Going-forth aspect(oso) of Amida's Merit-transference

1 When I humbly contemplate the true essence of the Pure Land Way, I realize that [Amida's] Merit-transference has two aspects: one is the aspect of Going forth and the other, that of Returning. Concerning the aspect of Going forth of the Merit-transference, there are True Teaching, Practice, Faith and Enlightenment.

The Larger Sutra is the True Teaching

2 If I am to reveal the True Teaching, it is the Larger Sutra on the Buddha of Infinite Life. The outline of this sutra is: Amida brought forth the Vow, by which he widely opened the Dharma-store; out of compassion for the ordinary, inferior people, he chose from amongst the Dharma-treasures the jewel of merit and freely endows it to them. Shakyamuni appeared in the world and expounded various teachings of the Way; but he wished to save multitudes of beings by endowing them with true benefits. Therefore, to expound the Primal Vow of Amida Tathagata is the central theme of the Larger Sutra, and his Name is its essence. How do we know that Shakyamuni's primary objective in appearing in this world was to expound this sutra?

Testimony to show that the Larger Sutra is the True Teaching
3 It is stated in the Larger Sutra, fasc. 1:

Five auspicious features of the Buddha

[Ananda said] "World-Honored One, today all your senses are radiant with joy, your body is serene and glorious, and your august countenance is as majestic as a clear mirror whose brightness radiates outward and inward. The magnificence of your dignified appearance is unsurpassed and beyond measure. I have never seen you look so superb and majestic as you do today. With respect, Great Sage, this thought has occurred to me: Today, the World-Honored One dwells in the rare and marvelous Dharma; today, the World-Hero dwells in the Buddha's abode; today, the World-Eye concentrates on the performance of the leader's duty; today, the World-Valiant One dwells in the supreme Enlightenment; today, the One Most Honored in Heaven realizes the Tathagata's virtue. The Buddhas of the past, present and future contemplate each other. How can this present Buddha not contemplate the other Buddhas? For what reason does his countenance look so majestic and brilliant?"

Then the World-Honored One said to Ananda, "Tell me, Ananda, whether some gods urged you to put this question to the Buddha or whether you asked about his glorious countenance from your own wise observation."

Ananda replied to the Buddha, "No gods came to prompt me. I asked you about this matter of my own accord."

The Buddha said, "Well said, Ananda. I am very pleased with your question. You have shown profound wisdom and subtle insight in asking me this wise question out of compassion for sentient beings. As the Tathagata, I regard beings of the three worlds with boundless great compassion. The reason for my appearance in the world is to expound various teachings of the Way and save multitudes of beings by endowing them with true benefits. Even in countless millions of kalpas it is difficult to come upon and meet a Tathagata. It is as difficult as seeing an udumbara flower, which blooms very rarely. Your question is of great benefit and will enlighten all heavenly and human beings. Ananda, you should realize that the Tathagata's perfectly enlightened wisdom is unfathomable, capable of leading innumerable beings to emancipation, and that [589c] his insight cannot be obstructed; nothing can hinder it."

Testimony from the T'ang version of the Larger Sutra
4 It is stated in the Teaching Assembly of the Tathagata of Infinite Life [fasc.1]:

Ananda said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, having seen the Tathagata's countenance radiating rare, majestic glory, I have entertained this thought. No gods came to prompt me."

The Buddha said to Ananda, "Well said, well said. Your question has pleased me. With careful observation of the Tathagata's subtle insight, you have asked me this question. All Tathagatas, Arhats and Perfectly Enlightened Ones, dwelling in the Great Compassion, benefit multitudes of beings. To realize their wishes, this Great Being has appeared in the world like an udumbara flower which blooms very rarely. In order to help their work, you have asked me this question. Also, having pity on all sentient beings and being moved to give them spiritual benefit, you have asked me, the Tathagata, this good question."

Testimony from the Han version of the Larger Sutra
5 It is stated in the Sutra on the Equal Enlightenment [fasc. 1]:

The Buddha said to Ananda, "We know of an udumbara tree; it bears fruit but no flowers. A Buddha appears in the world as rarely as this tree blossoms. Even if a Buddha dwells in the world, it is extremely difficult to encounter him. I have become a Buddha and here I am. Being a revered monk, wise and virtuous, you know the Buddha's intention beforehand. You never forget to stay close to me and serve me. I will answer your question. Listen well and attentively."

Explanation of the five auspicious features
6 Master Kyeong-heung explains [in the Commentary on the Larger Sutra]:

'Today, the World-Honored One dwells in the rare and marvelous Dharma' describes the appearance which the Buddha manifests by his transcendent power. It is not only unusual but also unequaled. 'Today, the World-Hero dwells in the Buddha's abode' shows that he dwells in the Samadhi of Universal Equality and subdues the king of devils, the powerful gods. 'Today, the World-Eye concentrates on the performance of the leader's duty' shows that he is first and foremost in guiding sentient beings; his five eyes are called 'the leader's duty.' 'Today, the World-Valiant One dwells in the supreme Enlightenment' shows that he dwells in the four wisdoms, with which he attains the highest and peerless state. 'Today, the One Most Honored in Heaven realizes the Tathagata's virtue' describes the Buddha as the Lord of the Ultimate Reality, for he embodies Buddha-nature which is not void. 'Ananda, you should realize that the Tathagata's perfectly enlightened wisdom...' describes the rare and marvelous Dharma. 'His insight cannot be obstructed' describes the supreme Enlightenment. 'Nothing can hinder it' describes the Tathagata's virtue.

The Larger Sutra is the ultimate teaching

7 The above quotations afford clear testimony of the fact that the Larger Sutra is the True Teaching. It is indeed the correct exposition of the Dharma for which the Tathagata appeared in the world; it is the wonderful scripture, rare and supreme; the ultimate doctrine of the One-Vehicle teaching; the golden words which make possible quick attainment of perfect and all-merging truth; the sincere words praised by all the Buddhas in the ten quarters; the teaching of truth befitting the time and the capacities of people. Let us be clear about this.

End of Chapter 1: A Collection of Passages Revealing

the True Teaching of the Pure Land Way