Rebirth is assured by practicing with “right mindfulness” When interpreting the Third Contemplation in his Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra, Master Shandao wrote: “If when a
Three different kinds of mixed practices Having discussed the importance of the exclusive practice of Amitabha-recitation for assured rebirth in Amitabha’s Land of Bliss, we
Just one Buddha, instead of all Buddhas We have previously discussed why, in order to ensure rebirth in the Land of Bliss, Pure Land practitioners should
Buddha-invocation signifies reliance on Buddha-power To attain rebirth in the Land of Bliss, Pure Land practitioners are advised not to mix Amitabha-invocation with other Buddhist
What is next after we place our faith in Amitabha’s deliverance? One is considered to have established the two kinds of deep faith when one
One day my daughter asked me, “Dad, I know ‘Western’ religion emphasizes belief in God. However, if someone asks me what Buddhists believe, what should
The Two Other Kinds of Perseverance It is joyful to read the books written by Master Shandao, the de facto founder of Pure Land Buddhism,
If you have ever felt joyful upon hearing of Amitabha Buddha’s deliverance and admittance to his Pure Land, you are now on the right track
Shakyamuni’s “Secret Message” for Ultimate Liberation Many people have the general impression that Buddhism is very difficult to understand. Just as in many other subjects,
My Dad was Skeptical about Buddhism My dad passed away in April 2012 at the age of 95. He was not well educated, and had
Buddha-invocation (Ch. nianfo; J. nembutsu) in its various forms is the most common practice in Buddhism. It is a routine daily practice in nearly all schools of
Wisdom and Faith: Two Sides of the Same Coin For years, I have been searching for the meaning of life, the absolute truth, the ultimate
