正信念佛偈私見聞一
Personal Views on the Hymns of True Faith and Nembutsu, Volume One
試窺偈文來意釋名依文解釋如常初來意者集主自行化他之上顯報恩志即偈次上文云是以為知恩報德披宗師釋言夫菩歸佛如孝子之歸父忠臣之歸君后動靜非己出沒必由知恩報德理宜先啓又所願不輕𠰥如來不加威神將何以達加神力所以仰告(已上)。
Let me briefly explain the purpose of this verse. The aim is to reveal the intention behind the main author's teaching and practice for both self-cultivation and guiding others, which is to express gratitude. As the verse says, "Thus, to acknowledge kindness and repay virtue, I rely on the Master's explanation." It further states: "A bodhisattva turns to the Buddha like a filial child returns to their father, or a loyal minister to their sovereign. Their every move is not self-directed; their comings and goings must be guided by gratitude. Therefore, it is fitting to first proclaim this intention." Moreover, if the Tathāgata does not grant his majestic spiritual power, how can the true meaning be conveyed? Thus, the verse humbly appeals for this divine assistance. ((The above is the introduction.))
尒者歸大聖真言閱大祖解釈信知佛恩𭰹遠作正信念佛偈曰(已上)。
Then, returning to the Great Sage's true teaching, I studied the Great Ancestor's explanations and came to truly believe in the Buddha's profound and boundless grace. Thus, I composed a verse on right faith in the Buddha-recitation. (The above)
問以此偈置於行卷有何意乎答既云念佛偈行卷者即以名號為躰故問尒者何云正信答六要鈔云就所行法舉能信名(已上)。
Question: Why is this verse placed in the chapter on "Practice"?
Answer: Since it is called "The Chapter on the Verse of Nembutsu Practice," it takes the Name [of Amida Buddha] as its essence.
Question: Then what is meant by "true faith"?
Answer: According to the *Rokuyōshō*: "With respect to the practice that is performed, the name of the one who has faith is mentioned." ((End of quote))