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This sutra explains the apparition of Amida and His Pure Land in terms of cause and effect[1] and cannot be denied,
especially because Shakyamuni's main reason of coming to this world was to
teach this sutra:
“To reveal the
true teaching: It is the Larger Sutra of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life. The
central purport of this sutra is that Amida, by establishing the incomparable
Vows, has opened wide the Dharma storehouse, and full of compassion for small,
foolish beings, selects and bestows the treasure of virtues. The sutra further
reveals that Shakyamuni appeared in this world and expounded the teachings of
the way to Enlightenment, seeking to save the multitudes of living beings by
blessing them with this benefit that is true and real[2]. Thus, to teach the Tathagata’s Primal Vow is the true intent of this
sutra; the Name of the Buddha is its essence”[3].
“The Larger Sutra reveals the true teaching.
It is indeed the right exposition for which the Tathagata appeared in the world,
the wondrous scripture rare and most excellent, the conclusive and ultimate
exposition of the One Vehicle[4],
the precious words disclosing perfect, instantaneous fulfillment, the sincere
words praised by all the Buddhas throughout the ten quarters, the true teaching
in consummate readiness for the beings of this day. Let this be known”[5].