Faith is an Essential Root of Virtue in Pure Land Buddhism
Alan Kwan
18 March 2016
Faith is one of the five roots of virtue When we talk about the five roots of virtue in Buddhism, most of us think of
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.
The Lifeline of Pure Land Buddhism
Alan Kwan
4 March 2016
The lifeline of Pure Land Buddhism is Amitabha’s 18th Vow Pure Land Buddhism teaches us about deliverance through Amitabha. As stated by Shakyamuni Buddha in
Evidence Based on Sutras, Commentaries, and Accounts
Alan Kwan
19 February 2016
The teachings of Pure Land Buddhism are easy to practice but difficult to believe in At the end of the Amitabha Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha observes that
Three Ways to Introduce the Pure Land Teachings in the Three Pure Land Sutras
Alan Kwan
5 February 2016
In my last article, we discussed three modes of belief in religious teachings: belief through direct experience (factual evidence); belief through irrefutable deduction (comparative analysis);
Three Ways to Believe – Initial Faith in Pure Land Buddhism
Alan Kwan
22 January 2016
The multiple meanings of the Chinese word “xin” In the Chinese language, faith and belief are described by the word “xin” (信), which can be
How is Dedication Related to Rebirth in the Land of Bliss?
Alan Kwan
8 January 2016
No dedication required for rebirth in the Pure Land through the primary practices Why is it important to differentiate between the Mind of Merit-dedication and
More about Merit-Dedication and Rebirth-Aspiration
Alan Kwan
24 December 2015
A summary of the mind of merit-dedication and rebirth-aspiration By relying on the general understanding of the dedication of merit in the traditional bodhisattva teachings, some
The Difference between Dedication of Merit on the Bodhisattva Path and Dedication-Aspiration in Pure Land Buddhism
Alan Kwan
11 December 2015
One is “born there at once” through the Three States of Mind As discussed in my last article, the context of dedication-aspiration in Pure Land
Why Is It Important for Pure Land Aspirants to Dedicate their Merit and Aspire to Rebirth in the Path of Importance?
Alan Kwan
27 November 2015
All beings can be reborn in the Land of Bliss if they dedicate and aspire accordingly Referring to the teachings of the two Buddhas, Master
Three Ways, Two Paths, and One Practice for Rebirth
Alan Kwan
13 November 2015
Three ways to attain rebirth in the Land of Bliss In my earlier article, “Karmic Circumstance—Who is Entitled to be Reborn in the Pure Land,”*
The Only Sutra Spoken to Ordinary Beings for Ultimate Liberation
Alan Kwan
30 October 2015
The significance of the Buddha’s response to Queen Vaidehi’s request In examining the literal meaning of the title of the Contemplation Sutra, we may have the
Karmic Circumstance—Who Is Entitled to be Reborn in the Pure Land?
Alan Kwan
16 October 2015
Meditative practitioners are entitled to rebirth in the Pure Land In the Contemplation Sutra, Queen Vaidehi asks Shakyamuni Buddha to teach her how to meditate and