---
title: "摩訶阿彌陀經衷論 · 衷論三"
description: "摩訶阿彌陀經衷論是清代居士王耕心對淨土宗根本經典阿彌陀經的註釋著作。該書成於清末佛教復興背景下，作者以淨土信仰為核心，融合自身修行體悟，對經文要義進行了深入闡發和系統論述。其主要內容在於闡釋阿彌陀佛的宏偉願力與西方極樂世界的莊嚴，並詳細論證稱名念佛這一修行法門的理論依據與實踐方法。此著作在近代淨土宗發展史上佔有重要地位，被視為清代居士佛學研究的代表性成果之一，對後世淨土法門的傳播與理解產生了深遠影響。"
url: "https://rushiwowen.co/en/r/cmex2i16r0ptfjp04tuerhvxk"
---

### 衷論三

> On the Three Fundamental Principles

專修淨業，以蘄往生極樂淨土，是為淨宗。淨宗之流別，亦有數家：一曰持名，二曰觀想，三曰持誦大乘陀羅尼呪迴向往生，四曰持誦大乘諸經迴向往生。其說具見諸經所陳，不可殫述，而終以持名為第一修持正法。持名者，口誦心惟阿彌陀佛是也。觀想之法，詳見觀無量壽佛經，雖亦淨業之大宗，而觀境恢弘，非凡夫心力所能到，且有正觀邪觀之防，其繁難殊甚。故古今從未有專修觀想求生淨土者，則其難可知。且觀想之要，惟在當面見佛，而持名果至一心不亂，亦必當面見佛，竝極樂依正莊嚴，亦無不現在目前。古經如般舟三昧、文殊般若諸經所陳，今人如省一大師所現證者皆是。是持名一宗，足兼觀想無取，舍易就難，古今修淨業者，所以必以此經為往生正行也。持呪以下諸行門，雖有其說，修習者亦尟。蓋解脫生死，為人界第一大事，苟通其說，斷不肯姑舍正行，轉騖旁門，以圖徼幸也。

> The Pure Land School focuses on cultivating pure karma to seek rebirth in the Ultimate Bliss Pure Land. Within this school, there are several approaches: first, reciting the Buddha's name; second, visualization practice; third, reciting Mahayana mantras and dedicating the merit toward rebirth; and fourth, reciting Mahayana sutras and dedicating the merit toward rebirth. These methods are described in various sutras, and it would be impossible to detail them all here. However, reciting the Buddha's name is ultimately regarded as the foremost and most direct practice. Reciting the Buddha's name means orally chanting and mentally focusing on Amitabha Buddha. The method of visualization is explained in detail in the Sutra on the Contemplation of Amitabha Buddha. Although it is also a major practice within the Pure Land tradition, the visualization is vast and profound, often beyond the capacity of ordinary beings. Moreover, there is the risk of deviating into incorrect visualization, making it particularly challenging. Throughout history, there has never been anyone who exclusively practiced visualization to seek rebirth in the Pure Land—this alone shows its difficulty. The essence of visualization lies in directly seeing the Buddha, but if one recites the Buddha's name with single-minded concentration, one will also directly see the Buddha, along with the majestic surroundings of the Pure Land. This is attested in ancient sutras such as the Pratyutpanna Samādhi Sutra and the Mañjuśrī Prajñā Sutra, as well as in the experiences of modern practitioners like Master Sheng Yi. Thus, the practice of reciting the Buddha's name encompasses the benefits of visualization, making it unnecessary to choose a more difficult method over an easier one. This is why practitioners of the Pure Land tradition throughout history have regarded this sutra as the essential practice for rebirth. As for practices such as reciting mantras and other methods, although they are mentioned, few actually cultivate them. Liberation from the cycle of birth and death is the most important matter in human life. If one truly understands this, one would never abandon the essential practice in favor of peripheral methods, hoping for a chance at success.

治淨業者，必先具信願二輪，二輪不具，必不能依解起行可知也。二輪之先導，有兩事焉：一則考究典籍，一則親師取友也。無典籍，則師友無以收警策之功；無師友，則典籍無以奏觀感之效。蓋師友乃活潑之典籍，典籍為精詳之師友，二者皆不容偏廢，解脫生死之至道，非荒疏謬妄之徒所能襲取也。兩事已完，二輪已具，然後能依解起行，修習無疑。出世之豪傑，其毋因陋就簡，反致一蹶不振也。

> To cultivate pure karma, one must first possess the two wheels of faith and aspiration. Without these two wheels, one cannot proceed from understanding to practice—this is clear. Before these two wheels, there are two essential steps: first, studying the scriptures; second, seeking guidance from teachers and companions. Without scriptures, teachers and companions cannot effectively inspire and guide; without teachers and companions, scriptures cannot fully awaken insight and reflection. For teachers and companions are living scriptures, and scriptures are detailed guides. Neither can be neglected. The path to liberation from birth and death is not something that can be grasped by those who are careless or misguided. Once these two steps are completed and the two wheels are in place, one can then proceed from understanding to practice, cultivating without doubt. Noble seekers of liberation, do not take shortcuts or settle for less, lest you stumble and fail to rise again.