Pure Land Buddhism

Pure Land Buddhism is centred around the Buddha Amitabha (“Infinite-Light”), also known as the Buddha Amitayus (“Infinite-Life”), whose double name is shortened to “Amituo” in Chinese, “Amida” in Japanese and “Adida” in Korean and Vietnamese. Pure Land Buddhism is among the most influential forms of Mahayana Buddhism is described as the Path of Serene Trust, or faith. The object of Pure Land Buddhism is rebirth into the Land of Bliss.



Buddhism spread from India to China, Korea, and Japan, although it has declined in its native India and is almost non-existent, being reabsorbed in Hinduism. Buddhism has evolved many, many forms during its long history, Pure Land Buddhism is one of them. Buddhism offers an excellent way for everyone to realise the ultimate goal of human existence in terms of “attaining enlightenment” through the profound awareness of truth. That is, Buddhism is the means through which everyone, regardless of age, sex, race, or ability can be liberated and attain enlightenment.



Pure Land Buddhism is based on the Pure Land sutras, first brought to China as early as 148 AD, when the Parthian monk An Shìgao commenced translating sutras into Chinese at the White Horse Temple in the imperial capital of Loyang, during the Han. Ching-t’u or Pure Land Buddhism is based on the Sukhvati-Vyuha, which describes the Pure Land and the Amitayur-Dhyana Sutra, a sermon that teaches the way to attain the Pure Land. One key concept behind Pure Land Buddhism is that Nirvana has become increasingly difficult to obtain through meditative practices and Pure Land Buddhism provided a way to practice Buddhism for those who were not capable of practicing other forms. It was popular among commoners and monastics as it provided a straightforward way of expressing faith as a Buddhist. Instead of solitary meditative work toward enlightenment, Pure Land Buddhism teaches that devotion to Amitabha leads one to the Pure Land, where enlightenment can be more easily attained. Pure Land Buddhism is a religion of faith, of faith in Amitabha Buddha [and in one's capacity to achieve Buddhahood]. The essential practice in Pure Land Buddhism is the chanting of the name of Amitabha Buddha (Buddha Remembrance) with total concentration, trusting that one will be reborn in the Pure Land, a place where it is much easier for a being to work towards enlightenment.



Though still in its formative years in the West, Pure Land Buddhism is widely practiced in Asia and its roots extend all the way to ancient India. The number of books written in English on Pure Land Buddhism is steadily increasing, as is the number of translations on the subject from Chinese, Japanese and other languages. Which is one of the aim of this website, to provide more information on Pure Land Buddhism in English.

By PuFA
amituofo.com