The aim of Pure Land teaching is rebirth in Amitabha Buddha’s Land of Bliss, and the method to attain rebirth is recitation of Amitabha’s Name, as said by Shakyamuni Buddha. Is it the teaching of Shakyamuni or Amitabha, or both? What are the similarities and differences between the two teachings in Pure Land Buddhism? Lots of doubts and confusion? Better clarify it because it involves the Buddha’s original intent of appearing in the world to deliver us for attaining perfect Enlightenment and ultimate liberation.
Practitioners following the Path of the Great Vow in Pure Land Buddhism as classified by Master Shandao take exclusive Amitabha-invocation as their main practice. By
The Two Paths in Pure Land Buddhism Practitioners who have studied the Shandao tradition of pristine Pure Land Buddhism will in all probability possess an
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
Faith is not genuine if the practice is not always active Master Shandao (613–81) introduced an important concept about faith in Amitabha’s deliverance and the
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,
