24) 懇切持名

　　Recite the Buddha”s Name in Earnest

　　In daily life, if you see anyone stuck in a situation that deserves compassion, but you do not respond, it is contrary to human morality. However, if you only develop intellectual compassion but fail to act, how can you merge with the compassionate nature of the Buddhas

　　 Once compassion has developed, you must find a way to save others from suffering – a way to help all sentient beings escape suffering once and for all. You should realize that the reason why Buddha Amitabha is honored with the title “Great Compassionate Being” is that He always rescues sentient beings. Since it is based on this compassion that you seek the Buddha”s assistance to escape suffering, how can you fail to recite with the highest level of resolve

　　處一切無可如何之境，而不悲者，非人情矣！然處一切無可如何之境，而徒悲者，又 豈明佛性乎！既悲矣！則當思出苦，當思與一切衆生畢竟出苦，當思佛之所以稱大悲 者，爲其能拔衆生出苦也，我以悲心念佛，求佛之悲，拔我之苦，其念宜何如懇切 耶？

　　Commentary

　　The purpose of Buddha Recitation is to transcend Birth and Death. However, Birth and Death is a heavy chain, extremely difficult to wrench free of, as our bad karma and afflictions are too deep-rooted. Moreover, transgressions and evil karma are accumulating continuously, day in and day out. If our power of recitation is weak and our thoughts are not utterly sincere and determined, we cannot escape Birth

　　and Death ourselves, let alone help others. Therefore, we must be extremely earnest and sincere in reciting the Buddha”s name, so as to be in unison with His Com- passionate M ind – like a lost child who longs to be re-united with his mother.