In ‘The
Sūtra On Contemplation Of Immeasurable Life Buddha’ (Amitāyurdhyāna Sūtra; 观无量寿佛经), it was recorded that in the city of Rājagṛha (王舍城), Prince Ajātaśatru (阿闍世王子)
imprisoned his father, King Bimbisāra (频毘娑罗王), in a
bid to starve him to death, and to usurp his throne (over a grave
misunderstanding). Although his mother Queen Vaidehī (韋提希夫人)
secretly brought food to the King, she was caught doing so and placed under
house arrest. There, in despair, she prostrated towards Śākyamuni Buddha (释迦牟尼佛) who was at Gṛdhrakūṭa Mountain (耆闍崛山; 灵鹫山; Vulture Peak) and prayed to him for consolation, hoping to see
him…Answering her call, the Buddha appeared.
Seeing him, she cast off her necklaces, threw herself to the
ground, wept aloud, and asked the
Buddha what misgivings she had created in the past, to
have given birth to such an evil son… She also expressed her sincere wish to
learn about where there are no sorrows and afflictions, that she can be reborn
in, as she found no joy in this evil defiled world… where much that is not good
gather… The Buddha then radiated light, that illuminated immeasurable worlds of
all directions… Although many magnificent Buddha Lands were seen, she expressed
her joyful aspiration to be born in Amitā(bha/yus) Buddha’s (Āmítuófó; 阿弥陀佛) Land Of Ultimate Bliss (极乐世界),
further asking how to contemplate and experience it correctly.
The Buddha next taught detailed practices (including mindfulness
of Āmítuófó’s name) for reaching the Pure Land, thereby enabling all present
and future beings to practise accordingly. He also asked that the expounded teachings for
eradicating suffering be propagated to many. Near the end of the sermon,
Vaidehī, together with her 500 attendants, saw the numerous features of
Āmítuófó and his Pure Land. With joy never experienced before, she realised the
Patience Of Non-Birth [which is the Stage Of Non-Retrogression towards
Buddhahood], as they gave rise to Bodhicitta (which is the aspiration to guide
one and all to Buddhahood), and aspired to be born there. The Buddha affirmed
that they will surely be able to do so.
Here are some important lessons from this incident:-
[1] Sometimes, we wonder why is it that
the Buddha we are mindful of does not immediately appear before us in times of
need, as in the case of Vaidehī. The key lies in whether we are utmost in our
sincerity, which will lead to a clear connection. There are few things that can
be worse than being betrayed by one’s own beloved child. As in her case, being
desperate, including during life or death moments, can condition greater
sincerity too, if one is faithful and undistracted.
[2] Although she was royalty, her wealth, status and power proved
useless in the face of intense negative karma ripening. Thus
did she cast off what she did to express her disillusionment and renunciation
of them.
[3] Despite
her opening request to know what she did to deserve her suffering, the Buddha
did not answer this question at all. Instead, he focused on replying about
where she can go to without suffering. This is so as being forward-looking and
solution-oriented is much more pragmatic than lamentation of the past and even
present. It does not
matter how terrible life might be now as long as we know where to advance from
here.
[4] As Vaidehī chose Āmítuófó’s Pure Land out
of countless lands, in a way, she helped to choose for all the undecided, as
his Pure Land is that most have the strongest affinity with, as it is
universally recommended by all Buddhas. If it is fine enough for the royal, it
is surely good enough for all of us!
[5] Deep
down, where we really wish to be is an ideal place for training towards
Buddhahood. Thus, like Vaidehī, all should aspire to reach Pure Land, where we
can benefit ourselves spiritually, while learning from the enlightened how to
best benefit everyone else upon return.
[6] By the end of the sūtra, although
there were no immediate changes to Vaidehī’s worldly conditions yet, her
spiritual state had already transformed purely, with assurance that she will
reach Pure Land, that all will be fine. This also gives greater calmness and
clarity of mind to best resolve pending issues, without attachment to results.
Understanding the Pure Land teachings thus,suffering due to this life’s
trials and tribulations become inconsequential instantly; only
able to further motivate us, to motivate more to reach Pure Land, now or later,
as we wish.
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