>>
>> Dear brothers and sisters in the Dhamma,
>>
>> Not so long ago I've read some sutta in which the Buddha's states
> that
>> any layman fully convinced in the merits of the Buddha-Dhamma-
> Sangha
>> is sure to be reborn among the devas, even if he does not attain
>> stream entry in this life. This seems to give some canonical
> evidence
>> for the well known Pure Land (Sukkhavati) claims as to the "faith-
>> driven salvation". Unfortunately, I cannot retrieve the before
>> mentionned sutta !
>>
>> If someone has the sutta name, or some other helpful information,
> may
>> he speak as to dispell my ignorance.
>>
>> ___________
> Dear S.B.G.
> Majjhima Nikaya Sutta 22:
> Last paragraph:
> Bhikkhus the Dhamma well proclaimed by me is clear open,
> evident, and free of patchwork. In the Dhamma proclaimed by me
> thus .. those bhikkhus who have sufficient faith in me,
> sufficient love for me, are all headed for heaven"
>
> The Atthakatha says that this refers to persons who are devoted
> to insight but who haven't yet reached any stage of
> enlightenment.
> I do not think it gives support for strange ideas about pure land
> however.
> Robertk
>>
>

Dear Robertk & SBG,

Also, the Illustrator gives D.ii.255:

Those who take refuge in the Buddha
Go to no state of deprivation,
And when they leave the human frame
A godly body they fulfil.

and says it is "those who [by becoming Noble Persons] have gone for refuge
by severing imperfections in their refuge-going will nevermore go to any
state of deprivation; but the others [who are still ordinary men] may
still go there..."

peace,
connie