Chapter 32: Infinite Lifespan and Joy (6)

“Filled with Dharma joy, they delight in prolonged practice.” 

“Dharma joy” comes from the heart and is achieved through meditative concentration and wisdom. The bodhisattvas in the Pure Land are filled with Dharma joy. “Delight” occurs when the bodhisattvas respectfully make offerings to all the Buddhas and help all sentient beings obtain awakening. Delight is happiness! When the bodhisattvas learn directly from so many Buddhas, and they teach and awaken many sentient beings to turn from evil to good, returning to the shore of enlightenment, that is happiness. “Prolonged practice” speaks of how practicing for a long time has its merits and virtues.

These bodhisattvas cultivate good fortune and wisdom. We, on the other hand, commit negative karma all day long. If we want to learn properly, we should start learning how to gradually reduce our transgressions and strengthen our good fortune and wisdom. We can do this by contemplating the sutras. We reduce our wandering thoughts as much as possible and always chant the buddha-name so that we can come close to contemplating the sutras and practicing the Way.

In this sutra, the Buddha reminded us that the Pure Land bodhisattvas cultivate both good fortune and wisdom so that they can obtain real Dharma joy, peace, and happiness, and succeed in their efforts after prolonged practice.

Why are we so impatient in our practice and unable to practice effectively for a long time? We don’t have Dharma joy. This is because we lack adequate good fortune and wisdom. Therefore, we must cultivate good fortune and wisdom to have Dharma joy. With this, our practice can be effective and long-lasting. Only through protracted practice can we attain meditative concentration.

From Commentaryon the Infinite Life Sutra" Volume 3

Pure Land Translation Team

“Why is the Pure Land divided into four lands?”