Rebirth in the Pure Land

Depending on our chanting efforts, we will be reborn in one of the nine grades [of the three classes] in one of the Four Lands of the Western Pure Land. We need to reflect on our effort. There is no need to consult with others, to tell the land we will be reborn into.

By chanting the Buddha’s name with deep faith and an earnest vow, yet with a scattered mind, we will be reborn in the lower grade of the lower class.

By chanting the Buddha’s name with deep faith and an earnest vow and with a diminishing scattered mind, we will be reborn in the middle grade of the lower class.

By chanting the Buddha’s name with deep faith and an earnest vow and with a concentrated mind, we will be reborn in the upper grade of the lower class.

By chanting with one mind undisturbed, and without being impacted by any greed, anger, and ignorance, we will be reborn in one of the middle three grades.

By chanting with one mind undisturbed, eradicating the afflictions from thoughts and external stimuli, and overcoming the afflictions from ignorance, we will be reborn in the upper three grades.

Therefore, faithful Buddha-name chanting with a sincere vow will enable us to be reborn in [one of] the nine grades.

Furthermore, if we faithfully chant with an earnest vow and overcome karmic obstructions, but still with delusion, we will be reborn in the Land Where Saints and Ordinary Beings Dwell Together;

If we faithfully chant with an earnest vow and eradicate the afflictions that arise from deluded thoughts, we will be reborn in the Land of Expedient Liberation;

If we faithfully chant with an earnest vow and are able to eradicate some levels of delusion, we will be reborn in the Land of Real Reward;

If we faithfully chant with an earnest vow and uphold the practice all the way to perfection such that delusion is eradicated, we will be reborn in the Land of Eternally Quiescent Light.

Therefore, upholding Buddha-name chanting will enable us to attain rebirth in one of the Four Lands.

~ Patriarch Ouyi

Update on June 19, 2009 by Venerable Wuling

Please see the entry on June 18th for an explanation of the four "lands."

Comments

[Sue K]

That's quite a "cast system".

[Venerable Wuling]

Sue - that's an excellent comment! I'll respond in an entry on June 18th so more people can read the response.