法苑珠林 20.52

20.52

Furthermore, the Daci jing says: The Buddha told Ānanda, '“Namo Buddhāya” is the sound of the definite name and title of all the Buddhas, the World-Honoured Ones; hence one says “Namo to all Buddhas”. In the past, there was a great caravan leader leading many merchants when a great makara fish was about to swallow their boat. Because they called out the name “Namo Buddhāya” three times, they all escaped disaster. Hearing the Buddha's name, the fish, out of wholesome intention, abandoned its body, went forth into the monastic life in a future life, and attained the Way. How much more so when a person hears the Buddha's name, listens to the saddharma, and personally plants roots of goodness in the presence of the Buddha—how could they fail to obtain definitive benefit?'