A Research On Classical Interpretations Of "The Heart-mind Is Buddha" In The S?tra Of The Meditation On Amit?yus

"The heart-mind becomes Buddha,the heart-mind is Buddha" in The S?tra of The Meditation on Amit?yus emphasizes the issue of the relationship between "heart-mind"and Buddha in Buddha-remembrance practice,and reveals the fundamental purpose of Buddhism,i.e.,liberating the sentient beings in reincarnation from suffering and achieving nirvana.However,the short scripture doesn't give the answer directly,which attracts some eminent monks to interpret this thought in different ways.Among various interpretations,the thought locations that make differentiation in logical forms constitute three phases in the entirety of thought.As the beginning,the thought of "meditation on heart-mind" develops the"heart-mindism" in Buddha-remembrance practice.This interpretation focuses on"heart-mind" occurring to the practitioner in meditation,which is considered as the"original nature" of all phenomenal beings and the "basis" of all sentient beings.Accordingly,the way to liberation is "transformation of the basis" resulting in perfect Buddha-fruit.The different formulations of "heart-mind" form two rational paths.One considers "heart-mind" to be enlightened and free.Jingying Huiyuan in Sui Dynasty thinks that,all sentient beings have Buddha-nature,and will become Buddha by spiritual practice.The other considers "heart-mind" as unreal and distinguished.Huaigan in Tang Dynasty thinks that,the image of Buddha is conjured by"heart-mind",which becomes the subject and the object at the same time,thus the liberation is understanding "nothing but consciousness" and gaining real wisdom.As the medium,the thought of "meditation on Buddha" develops the faith in"Buddha-power' in Buddha-remembrance practice.This interpretation focuses on"Buddha" occurring to the practitioner in meditation,who manifests his perfect reward body to sentient beings because of great compassion.Accordingly,the way to liberation is the process of will-fulfilling and practicing Buddha-remembrance resulting in the rebirth in the Pure Land.Along this rational path,Tanluan in North Wei Dynasty and Shandao in Tang Dynasty think that,The S?tra of The Meditation on Amit?yus is taught for unenlightened men in the secular world,and instructs them in the verbal chanting of Buddha's name which is visible,easy and quick.Because the Perfection of Wisdom is difficult for ignorant sentient beings,sincere faith is the unique choice to penetrate the Amitabha Buddha and cause him to respond with saving.As the fulfillment,the thought of "meditation on heart-mind-Buddha" develops the Dependent Origination and the Emptiness in Buddha-remembrance practice.This interpretation focuses on the "Being as Being" of "heart-mind" and Buddha occurring to the practitioner in meditation,which is considered as the tautology of all phenomenal beings itself.Accordingly,the way to liberation is standing all phenomenal beings resulting in the realization of wisdom.Along the perfect teaching of Tiantai,Zhili in North Song Dynasty think that,all phenomenal beings are the Emptiness-temporariness-mean,and penetrate each other perfectly without obstruction.Thus the "Being as Being" is all phenomenal beings,and all phenomenal beings are the "Being as Being".Videlicet,all phenomenal beings belong to"heart-mind",all phenomenal beings belong to Buddha,and all phenomenal beings belong to any phenomenal being.As all phenomenal beings are conjured phenomena,the external Buddha of transformation responds to "heart-mind",and "heart-mind"will become the internal Buddha of reward.As all phenomenal beings follow the same principle,"heart-mind" is the external Buddha of transformation,and the internal Buddha of reward is "heart-mind".Finally,Zhili judges that,"meditation on heart-mind" an "meditation on Buddha" are just expedient,and only "meditation on heart-mind-Buddha" is the ineonceivable perfect practice.This rational path aims at the liberation of all sentient beings perfectly,and fulfills the issue of the relationship between "heart-mind" and Buddha in Buddha-remembrance practice.It is of necessity,after the perfect teaching,to regard the wisdom of the Dependent Origination and the Emptiness as what is worth to think and speak again,and to redeem the issue of the liberation of all sentient beings.Such indication by"The heart-mind becomes Buddha,the heart-mind is Buddha" in The S?tra of The Meditation on Amit?yus is possibly a feasible and tenable solution towards the contemporary theoretical predicaments.