..续本文上一页timate Bliss where the Buddha Amitayus resides. My only wish is that you instruct me in how to concentrate my thoughts and attain samadhi."

　　At that time, the World-Honored One gently smiled, and from the Buddha”s mouth emerged five-colored rays of light, each ray illuminating the top of King Bimbisara”s head. Although the great king was in his cell and despite the obstacle of distance, his mind”s eye remained unhindered, and he saw the World-Honored One. Touching his forehead to the ground in homage, he spontaneously advanced to the Stage of a Non-Returner.

　　At that time, the World-Honored One said to Vaidehi, "Do you not know now that the Buddha Amitayus is not far from here

　　 You should concentrate your thoughts upon and visualize that Buddha-land which is the result of pure actions. I shall now give you detailed instructions so that you and future generations who desire to practice the pure actions may attain birth in the Western Realm of Ultimate Bliss."

　　"Those who desire to be born in that land must perform the three meritorious acts: first, they should attend dutifully to their parents, honor the work of teachers and elders, with a compassionate mind refrain from killing, and cultivate the ten virtuous acts; second, they should receive and uphold the Three Refuges, keep the various precepts, and refrain from breaking the rules of conduct; third, they should awaken the mind that aspires for Enlightenment, believe deeply in the principle of cause and effect, read and recite the Mahayana teachings, and encourage those who practice the way. These three acts are called the undefiled acts."

　　The Buddha further said to Vaidehi: "You should know that these three kinds of virtuous deeds are none other than the true cause for the Enlightenment of all the Buddhas of the past, present and future."

　　The Buddha said to Ananda and Vaidehi, "Listen closely and think well upon this! I, the Tathagata, will now expound the pure and undefiled acts for the benefit of the future generations of all sentient beings who are affected by the enemy – blind passions. Excellent is this Vaidehi, who has done well to ask about this! Ananda, you should receive and keep the Buddha”s words and proclaim them widely for the benefit of the multitudes of beings.

　　"I, the Tathagata, will now instruct you, Vaidehi and all the sentient beings of future generations in the visualization of the Western Realm of Ultimate Bliss. By the power of the Buddha, they will see that Pure Land as though seeing their own images in a bright mirror. When they see that land of ultimate and wondrous joy, they will rejoice and immediately acquire the insight into the non-origination of all existence."

　　The Buddha said to Vaidehi, "You are but an ordinary person whose mental capacities are weak and feeble. As you have yet to attain the pine eye, you are unable to see very far. But the Buddhas, the Tathagatas, have special means to allow you to see that far."

　　Then Vaidehi said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, because of the Buddha”s transcendent power, I may be able to see that land. But how will sentient beings who come after the Buddha”s death be able to see Buddha Amitayus” Realm of Ultimate Bliss when they are constrained by defilements, unwholesomeness and the five afflictions

　　"

　　II. FIRST VISUALIZATION: THE SETTING SUN

　　The Buddha said to Vaidehi, "You and all sentient beings should single-mindedly concentrate your thoughts with one-pointed attention, on the Western Quarter. How is this to be done

　　 All the multitudes of sentient beings who are not born blind and have the sense of sight have seen the setting sun. Focusing your attention and sitting in the proper posture, you should face the west. Contemplatively examine the sun, with your mind firmly fixed upon it. Firmly con…

《观无量寿佛经 The Sutra of Visualization of the Buddha of Infinite Life》全文未完，请进入下页继续阅读…