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.
Alan Kwan clarifies the deeper meaning of the Contemplation Sutra: that meditative virtues remain secondary to chanting the Name
Alan Kwan examines why Shakyamuni Buddha advised beings to be reborn in Amitabha’s paradise a full three times
Shakyamuni Buddha outlines the real benefits of attaining rebirth, with real merit and virtues, in the Land of Bliss
The Pure Land Buddhist tradition is affirmed by Shakyamuni Buddha’s encouragement to strive for rebirth in the Land of Bliss
What prevents us from following and practicing any of Shakyamuni Buddha’s 84,000 expedient teachings and following Amitabha?
Remorse and shame are completely appropriate feelings in light of our karmic debts, but they connect us deeper to the Buddhas
Examining the methods by which enlightened beings make us ordinary delusional creatures into buddhas
Why the Pure Land teachings bring both Shakyamuni Buddha and Amitabha Buddha into a cosmic plan for our liberation
Discussing the sambhogakaya (enjoyment) body of Amitabha Buddha’s differences from Shakyamuni’s nirmanakaya (manifestation)
Discussing the deep and true objective of Pure Land Buddhism – becoming an enlightened being through the Name of Amitabha
Exploring the unique nature of the Pure Land and the buddhahood-oriented goal of rebirth in Amitabha’s world
Who will we encounter when we are reborn in Amitabha’s Buddha-land? Alan Kwan takes a look at what kinds of beings dwell there
