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The Chinese text delves deep into the profound vows and accomplishments of Amitabha Buddha, a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism. Amitabha, meaning "Infinite Light" or "Infinite Life," is the embodiment of compassion and wisdom, having vowed to guide countless beings to enlightenment.
The Vows of Dharmabhadra
Before attaining Buddhahood, Amitabha was known as Dharmabhadra. He made 48 great vows, each promising to create a pure land and liberate sentient beings. His determination was unwavering, as he declared, "If I do not fulfill these vows, I will never become a Buddha."
This tradition of making profound vows is common among Buddhas, as great aspirations lead to great actions, which in turn result in great accomplishments. Dharmabhadra's tireless efforts and unwavering devotion led him to accumulate immeasurable merit throughout countless lifetimes.
The Western Pure Land
Upon fulfilling his vows, Dharmabhadra attained Buddhahood and established the Western Pure Land, a realm of supreme bliss and tranquility. Located ten trillion buddha-lands away from our world, this pure land offers the perfect environment for spiritual practice and enlightenment.
The Infinite Qualities of Amitabha
The name "Amitabha" signifies infinite qualities, including infinite life, light, wisdom, compassion, and power. Therefore, he is often referred to as the Buddha of Infinite Life or the Buddha of Infinite Light. In essence, Amitabha embodies the ultimate qualities of a Buddha, and invoking his name is equivalent to invoking all Buddhas of the ten directions and three times.
Amitabha's Compassionate Vows
Amitabha's 48 vows can be categorized into three main aspects: vows to perfect his own Buddha body, vows to perfect the pure land, and vows to benefit sentient beings. The majority of his vows are dedicated to the salvation of sentient beings, demonstrating his profound compassion and desire to liberate all from suffering.
The Significance of Amitabha
Due to Amitabha's immense compassion and the profound benefits of practicing his name, he is revered as a universal savior. The phrase "every household has Amitabha" reflects the widespread devotion to this enlightened being.
While all Buddhas are equal in terms of their ultimate nature, Amitabha stands out due to his special relationship with sentient beings and the unparalleled qualities of his pure land. His name is praised by all Buddhas, including Shakyamuni Buddha, who described Amitabha's light as surpassing that of the sun and moon by countless billions of times.
The Benefits of Reciting Amitabha's Name
Reciting Amitabha's name creates a profound connection with his infinite light and compassion. Just as sunlight illuminates all beings, Amitabha's light shines upon all who call upon him. By practicing mindfulness of Amitabha, individuals can experience the benefits of his blessings and draw closer to enlightenment.
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