佛說阿彌陀經
The Amitabha Sutra
姚秦龜茲三藏鳩摩羅什譯
Translated by Kumārajīva of Kucha, Tripitaka Master of the Later Qin Dynasty
如是我聞：
This is what I heard:
一時，佛在舍衛國祇樹給孤獨園，與大比丘僧千二百五十人俱，皆是大阿羅漢，眾所知識。長老舍利弗、摩訶目乾連、摩訶迦葉、摩訶迦栴延、摩訶拘絺羅、離婆多、周梨槃陀迦、難陀、阿難陀、羅睺羅、憍梵波提、賓頭盧頗羅墮、迦留陀夷、摩訶劫賓那、薄俱羅、阿㝹樓馱，如是等諸大弟子，并諸菩薩摩訶薩——文殊師利法王子、阿逸多菩薩、乾陀訶提菩薩、常精進菩薩——與如是等諸大菩薩，及釋提桓因等無量諸天大眾俱。
At one time, the Buddha was staying in the Jeta Grove, Anathapindika's Park, in the city of Shravasti, together with a great assembly of 1,250 bhikkhus, all of whom were great Arhats, well-known and respected by the people. Among them were the elder Shariputra, Mahamaudgalyayana, Mahakashyapa, Mahakatyayana, Mahakaushthila, Revata, Shuddhipanthaka, Nanda, Ananda, Rahula, Gavampati, Pindola Bharadvaja, Kalodayin, Mahakapphina, Vakkula, and Aniruddha, along with other great disciples. Also present were great Bodhisattva-Mahasattvas, such as the Dharma Prince Manjushri, the Bodhisattva Ajita, the Bodhisattva Gandhahastin, the Bodhisattva Nityodyukta, and other great Bodhisattvas, together with Shakra Devanam Indra and countless other heavenly beings from the assembly of gods.
爾時，佛告長老舍利弗：
At that time, the Buddha addressed the elder Shariputra:
「從是西方過十萬億佛土，有世界名曰極樂。其土有佛，號阿彌陀，今現在說法。舍利弗！彼土何故名為極樂？其國眾生無有眾苦，但受諸樂，故名極樂。又舍利弗！極樂國土，七重欄楯、七重羅網、七重行樹，皆是四寶周匝圍繞，是故彼國名曰極樂。
From here, passing westward beyond ten trillion Buddha-lands, there is a world called Ultimate Bliss. In that land, there is a Buddha named Amitabha, who is presently teaching the Dharma. Shariputra! Why is that land called Ultimate Bliss? Because the beings in that realm experience no suffering whatsoever, but only enjoy all kinds of happiness. Therefore it is called Ultimate Bliss. And Shariputra! In the land of Ultimate Bliss, there are seven rows of railings, seven layers of nets, and seven rows of trees, all encircled by four kinds of precious jewels. For this reason, that land is called Ultimate Bliss.
「又舍利弗！極樂國土有七寶池，八功德水充滿其中，池底純以金沙布地。四邊階道，金、銀、琉璃、頗梨合成；上有樓閣，亦以金、銀、琉璃、頗梨、車𤦲、赤珠、馬瑙而嚴飾之。池中蓮花，大如車輪，青色青光，黃色黃光，赤色赤光，白色白光，微妙香潔。舍利弗！極樂國土成就如是功德莊嚴。
And Shariputra, in the Land of Ultimate Bliss, there are pools of the seven treasures, filled with water possessing eight excellent qualities. The bottom of these pools is entirely covered with golden sand. The steps and pathways on all four sides are made of gold, silver, lapis lazuli, and crystal. Above them stand towers and pavilions, adorned with gold, silver, lapis lazuli, crystal, agate, red pearls, and carnelian. In the pools grow lotus flowers, as large as chariot wheels. Blue lotuses emit blue light, yellow lotuses emit yellow light, red lotuses emit red light, and white lotuses emit white light. They are exquisite, fragrant, and pure. Shariputra, the Land of Ultimate Bliss is adorned with such meritorious virtues.
「又舍利弗！彼佛國土，常作天樂，黃金為地，晝夜六時，天雨曼陀羅華。其國眾生，常以清旦，各以衣裓盛眾妙華，供養他方十萬億佛；即以食時，還到本國，飯食經行。舍利弗！極樂國土成就如是功德莊嚴。
Moreover, Shariputra, in that Buddha-land, heavenly music constantly plays. The ground is made of gold, and day and night, six times a day, heavenly flowers of mandarava rain down. The beings of that land, at the clear dawn, each take their robe-hem to hold many wondrous flowers, and go to make offerings to ten trillion Buddhas in other directions. Then, at mealtime, they return to their own land, eat their meal, and walk in meditation. Shariputra, the Land of Ultimate Bliss is adorned with such meritorious qualities.
「復次舍利弗！彼國常有種種奇妙雜色之鳥——白鵠、孔雀、鸚鵡、舍利、迦陵頻伽、共命之鳥。是諸眾鳥，晝夜六時出和雅音，其音演暢五根、五力、七菩提分、八聖道分如是等法。其土眾生聞是音已，皆悉念佛、念法、念僧。舍利弗！汝勿謂此鳥實是罪報所生。所以者何？彼佛國土無三惡趣。舍利弗！其佛國土尚無三惡道之名，何況有實？是諸眾鳥，皆是阿彌陀佛欲令法音宣流，變化所作。舍利弗！彼佛國土微風吹動，諸寶行樹及寶羅網出微妙音，譬如百千種樂同時俱作，聞是音者，皆自然生念佛、念法、念僧之心。舍利弗！其佛國土成就如是功德莊嚴。
Furthermore, Shariputra, in that land there are always various wonderful and multi-colored birds—white swans, peacocks, parrots, mynah birds, kalavinka birds, and jivamjivaka birds. These flocks of birds, day and night in the six periods, produce harmonious and elegant sounds. Their voices eloquently proclaim teachings such as the Five Faculties, the Five Powers, the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, and the Eightfold Noble Path. Having heard these sounds, all beings of that land wholeheartedly recollect the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
Shariputra, do not think that these birds are truly born from karmic retribution for misdeeds. Why is that? In that Buddha's land, there are no three lower realms. Shariputra, in that Buddha's land, even the names of the three evil destinies do not exist, so how could there be the actual thing? All these birds are transformations created by Amitabha Buddha, who wishes the sound of the Dharma to flow forth and be proclaimed.
Shariputra, in that Buddha's land, when a gentle breeze stirs, the jeweled trees and jeweled nets emit subtle and wonderful sounds, like hundreds of thousands of musical instruments playing in unison. Those who hear these sounds naturally give rise to the mind that recollects the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
Shariputra, that Buddha's land is adorned with such meritorious virtues.
「舍利弗！於汝意云何？彼佛何故號阿彌陀？舍利弗！彼佛光明無量，照十方國無所障礙，是故號為阿彌陀。又舍利弗！彼佛壽命及其人民，無量無邊阿僧祇劫，故名阿彌陀。舍利弗！阿彌陀佛成佛已來，於今十劫。又舍利弗！彼佛有無量無邊聲聞弟子，皆阿羅漢，非是算數之所能知；諸菩薩，亦復如是。舍利弗！彼佛國土成就如是功德莊嚴。
Shariputra, what do you think? Why is that Buddha called Amitabha? Shariputra, that Buddha's light is immeasurable, shining upon the lands of the ten directions without any obstruction. Therefore, he is called Amitabha. Moreover, Shariputra, the lifespan of that Buddha and his people is immeasurable, boundless, and countless kalpas. Hence, he is called Amitabha. Shariputra, it has been ten kalpas since Amitabha Buddha attained enlightenment. Furthermore, Shariputra, that Buddha has immeasurable and boundless disciples, all of whom are arhats, beyond the reach of calculation. The bodhisattvas are likewise countless. Shariputra, that Buddha's land is adorned with such merits and virtues.
「又舍利弗！極樂國土眾生生者，皆是阿鞞跋致。其中多有一生補處，其數甚多，非是算數所能知之，但可以無量無邊阿僧祇劫說。舍利弗！眾生聞者，應當發願，願生彼國。所以者何？得與如是諸上善人俱會一處。
Furthermore, Shariputra, all beings born in the Land of Ultimate Bliss attain the stage of non-retrogression. Among them, many are in the position of one-life away from Buddhahood, and their number is so vast it cannot be known by calculation—it can only be described as countless, boundless, immeasurable kalpas. Shariputra, beings who hear this should make a vow, aspiring to be born in that land. Why is that? So they may join and gather together with all those supreme virtuous beings.
「舍利弗！不可以少善根福德因緣得生彼國。舍利弗！若有善男子、善女人，聞說阿彌陀佛，執持名號，若一日、若二日、若三日、若四日、若五日、若六日、若七日，一心不亂。其人臨命終時，阿彌陀佛與諸聖眾，現在其前。是人終時，心不顛倒，即得往生阿彌陀佛極樂國土。舍利弗！我見是利，故說此言。若有眾生聞是說者，應當發願生彼國土。
Shariputra! One cannot be reborn in that land through meager roots of goodness, merit, and favorable conditions. Shariputra! If any good man or good woman, upon hearing the name of Amitabha Buddha, faithfully recites it and holds it in mind—whether for one day, two days, three days, four days, five days, six days, or seven days—with a single-minded focus, undisturbed and unwavering, then at the moment of that person's death, Amitabha Buddha, together with a host of holy beings, will appear before them. At the time of death, their mind will not be confused or turned upside down, and they will immediately attain rebirth in Amitabha Buddha's Land of Ultimate Bliss. Shariputra! Because I see this great benefit, I speak these words. If any being hears this teaching, they should vow to be reborn in that land.
「舍利弗！如我今者，讚歎阿彌陀佛不可思議功德；東方亦有阿閦鞞佛、須彌相佛、大須彌佛、須彌光佛、妙音佛，如是等恒河沙數諸佛，各於其國出廣長舌相，遍覆三千大千世界，說誠實言：『汝等眾生，當信是稱讚不可思議功德一切諸佛所護念經。』
Shariputra, just as I now praise the inconceivable merits of Amitabha Buddha, so too in the eastern direction there are Akshobhya Buddha, Sumeru-Like Buddha, Great Sumeru Buddha, Sumeru Light Buddha, Wonderful Sound Buddha, and as many Buddhas as the sands of the Ganges—each in his own land, manifesting the broad, long tongue mark, covering the three-thousandfold world system, speaking these truthful words: "All you beings, you should believe in this sutra that praises the inconceivable merits and is protected and kept in mind by all Buddhas."
「舍利弗！南方世界有日月燈佛、名聞光佛、大焰肩佛、須彌燈佛、無量精進佛，如是等恒河沙數諸佛，各於其國出廣長舌相，遍覆三千大千世界，說誠實言：『汝等眾生，當信是稱讚不可思議功德一切諸佛所護念經。』
Shariputra, in the southern world, there are Buddhas such as Sun Moon Lamp Buddha, Renowned Light Buddha, Great Blazing Shoulder Buddha, Sumeru Lamp Buddha, and Immeasurable Diligence Buddha, as well as countless other Buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River. Each, from their own land, extends their broad, long tongue, covering the entire three-thousandfold world system, and speaks these truthful words: "All beings, you should believe in this sutra, which praises inconceivable merit and is protected and kept in mind by all Buddhas."
「舍利弗！西方世界有無量壽佛、無量相佛、無量幢佛、大光佛、大明佛、寶相佛、淨光佛，如是等恒河沙數諸佛，各於其國出廣長舌相，遍覆三千大千世界，說誠實言：『汝等眾生，當信是稱讚不可思議功德一切諸佛所護念經。』
Shariputra! In the Western World, there are the Buddha of Immeasurable Life, the Buddha of Immeasurable Form, the Buddha of Immeasurable Banner, the Buddha of Great Light, the Buddha of Great Illumination, the Buddha of Precious Form, the Buddha of Pure Light, and countless other Buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River. Each, in their own land, manifests a broad and long tongue, covering the entire Three-Thousandfold World System, and speaks these truthful words: "All you beings, you should believe in this sutra that praises the inconceivable merit and is protected and kept in mind by all Buddhas."
「舍利弗！北方世界有焰肩佛、最勝音佛、難沮佛、日生佛、網明佛，如是等恒河沙數諸佛，各於其國出廣長舌相，遍覆三千大千世界，說誠實言：『汝等眾生，當信是稱讚不可思議功德一切諸佛所護念經。』
Shariputra, in the northern world, there are Buddhas such as Blazing Shoulders Buddha, Supreme Sound Buddha, Unshakable Buddha, Sun-Born Buddha, and Net of Light Buddha, and countless other Buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. Each, in their own land, extends their broad, long tongue, covering the entire three-thousandfold world system, and speaks these truthful words: 'All you beings, you should believe in this sutra, praised for its inconceivable merits, which is protected and remembered by all Buddhas.'
「舍利弗！下方世界有師子佛、名聞佛、名光佛、達摩佛、法幢佛、持法佛，如是等恒河沙數諸佛，各於其國出廣長舌相，遍覆三千大千世界，說誠實言：『汝等眾生，當信是稱讚不可思議功德一切諸佛所護念經。』
Shariputra! In the world below, there are Buddhas such as Lion Buddha, Renowned Buddha, Light Buddha, Dharma Buddha, Dharma Banner Buddha, and Dharma Holder Buddha. Countless as the sands of the Ganges are such Buddhas, each in their own land extending their broad, long tongues, covering the three thousand great thousand worlds, speaking these truthful words: 'All you beings, you should believe in this sutra that praises inconceivable merit, protected and kept in mind by all Buddhas.'
「舍利弗！上方世界有梵音佛、宿王佛、香上佛、香光佛、大焰肩佛、雜色寶華嚴身佛、娑羅樹王佛、寶華德佛、見一切義佛、如須彌山佛，如是等恒河沙數諸佛，各於其國出廣長舌相，遍覆三千大千世界，說誠實言：『汝等眾生，當信是稱讚不可思議功德一切諸佛所護念經。』
Shariputra, in the worlds above, there are Buddhas such as the Buddha of Divine Sound, the Buddha of the King of Constellations, the Buddha of Supreme Fragrance, the Buddha of Fragrant Light, the Buddha of Great Blazing Shoulders, the Buddha Adorned with Multicolored Jewels, the Buddha King of the Sala Tree, the Buddha of Jeweled Flower Virtue, the Buddha Who Sees All Meanings, and the Buddha Like Mount Sumeru. Countless as the sands of the Ganges, these Buddhas each, in their own lands, extend their broad, long tongues, covering the three-thousandfold world system, and speak these truthful words: "All you beings, believe in this sutra praised for its inconceivable merits, protected and kept in mind by all Buddhas."
「舍利弗！於汝意云何？何故名為『一切諸佛所護念經』？舍利弗！若有善男子、善女人，聞是經受持者，及聞諸佛名者；是諸善男子、善女人，皆為一切諸佛共所護念，皆得不退轉於阿耨多羅三藐三菩提。是故舍利弗！汝等皆當信受我語及諸佛所說。
Shariputra, what do you think? Why is this called the 'Sutra Protected and Remembered by All Buddhas'? Shariputra, if there are good men and good women who hear this sutra, accept and uphold it, and who hear the names of these Buddhas—all these good men and good women will be protected and remembered by all Buddhas together, and they will all attain irreversible progress toward supreme enlightenment. Therefore, Shariputra, you should all believe and accept my words and the teachings of all Buddhas.
「舍利弗！若有人已發願、今發願、當發願，欲生阿彌陀佛國者；是諸人等，皆得不退轉於阿耨多羅三藐三菩提，於彼國土若已生、若今生、若當生。是故舍利弗！諸善男子、善女人若有信者，應當發願生彼國土。
Shariputra, if there are those who have made the vow, are now making the vow, or will make the vow to be reborn in the Land of Amitabha Buddha, all these people will attain the unretreating state of Supreme, Perfect Enlightenment. They will be reborn in that land—whether they have been reborn, are being reborn now, or will be reborn. Therefore, Shariputra, all good men and good women who have faith should make the vow to be reborn in that land.
「舍利弗！如我今者，稱讚諸佛不可思議功德；彼諸佛等，亦稱說我不可思議功德，而作是言：『釋迦牟尼佛能為甚難希有之事，能於娑婆國土五濁惡世，劫濁、見濁、煩惱濁、眾生濁、命濁中，得阿耨多羅三藐三菩提，為諸眾生說是一切世間難信之法。』舍利弗！當知我於五濁惡世行此難事，得阿耨多羅三藐三菩提，為一切世間說此難信之法，是為甚難！」
Shariputra! Just as I now praise the inconceivable merits of all Buddhas, those Buddhas also speak of my inconceivable merits, saying: "Shakyamuni Buddha has accomplished an extremely difficult and rare feat. In the Saha world—a land of five impurities: the impurity of the kalpa, the impurity of views, the impurity of afflictions, the impurity of beings, and the impurity of lifespan—he attained Supreme, Perfect Enlightenment and taught all beings this Dharma that is hard for the world to believe."
Shariputra! You should know that I have carried out this difficult task in this impure world of five defilements, attained Supreme, Perfect Enlightenment, and taught this hard-to-believe Dharma for the sake of all beings—this is truly most difficult!
佛說此經已，舍利弗及諸比丘，一切世間天、人、阿修羅等，聞佛所說，歡喜信受，作禮而去。
When the Buddha finished speaking this sutra, Shariputra, all the monks, and every being in the world—gods, humans, asuras, and others—heard the Buddha’s teaching, rejoiced, accepted it with faith, bowed in respect, and departed.
佛說阿彌陀經
The Amitabha Sutra
無量壽佛 說往生淨土呪：
The Buddha of Infinite Life speaks the mantra for rebirth in the Pure Land:
南無阿彌多婆夜 哆他伽哆夜 哆地夜他 阿彌唎(上聲)都婆毘 阿彌唎哆悉耽婆毘 阿彌唎哆 毘迦蘭哆 伽彌膩 伽伽那 抧多迦隸 莎婆訶
Homage to Amitabha. Thus it is said: Amita, radiant and pure, Amita, steadfast and true, Amita, glorious and boundless, Giver of joy, Savior of beings, So be it.
誦此呪者，阿彌陀佛常住其頂，命終之後任運往生。
Those who recite this mantra will have Amitabha Buddha constantly residing above their head, and at the end of their life, they will be effortlessly reborn in the Pure Land.
龍樹菩薩願生安養，夢感此呪。
The Bodhisattva Nagarjuna aspired to be reborn in the Land of Peace and Bliss, and in a dream, he received this mantra.
耶舍三藏誦此呪，天平寺銹法師從耶舍三藏口受此呪。其人云：「經本外國不來。受持呪法，日夜六時各誦三七遍；晨夜澡漱，嚼楊枝，然香火，於形象前跪，合掌誦三七遍。日日恒爾，即滅四重、五逆、十惡，謗方等罪悉得除滅。現在不為一切諸邪鬼神之所惱亂，命終之後任運往生阿彌陀國。何況晝夜受持誦讀功德不可思議！」
The Tripitaka Master Yasha recited this mantra. The Venerable Master Xiu of Tianping Monastery received this mantra orally from Tripitaka Master Yasha. He said: "The scripture itself has not come from foreign lands. To receive and uphold the mantra method, recite it twenty-one times during each of the six periods of day and night. In the morning and evening, wash and rinse your mouth, chew a willow twig, light incense, kneel before the image, place your palms together, and recite the mantra twenty-one times. If you practice this consistently every day, you will eradicate the four grave offenses, the five heinous crimes, the ten evil deeds, and all slanders against the Mahayana teachings. In this present life, you will not be troubled by any evil spirits or demonic beings. After your life ends, you will effortlessly be reborn in the Land of Amitabha. How much more so if you receive, uphold, and recite it day and night—the merit gained is truly inconceivable!"
佛說阿彌陀經卷第一
The Buddha Speaks of Amitabha Sutra, Volume One