First, the era significance of Master Hong's pure land religion
Pope Hongshi was strict and learned prajnaparamita. He treated all Buddhist sects in China equally and advocated "equality of law and no dispute". When he talked about "about Buddhism and Dharma Sect", he concluded:
"Hinayana and Mahayana are different in ten cases. Mahayana is different. Here, we must not be stubborn and biased. Because Buddhism is equal, there is nothing to say. That is, the name of Buddhism is not available. In the unattainable, it is convenient to follow the crowd by establishing various differences. Because all beings have shallow habits and deep consciousness, Buddhism adapts to all kinds of differences, and its value ranges from low to high. Don't only honor the people with high prices, but waste the people with low prices. The so-called medicine is neither noble nor cheap. The sicker the better. The same is true of Buddhism, which is becoming more and more secretive regardless of its strength. What can seize the opportunity is the magic method. So although there are many methods, it is good for us to choose the one that suits our roots to study! 」
It is emphasized that the selection and repair methods should be combined with the machine. Jaken whose laws are unreasonable and belong to heresy; If the law does not apply to machines, it will be futile and difficult. Regarding the combined machine, he emphasized that:
"However, there are many methods mentioned by the Buddha, and the depth and difficulty are different. If it is not compatible with root canal, it will get twice the result with half the effort, and if it is compatible with root canal, it will get twice the result with half the effort. 」
Among all sects, Master Hong thinks that only the Pure Land Sect "Three Universal Quilts" is very simple and timely. In the following season, the clan flourished. As for modern times, it was particularly prosperous, surpassing all sects. Hongshi once judged the Tathagata generation as five religions according to the book "On Hua Yan Primitive Man" written by Zen Master Guifeng: (1) Man-nature religion. (2) Hinayana teaching method. (3) Mahayana teaching. (4) Mahayana disfigurement teaching. (5) One-to-one explicit teaching. He believes that "the five major religions are from shallow to deep, and the only thing that ordinary people in my generation can easily understand and implement is' humanity teaching'." The other four religions are profound and difficult to understand. Even if it can be understood, it is difficult to implement. Therefore, in order to popularize society, subsidize the world law and save people's hearts, it is most appropriate to teach people by sex. But if you only practice Buddhism, it is difficult to achieve the liberation of being born, so he generally advises pedestrians to practice pure land, as he said, "it is easy to practice, but you are not born." Therefore, all the great good knowledge in ancient and modern times strongly advocates the pure land method. No matter what kind of teacher you study now, you can get the greatest benefit if you study the pure land religion at the same time. Pure land religion should be "one-to-one teaching", but those who are deep see deep and those who are shallow see shallow. The so-called "general was three" also. Because the practice of Buddhism is based on "liberation from life and death", we should leave this world at once.
During the Republic of China, the society was in turmoil and everyone was in danger. Everyone shoulders the mission of saving the nation from extinction, and Buddhists are no exception. Master Hong's slogan "Remembering Buddha does not forget to save the country, and saving the country must remember Buddha" is really a wonderful method that benefits both the sun and the soul. He once wrote the article "Persuade Buddha and Bodhisattva to Survive in the Western Heaven":
"Close to India, taste the cloud: there are often plane bombs and cannons. At this time, we should raise the name of Buddha and Bodhisattva. Should not die, can eliminate disasters and take refuge. If you can't change your career, you should be killed so that you can live in the west. What the above mage said, I will briefly explain its meaning today. When reading Amitabha, most people only know the life in the west, but there are also benefits in this life, which means that there are ten benefits in reading Buddha. It is well known that chanting the name of Guanyin can benefit people, so there is no doubt that chanting Buddha and Bodhisattva can avoid plane bombs and cannons. Ordinary people are scared when they see the plane coming. What good is empty fear? It's no use going up the hill and into the hole. Only by earnestly reciting Buddha and Bodhisattva. When it is very dangerous, it is easy to be detected. If you want to take refuge, it is difficult. You can only read Buddha and Bodhisattva frequently, and you must also read it on weekdays when you are in danger. Because you are diligent on weekdays, you are more effective when you are in danger. 」
Master Hong believes that in this crisis, it will be very difficult to practice the three views in the air crossing according to the Heart Sutra and the Diamond Sutra. We can only interpret the meaning and it is difficult to really practice. Even if you barely repair it, you will accomplish nothing in adversity. Therefore, Master Yin Guang suggested that people specialize in the Pure Land Method, which is easy to solve and everyone can practice. He finally said:
"Therefore, I advise you to believe in pure land practice. Also believe what you said in front of the Indian mage, recite the names of Buddha and Bodhisattva with peace of mind and be fearless. In this trip to War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, some other places were damaged, but Quanzhou was safe. This is the power of monks to recite the Buddha and the scriptures, so it can avoid a temporary crisis. However, there are endless future troubles and you can't feel at ease. You must study Buddhism and Bodhisattva frequently, so that at the end of your life, you will decide to live in the West. This is a very safe method. It is very important to convince Buddhists and Bodhisattvas to survive in the West. 」
Master Hong urged all pedestrians to practice the Pure Land Method. He believes that the Pure Land Method is of epoch-making significance, which is based on the principles of various Buddhas and follows the trend. Its purpose is to cultivate Buddha by borrowing heaven, that is, to get rid of the world, which seems to be negative but actually positive.
Second, master Hongyi's pure land thought and its connotation.
Although Master Hongyi has been practicing the Pure Land Method all his life, there are few words about the Pure Land, so he can only talk about it briefly.
1. Those who study pure land should take "believing in cause and effect and developing bodhicitta" as their purpose.
Master Hongyi said in the Simple Buddhist Practice Law:
Although the law of causality is a preliminary introduction to Buddhism, it is very important, and everyone must be convinced. In the article "A Brief Introduction to the Great Virtue of the Master of Printing Light", he specifically quoted the old master's "Pay attention to cause and effect" and said: "A master pays the most attention to cause and effect in his life, and tastes people's words: the law of cause and effect is the urgent task of saving the country and the people. Everyone will know that there are such reasons now and there will be such results in the future. Good is rewarded with good, and evil with evil. If you want to save the people of the world, you must start here. No matter who you meet, the master uses this reason to be sarcastic. 」
Master Hong also emphasized that the Pure Land Buddhism also takes bodhicitta as its main purpose, and emphasized the importance of bodhicitta in the article The General Idea of Pure Land Buddhism. Its text:
"Most people say that pure land Sect is only a way to die (death is useful), but I am afraid that pure land Sect is mainly based on great bodhicitta. We should always be positive, compassionate and willing to help all beings. To cultivate a pure primitive Sect, it is always necessary to show the suffering of all beings. I am willing to shoulder all sentient beings and suffer for them. The so-called sentient beings are not limited to a county, a province or even the whole world. According to the Buddhist scriptures, there are so many worlds that can't be said, and there are so many reasons. All sentient beings in this world will suffer all kinds of evil deeds, and I am willing to bear them all one by one. Never be afraid of how difficult it is, and ask others to share it. Because of the initial oath, I decided to save everything with one person. For example, that day. Not because of the world, it appeared for many days. But when the sun rises, it can shine on all living things. Today, with one person's strength, all living beings bear heavy burdens. 」
In order to arouse the bodhicitta of those who cultivate the pure land, Master Hong advised pedestrians to read the Bodhisattva Wishes and do social charity.
"I advise you to make a big bodhicitta. Otherwise, others will say that the Pure Land Law is negative, world-weary and will die (if you are bodhicitta, there is no such ridicule). 」
As can be seen from the above, people who want to practice pure land are convinced of cause and effect. On the one hand, they are strictly guided by pure precepts. On the other hand, it shows that the pure land method is based on "net merit and three blessings", which makes them mistake Buddhism as the cause and die in the west as the result.
2. Survival in the West is the ultimate goal.
Those who cultivate the pure land must return to the western paradise after learning that they are living to recite Buddha and all kinds of merits and demerits, and do not seek the afterlife. Or because of the lust for dust, although I read Buddha in my mouth, I refused to make a vow to die. This is a taboo for people who cultivate pure land. Just read Amitabha, just seek bliss and pure land. Of the ten buddhas' lands, only the pure land of western bliss must be lived, because other buddhas can live on their own, and the pure land of Amitabha is also lived by Buddha's power, so it is impossible to completely confuse the practitioners in this world, and they can also "live with the fate". Hongshi also attaches great importance to this point, and often uses Prajna Hui Jian to cut off the incorrect views of pedestrians and make them believe in Buddhism and survive in the West. In the article "The Question of Pure Land", he asked questions and answered questions to distinguish the clouds:
Q: Bodhisattva should always be a nun and suffer for all beings. Why live in the west?
A: When Ganoderma lucidum just became a monk, she also tried to stick to this view and belittle online merchants. Later, he became seriously ill, looked weak, was fascinated, and didn't know what was at stake. When I was sick, I felt sorry for myself, cried bitterly, felt sad, and deeply blamed myself. I couldn't bear to be blessed by the Bodhisattva. Although ambitious, the strength is unbearable. "Great Wisdom" said, "All ordinary people who are bound have great compassion and are willing to create evil and save all suffering beings. For example, babies can't leave their mothers. Another example is that weak feathers can only spread branches. A ninja who has no license and no birth method must always be with Buddha. 」
Q: The pocket rate is close, and life is easy. The bliss is far more than 10 trillion Buddha land. Is it difficult to live?
A: "Hua Yan Pu Jingxian's Last Wish" says: "In a blink of an eye, you can go to Elysium. Ganoderma lucidum's "Tommy" said: "Ten trillion Buddha's land, where love is far away, can be reached at your fingertips. Ten parties are United, and the heart is incredible. From the point of view, there is not enough attention. 」
Q: Tantric scholars say that if you only practice the Pure Land Method and try to survive in the West, you will gradually shorten your life span and eventually die young. Therefore, pure practitioners must learn Tantric Dharma and go hand in hand, so that they can be carefree. Is it true?/You don't say.
A: Since ancient times, people who specialize in pure land have enjoyed more New Year's Eve dinners, and some have extended their lives by chanting Buddha. It seems hard to believe what I said before. I have made up my mind to live in the west, that is, I don't have to worry about the length of my life. If I am worried, I will die. The life span of the world is only one hundred years, while that of the west is infinite. A smart person should know the weight when weighing.
Q: There is a teaching method called Amitabha, which is dedicated to the dead. If pharmacists practice Buddhism, life can eliminate disasters and prolong life. Wouldn't it be better to die?
A: Amitabha Buddhism has no interest in this life, but it is as clear as a classic. Here are four facts that I have seen with my own eyes to explain my doubts. First, bright eyes; Second, the more Shen Yu dunyu; Third, ghosts do not invade; Fourth, dangerous freedom.
In the above questions and answers, we can see that Master Hong carries forward the principle of good guidance, listens to Yin Lao's advice, and guides all pedestrians to take the Western Heaven as their final destination. In addition, it is rare for a hundred people to overcome the convenient pure land method and get rid of life and death in this world.
3, hospice care, help the dead.
The key of pure land law is to ensure that the last thought goes to the west. Reading Buddha on weekdays is mainly for the last thought. Mr. Yin once wrote Three Essentials of Dying, and Mr. Hong also wrote The Last of Life, which is divided into "when he is seriously ill", "when he is dying", "the day after death" and "recommending death". The outline is as follows:
When a patient is seriously ill, he should make a will as soon as possible, then put aside family affairs and his own health, wholeheartedly believe in Buddhism and hope to die in the west. People who can do this, such as the end of life, decide to die. If life is not over, although you seek death and illness, you can recover quickly. Because you are sincere, you can get rid of past bad karma. It is better to let go of all those who have devoted themselves to Buddhism. If their lives are over, they will decide not to live, because they only want to get well and not to live. If life is not over, because he is bent on recovery, he will be worried, not only will he not recover soon, but will also aggravate his illness. It is particularly emphasized that when the condition is not serious, you can also learn Buddhism while taking medicine, and don't think about taking medicine. When you are seriously ill, you don't have to take medicine. If you are seriously ill, don't panic. Pain is eternal karma. Or turn to the three evils. Take it lightly in this life, and pay it back quickly. If you are seriously ill, please ask good knowledge to explain and try your best to comfort you. In order to make patients feel happy, there is no doubt. Knowing that his life was over, he inherited his good career and decided to live in the west.
On your deathbed, don't ask about your will or gossip, lest you be influenced by love and greed for the world and hinder your life. If you want to leave a will, you should write it and pay the fee in Jian Kang. The man is dying, so he should take a shower and change clothes as needed, not forcibly. No matter whether the deceased is sitting or lying, there is no need to be persistent, but also to let nature take its course and not to force it. Try to make the dead comfortable, so as not to degenerate into evil because of hatred and anger. Because when people are dying, their bodies are scattered and they are in great pain. At this time, they are most likely to get angry.
Now that life is over, the most important thing is not to move in a hurry. Although the body is dirty, it should not be washed. It must be eight hours before you can take a shower and change clothes. Because within eight hours, if you move, the dead will feel pain, although you can't talk. Family members must not cry before and after the end of life. What are the benefits of crying? Being able to help the Buddha as much as possible is beneficial to the dead. If you have to cry, you must wait eight hours after you die. After you die, lock the door to prevent others from entering and touching the dead by mistake. Get dressed in eight hours. If the joints of hands and feet are hard and can't rotate, wash them with hot water. Stir hot water with a cloth and wrap it around your arms, elbows, knees and wrists, and you will soon be able to move like a stranger. The burial clothes should be old, not new. Their new clothes should be given to others, which can make the deceased blessed. It is not advisable to make good use of coffins and graves. Such luxuries are not good for the dead.
It is advisable to hold ceremonies such as recommending death on July 7, with "chanting Buddha" as the main ceremony. All merits and demerits, such as chanting Buddha, should be returned to all beings in Purdue Dharma circle, and merits and demerits can be extensive. The benefits of the deceased have also increased. When opening a crane, you should be vegetarian and never eat meat, which is not conducive to killing people. Don't exaggerate the funeral ceremony Don't be kind to the living, but cherish the blessings to the dead. After July 7th, we should also be diligent in filial piety to show filial piety.
The above is the general content of Master Hong's "Hospice Care, Help His Death". It is worth noting that he completely incorporated the contents of "frugality and morality" and filial piety into his hospice care. If he cares about his parents' death, he will believe in Buddhism and honor his parents.
4, with a heart to read Buddha, only expensive.
When Master Hong closed his door to Buddhism, Mr. Yin once taught him that "all six Buddhas should be recited, and then one by one, one into samadhi, one first". Mr. Hong holds the title by adhering to this "great trend to Buddha", while Mr. Yin pays attention to listening attentively, which is a convenient place for "all six buddhas should be recited", emphasizing that the names of buddhas in the mouth should be read clearly and the sounds of buddhas in the ears should be heard clearly from the inside. Master Hong revealed the breath of "focusing on the Buddha's heart and only hearing its voice" in "Persuading people to listen to Zhong Nian's Wen Fu", and carried it forward with his own personal investigation. His theory is based on what Master Yin Guang said: "An ordinary man's heart is indispensable, but a nun's ear is the most beneficial, and listening to the voice of chanting Buddha is also kind." . He advocates those who listen to Zhong Nianzhi's chanting Buddha, because "but the first machine is immature, long or dizzy, so listening to Zhong Nianzhi is the most beneficial." "The ringtone can be broken, like the function of an introduction, with a reminder function, or it can be properly, slowly and moderately debugged." Beginners of Buddhism, if they don't hold prayer beads, are most likely to slack off and stop, and "and it's hard to guarantee" net thoughts will follow. "Listening to the bell chanting Buddha is the right medicine for this disease. This is the real reason why Redstone tried to spread this law.
5. Summary
Master Hongyi's pure land thought of Amitabha is mainly to spread the purpose and spirit of Master Yin Guang. The reason why Master Hongyi tried his best to popularize the Pure Land Law was influenced by Indian tradition. At the end of the method, only the pure land law can be "eclectic", and in the environment of constant war, its "reasonable opportunity" is nothing more than the pure land law. His research on Hua Yan and Prajna is also a convenience to deeply believe in the Pure Land and strengthen the Taoist concept, and his various words and works are just footnotes to give full play to the Pure Land Law. Master Hong spent his whole life exploring the Dharma, being strict with himself, and taking "believing in cause and effect and developing bodhicitta" as the purpose of pure land Buddhism, which is a portrayal of "the intersection of sadness and joy".