seed. Second, contemplate the union of the parents' red and white [fluids]; this is impurity of receiving birth. Third, residing in the womb; this is impurity of the dwelling place. Fourth, while in the womb, feeding only on the mother's blood; this is impurity of consumption. Fifth, when the ten months are fulfilled and exiting the birth canal; this is impurity of initial birth. Sixth, pus and blood within the body; this is impurity of the entire body. Seventh, after death, swelling, rotting, and decaying; this is ultimate impurity. Contemplating one's own body being like this, contemplating others is also so. Next, contemplate that the defiled realm of Sahā gathers all sufferings together: birth, old age, sickness, and death; the suffering of meeting the hated; the suffering of separation from the loved; sorrow, grief, and afflictions; the three wretched paths and eight difficulties; transmigration in the six destinies; the impermanence and destruction of earth, water, fire, and wind; greed, anger, ignorance, and arrogance giving rise to thoughts upon encountering conditions—one should feel revulsion and abandon them. Once revulsion arises, the Pure Land is certain to be accomplished. Second is the practice of joyful aspiration. Seeking rebirth in the Pure Land is for the sake of wishing to rescue all living beings from suffering. Therefore, longing in mind and giving rise to thought, one joyfully takes conditions from the Western pure land adorned with the hundred treasures, the golden ground, jeweled groves, and radiant flower-pools; possessing sovereign spiritual superknowledges to go to other regions at will; severing birth and death forever with no further affliction; Amitābha Buddha's physical marks and brilliant light; spontaneous awakening to Dharma-doors; natural food and clothing; and all gates of joy. Therefore one must have joyful aspiration."