Protecting and Keeping in Mind

 

It is said in the Amitabha Sutra that it is the sutra that “all Buddhas protect and keep in mind.” “Protect” means “to protect the teaching.” This method of being mindful of Amitabha Buddha is the number one method that all Buddhas use to help all beings. This is inconceivable! The number one method! All Buddhas extol it, propagate it, and introduce it to all beings.

Like Sakyamuni Buddha, all Buddhas lecture according to the level of the audience. When the people in the audience have different capacities, there are many sutras that the Buddhas would not speak. But they would definitely speak the three Pure Land sutras. Why? Because these sutras are suitable for all beings. These are the sutras that all Buddhas must speak. That is, they must introduce the Pure Land teachings to all beings. If a being’s conditions have matured, and this being believes, makes the vow, and practices the teachings, he will make accomplishment in this life. And the great vow of all Buddhas to help all beings will be fulfilled.

In Teacher’s Study Report, “protect” in the second part of the title, “All Buddhas Protect and Keep in Mind,” is explained as “to propagate and protect the wisdom-life of Tathagata.” (Tathagata means “Thus Come One” and is one of the ten titles for a Buddha.) It benefits others. “Keep in mind” will lead practitioners to perfect attainment of the supreme enlightenment. It is for one’s cultivation.

Manjusri and Samantabhadra set examples for us to follow. Manjusri, Samantabhadra, Avalokitesvara, and Mahasthamaprapta attained Buddhahood innumerable kalpas ago. They are Buddhas of the past and they came back to help all beings out of compassion. They took the form of bodhisattvas to set examples for us. They all practiced the method of being mindful of Amitabha Buddha and vowed to attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land in the Avatamsaka assembly.

“Protecting” and “keeping in mind” are one, not two. “Protecting” is “keeping in mind,” and “keeping in mind” is “protecting.” To protect the teaching, one will definitely be mindful of Amitabha Buddha. To be mindful of Amitabha Buddha, one will definitely protect the teaching.

~ Based on Ven. Master Chin Kung's 2003 lecture series on the Amitabha Sutra