First Buddhist
The first Buddhist is old and sick,
and has just gotten to know about
the Pure Land teachings barely.
He hears that they will lead
to liberation in the next life,
but is running out of time.
He really does wish to learn more
to accumulate the Three Provisions
of Faith, Aspiration and Practice.
As he has many doubts,
it is challenging to give rise to firm Faith,
for sincere Aspiration and true Practice.
Second Buddhist
The second Buddhist is young and well,
and has already gotten to know about
many Buddhist teachings generally.
She hopes they can lead
to liberation in some eventual life,
and thinks there is plenty of time.
She does not really wish to learn more
to accumulate the Three Provisions
of Faith, Aspiration and Practice.
As she has superficial understanding,
it is challenging to give rise to firm Faith,
for sincere Aspiration and true Practice.
Which Buddhist?
Which Buddhist is more fortunate?
The first who is running out of time, with urgency,
or the second who thinks there is much time, with complacency?
At least he knows he should accumulate his Provisions in time,
to reach Pure Land for the swiftest liberation,
thus learning and practising what he can.
Which Buddhist is more wise?
The first who has a focus, with purpose,
or the second who has no focus, with aimlessness?
At least he knows he should resolve his doubts now,
to strengthen and actualise his Provisions,
thus reaching Pure Land.
Better Buddhist
It is better to have a strong sense of urgency,
than laid back complacency,
as the latter is why we are still trapped in rebirth.
It is better to diligently accumulate the Provisions,
best one can than not at all,
as they will lead to Buddhahood (via Pure Land), definitely.
It is better to have a clear sense of direction,
than to follow the ‘flow’ of karma with no concrete goal,
as this will lead to forgetful drifting life after life, indefinitely.
It is better to plant the indestructible seed of affinity with Āmítuófó (阿弥陀佛),
so as to reach his Pure Land sooner or later,
even if not in the immediate future life.
相关教理
Related Teachings:
往生净土之三资粮
The Three Provisions For Rebirth In Pure Land
https://purelanders.com/3p
种好金刚种子
Plant The Vajra Seed Well
https://purelanders.com/2025/12/02/plant-the-vajra-seed-well
