無量壽經義記卷下 1.18

1.18

“Exclusively concentrating the mind, even down to ten thoughts, being mindful of Amitāyus” refers to a person of the middle tier of the lowest class. This explains that this practitioner may transgress the five precepts, the eight precepts, or the full precepts. Such a foolish person steals property belonging to the Saṅgha, steals property belonging to the present assembly of monks, or preaches the Dharma with an impure mind without shame or remorse, adorning themselves with various sins. Such a sinner, on account of evil karmas, is bound to fall into hell. When their life is about to end, all the fires of hell arrive at the same time. They encounter a good friend who expounds for them the majestic virtue of Amitābha's ten powers, extensively explaining that Buddha's radiant spiritual power, and also praising morality, concentration, wisdom, liberation, and the knowledge and vision of liberation. Upon hearing this, this person has sins of birth and death spanning eight billion kalpas eliminated. The raging fires of hell turn into a cool breeze, blowing various heavenly flowers upon which transformation-buddhas and bodhisattvas are seated, welcoming this person. In as little as a single thought-moment, they straightaway attain rebirth in the seven-jewelled pond. Dwelling within the lotus flower, only after six kalpas does the lotus flower open. Avalokiteśvara and Mahāsthāmaprāpta comfort that person with brahmā sounds and expound the profoundly deep Mahāyāna scriptures for them. Having heard this Dharma, they immediately generate the resolve for the unexcelled enlightenment. This is a person of the middle tier of the lowest class.