Preface

This book has been called the “most remarkable text of the Pure Land

School.” Its author was remarkable, the book is remarkable, and its influence is

still more remarkable.

First, Bodhisattvas Nagarjuna and Vasubandhu of India composed

respectively the “Chapter on the Easy Path” in Exposition of the Ten Stages, and

the Gatha of Aspiration to Rebirth -- Upadesa (Teaching) on the Sutras Relating

to Infinite Life (a.k.a. Treatise on Rebirth in the Pure Land). These works

propagated the unique characteristics and auspiciousness of Amitabha Buddha

and the Pure Land.

As the lineage masters of the Madhyamaka and Yogacara schools of Indian

Buddhism, the pair not only expounded on the marvels of the Land of Bliss

from the viewpoints of different sects. They also vowed to be reborn there,

setting personal examples.

According to Madhyamaka principles, all phenomenal forms are empty

(unreal). The Yogacara school teaches that all objective conditions are non-

existent. But the two separately delivered the same teaching on Amitabha’s Pure

Land -- one that “indicates the direction in space and establishes the phenomenal

form” for practitioners to “settle their minds on the objective manifestations.”Such an insight was both unusual and hard to believe. When first introduced

into China, the two expositions seemed not to have received much attention or

discussion in Buddhist circles. It wasn’t until the Northern Wei Dynasty that

they became popular. That was after Master Tanluan, a man of rare discernment,

applied the thought of the Four Treatises School to blend together the

compassion and wisdom the two Bodhisattvas applied in creating their works.

By citing Nagarjuna’s “Chapter on the Easy Path,” Tanluan made a commentary

on Vasubandhu’s Treatise on Rebirth in the Pure Land. In doing so, he practiced

himself and converted others, leaving a broad legacy.

Master Yinguang said: “Bodhisattva Vasubandhu wrote extensively to

expound the Buddha vehicle. He composed the Treatise on Rebirth according

to the Sutras Relating to Infinite Life, by which he introduced the Five Paths of

Invocation so people could attain rebirth in the Pure Land eventually.… Master

Tanluan wrote his Commentary to provide a detailed explication, revealing

fully and thoroughly the vows of Amitabha Buddha and the sincere aspiration

of Bodhisattva Vasubandhu. If Tanluan hadn’t understood deeply the Buddha’s

mind and possessed unhindered eloquence, how could he have accomplished

that?”

This is praise for Master Tanluan’s Commentary. Based on Nagarjuna’s

“Chapter on the Easy Path,” it explains Vasubandhu’s Treatise on Rebirth,

combines the Pure Land thinking of the two great Indian Bodhisattvas, and lays

the foundation for transmission of the correct Pure Land teaching in China.

E04«Commentary on the Treatise on Rebirth in the Pure Land ????»

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