✨Section 1: The Story - The Day the Origin of Amitabha Teaching Was Revealed
One day at Vulture Peak, the Buddha sat in stillness—but his body shone with an extraordinary golden light, unlike anything seen before. Struck with awe, Ananda knelt and asked, “World-Honored One, why do you shine so brilliantly today?”
The Buddha smiled. It was this sincere question that opened the gateway to the Origin of Amitabha Teaching—a teaching that would illuminate the path of liberation for countless beings.
🌿Section 2: The Teaching
📖 A Moment of Radiance and Awakening
At a moment of profound stillness, the World-Honored One (the Buddha) shone with extraordinary brilliance. His radiance was like molten gold, glowing with a purity and clarity akin to a flawless mirror, reflecting inner and outer realms with perfection. A divine light emanated from him, transforming in countless wondrous ways—a sight both magnificent and awe-inspiring.
Among those present was Venerable Ananda, who noticed the Buddha’s extraordinary appearance. His body radiated purity and peace, his expression serene and majestic—an image of perfection Ananda had never witnessed before. Filled with joy and deep reverence, Ananda’s heart swelled with admiration and awe.
He rose from his seat, adjusted his robe over one shoulder in respect, knelt down, and joined his palms in a gesture of devotion. Then, with sincerity, he addressed the Buddha:
“World-Honored One, today you appear to be in a deep state of profound meditation. Your presence radiates the essence of enlightenment and supreme wisdom—this must be the sacred path followed by all Buddhas and great teachers. Are you reflecting on the Buddhas of the past and future? Are you contemplating the Buddhas in other realms at this moment? Why does your radiance shine so magnificently, and what is the source of this extraordinary light? Please, out of compassion, reveal the meaning behind this sacred phenomenon.”
🙏 The Buddha Responds: The Origin of Amitabha Teaching Begins
The Buddha responded with warmth and compassion:
“Excellent, excellent, Ananda! Your compassion for all beings and your wish to bring joy and benefit to others have led you to ask this profound and meaningful question. Know that asking such a question brings immense merit—far greater than offering all the treasures of the world to countless enlightened beings, such as the Arhats and Pratyekabuddhas. It surpasses the merit of offering gifts for countless eons to all beings in heaven and earth, from the tiniest creatures to the greatest deities. Why? Because through this question, future beings—humans, gods, and all sentient life—will gain the opportunity for liberation and freedom from suffering.”
In this moment, the sacred Origin of Amitabha Teaching was set in motion—a teaching that would later guide countless sentient beings toward rebirth in the Pure Land.
💡 The Compassion Behind Amitabha’s Great Teaching
The Buddha continued:
“Ananda, with boundless compassion and profound sorrow for the suffering of all beings across the Three Realms of existence, I have manifested in this world. My mission is to illuminate the Dharma and offer true guidance, to rescue all sentient beings from suffering and bestow upon them genuine and lasting benefits. Such opportunities to encounter this teaching are rare—like the blossoming of the sacred Udumbara flower, which blooms only on extraordinary occasions.”
The Buddha praised Ananda’s inquiry, acknowledging that such a question brings great benefit not only to Ananda but to all beings:
“You must understand, Ananda, the wisdom of the Tathagata (Buddha) is immeasurable and beyond comprehension. My understanding knows no obstacles, and in the space of a single thought, I can abide for countless eons. My body and faculties remain unchanged and limitless.”
“Why is this so? The Tathagata’s meditative concentration and wisdom are boundless and profound. I have attained complete mastery over all phenomena, achieving ultimate freedom in every aspect of the Dharma.”
This teaching—the Origin of Amitabha Teaching—is a response not only to Ananda’s sincere question, but to the deep suffering of all beings across time.
🔍 The Origin of Amitabha Teaching as a Gateway to Liberation
The Buddha then offered Ananda an important directive:
“Ananda, listen carefully and reflect deeply upon what I will reveal to you. I shall now explain this teaching in detail, so that you may fully understand and share it with all beings, guiding them toward liberation.”
Thus began the sacred transmission of Amitabha’s great vows and the creation of the Pure Land—a promise that anyone who chants his name with sincerity can escape samsara and attain enlightenment.
💡Section 3: The Reflection -A Teaching Rooted in Compassion, Revealed Through Inquiry
This profound exchange between the Buddha and Ananda highlights the importance of sincere inquiry and compassion for all living beings. The Buddha’s radiant light was not just a physical manifestation but a symbol of his boundless wisdom and compassion.
Ananda’s genuine question reflects the pure heart of a true disciple—seeking not only personal understanding but also the liberation of all sentient beings. The Buddha’s response reminds us that the desire to benefit others and seek truth holds immense spiritual merit—far greater than material offerings or personal achievements.
In essence, The Origin of Amitabha Teaching reveals a universal truth:
✨ Compassionate inquiry leads to enlightenment, and true wisdom is found in serving and liberating others. 🙏
📜Section 4: Original Chinese Text | 大教缘起第三
尔时世尊，威光赫奕，如融金聚。又如明镜，影畅表里。现大光明，数千百变。尊者阿难，即自思惟。今日世尊色身诸根，悦豫清净。光颜巍巍。宝刹庄严。从昔以来，所未曾见。喜得瞻仰，生希有心。即从座起，偏袒右肩，长跪合掌，而白佛言：世尊今日入大寂定。住奇特法。住诸佛所住导师之行，最胜之道。去来现在佛佛相念。为念过去未来诸佛耶?为念现在他方诸佛耶?何故威神显耀，光瑞殊妙乃尔。愿为宣说。
于是世尊，告阿难言：善哉善哉!汝为哀愍利乐诸众生故，能问如是微妙之义。汝今斯问，胜于供养一天下阿罗汉、辟支佛，布施累劫诸天人民，蜎飞蠕动之类，功德百千万倍。何以故?当来诸天人民一切含灵，皆因汝问而得度脱故。
阿难：如来以无尽大悲，矜哀三界，所以出兴于世。光阐道教，欲拯群萌，惠以真实之利。难值难见。如优昙花，希有出现。汝今所问，多所饶益。阿难当知：如来正觉，其智难量。无有障碍。能于念顷，住无量亿劫。身及诸根，无有增减。所以者何?如来定慧，究畅无极。于一切法，而得最胜自在故。阿难谛听，善思念之。吾当为汝，分别解说。
🙏Section 5: Nianfo & Dedication of Merit
Let us now gently chant together:
Amituofo, Amituofo, Amituofo... (repeat with mindfulness)
Dedication of Merit （回向 ）
May the merit from this reading benefit all beings.
May suffering be eased, faith awakened, and peace arise in every heart.
May all be reborn in Amitabha’s Pure Land.
Amituofo.