往生禮讚偈 1.8

1.8

Moreover, as the Contemplation Sūtra states: When the Buddha urges sitting in contemplation, worshipping, and being mindful, facing the west is supreme. Just as when a tree first leans, its falling will inevitably follow its bend. Therefore, if there are practical hindrances and one cannot manage to face the west, merely forming the thought of facing west will also suffice. Question: All Buddhas equally realize the three bodies, and the fruition of compassion and wisdom is also complete without distinction; worshipping and being mindful in any direction or reciting the name of any one Buddha should also bring rebirth. Why do you exclusively praise the west and urge exclusive worship and mindfulness of it? What is the meaning? Answer: That which the Buddhas realize is equal and one; yet if comprehended in terms of vows and practices, it is not without causes and conditions. Amitābha, the World-Honoured One, originally made profound and weighty vows to gather and transform the ten directions through his light and name; if one only has a faithful mind, seeking and being mindful from the end of a lifetime down to ten recitations or a single recitation, one easily attains rebirth through the Buddha's vow-power. Therefore, Śākyamuni and all the Buddhas urge one toward the west as a distinct distinction; it is not that reciting and being mindful of other Buddhas cannot eliminate obstacles and eradicate transgressions. One should know this.