【THE THREE TYPES OF PERSONS】- Taking refuge, ‘Namo’

So actually, what should our first step be? It is this taking refuge and the Ten Great Vows – which is another term [for the seven branches of worship]. If you understand this, by then you will know explicitly and clearly that, “if I now want to take this path, then the practice is taking refuge and the Ten Great Vows; the same applies to Zen meditation and chanting Buddha’s name as well.” This is very explicit and very clear. Taking refuge in two syllables is “Namo.” You can change “Namo Buddha(ya)” to “Namo Amitabha Buddha,” wouldn’t that be a better fit? Just like this. Actually, all Buddhas of the ten directions – truthfully speaking, in a broader sense – the essences of all Buddhas of the ten directions are all the same: expedient method and perfection, which are the same as perfect bliss and perfect wisdom. Perfect bliss is known as infinite-longevity, and perfect wisdom is immeasurable-light. With this understanding, then you will succeed in every endeavor. Now, all the existing problems/arguments are resolved. What is the purpose of Zen meditation? It is for this purpose [of taking refuge], too. What is the goal of studying the teachings? It is the same as well. The goal for Pure Land practice is also the same! Is there any exception? Once the principle is understood, and then you cultivate the corresponding sublime Dharma approach, which in fact can be different from person to person [practice Zen or chanting Buddha’s name, etc.]. Now let’s continue.

【which are methods of training that are prerequisites for the spirit of enlightenment in the context of the practices for the person of great capacity. 】

This is very clear.

SOURCE 来源 :

34B 18’34”Vol 5 of Master Jih-Chang’s Discourse P62 L9
English Lamrim Vol 1 P135

日常师父法语📡34B 18’34”手抄稿第5册P62 L9

道次引导 : 皈依、南无

所以我们的的确确下脚的第一步，学的什么呢？就是这个，皈依、十大愿王，换句话说。你们了解了这一点的话，到那个时候就很清楚、很明白，说如果说我现在要想走这一条路，那么也是皈依跟十大愿王，参禅也是、念佛也是，很清楚、很清楚。皈依是“南无”两个字，你把“南无佛”变成“南无阿弥陀佛”不就对了？就这样。实际上十方一切诸佛，真正广义地来说起来，十方一切诸佛的内涵，无非都是同样一个：方便、圆满，就是福德圆满、智慧圆满；福德圆满叫作无量寿，智慧圆满叫无量光。你懂得了这个的话，那无往不利，现在所有的那些问题诤论都解决。参禅的目的干什么？也这个；学教的目的干什么？也这个；净土的目的，也这个！哪有一个例外的？原则了解了，然后呢修你相应的特殊的法门，那倒的的确确是有各人有可以不一样的。现在我们继续下去。

【故应了知此等即是发心方便。】

这个就很清楚了。