The three Pure Land sutras are the main sutras of the Pure Land school
In Buddhism, the Pure Land teaching is a Dharma door expounded in the three Pure Land sutras spoken by Shakyamuni Buddha, with the sole purpose of guiding sentient beings toward rebirth in the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha through recitation of his Name, in accord with his 18th Vow of deliverance.
What are the three Pure Land sutras? They are the Infinite Life Sutra, the Contemplation Sutra, and the Amitabha Sutra. If one wishes to know the Pure Land teaching in its purest form, one must rely exclusively on these three sutras, despite references to Amitabha Buddha appearing in more than 300 other sutras.
The three Pure Land sutras are the main scriptures of the Pure Land school. Analogies, numerical descriptions, time and distance references, cause-and-effect explanations, details about eligibility, practices, and benefits, are used to introduce Amitabha Buddha and his Pure Land of Bliss to ordinary beings like us.
The essence of the three scriptures is the very Name of Amitabha Buddha
Master Tanluan (476–542 CE) stated: “The very name of the Buddha is the essence of the scriptures.” Viewing Amitabha Buddha’s Name as the essence of the three Pure Land sutras, Master Tanluan believed that the fundamental nature of the Pure Land teaching is encapsulated in a single phrase: “Namo Amitabha Buddha.”
This interpretation is truly remarkable! It is highly profound, capturing the fundamental core of the teachings and making a major contribution to the theoretical foundation of the Pure Land school. It was formulated and introduced by Master Shandao (613–81 CE) during the Tang dynasty.
The three Pure Land sutras also have the same root source, Amitabha Buddha’s 48 Vows stated in the Infinite Life Sutra. They reveal the blueprint for building the Land of Bliss, designed and implemented by Amitabha Buddha, when he was a bhikshu called Dharmakara in his causal ground.
Among the 48 vows, the 18th Vow is the fundamental one, the vow of assured rebirth through the exclusive practice of Amitabha-recitation. In it the functional rewards and benefits are specified, and the core practice of the Pure Land teaching is stipulated.
Similarities among the three Pure Land sutras
Based on the three Pure Land sutras mentioned above, we can see why the Pure Land teaching is categorized as the Sudden Teaching of the One Buddha Vehicle, because any sentient being, once reborn in the Land of Bliss, is assured of dwelling in the state of non-retrogression and becoming a buddha.
Having said this, there are differences in emphasis among the three Sutras. The Infinite Life Sutra explains the principle of Amitabha Buddha’s deliverance, focusing on how Amitabha Buddha made 48 Vows and became a buddha, and also on how sentient beings attain rebirth in the Pure Land, in the context of cause and effect.
The Contemplation Sutra emphasizes two categories of practice: meditative and non-meditative. These illustrate the adaptability of the Pure Land teachings for those of different spiritual capacities and aptitudes. Those who are able to master the meditative practices can attain rebirth if they dedicate the merit of those practices and single-mindedly aspire to be reborn in the Pure Land.
In the passage on rebirth for those in the lowest level of the low tier, the Buddha explained the meaning of “even 10 times” in Amitabha Buddha’s 18th Vow, in order to illustrate that even ordinary beings who commit the Five Gravest Transgressions can be reborn in the Land of Bliss, by sincerely reciting “Namo Amituofo” near the end of life.
This explanation teaches us that all sentient beings, whether good or evil, can be equally reborn in Amitabha Buddha’s Land of Bliss after the present lifetime, with recourse to the power of Amitabha Buddha’s vow of deliverance, and relying on the merits and virtues contained within Amitabha’s Name, as stated in the 18th Vow.
The Amitabha Sutra summarizes and reiterates the sole method of attaining rebirth—exclusively reciting Amitabha Buddha’s Name. In this sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha urges us three times to aspire to be reborn, while all buddhas unanimously endorse his sincere words about the superior benefits of this teaching.
The three Pure Land sutras can be read as one
The three Pure Land sutras have a natural progression and interconnection in their doctrinal structure, unfolding step by step. From the perspective of historical discourse, the logical sequence in which the teachings were expounded also matters. These differences reflect the distinct focal points of each sutra.
Sometimes, these two aspects align perfectly. At other times, they may diverge slightly; but this does not create a contradiction. In the three Pure Land sutras, both the doctrinal and chronological sequences are fully aligned. So the three Pure Land sutras can be read as one.
The Infinite Life Sutra establishes the theoretical foundation of the Pure Land teachings, which involves the collaboration of Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, sacred sravakas, and bodhisattvas. Although all three sutras share this fundamental principle, it is explicitly stated in the Infinite Life Sutra.
The Contemplation Sutra expands on its application, elaborating on how sentient beings of different capacities and aptitudes, such as meditative and non-meditative practitioners, Buddhists and non-Buddhists, can equally attain assured rebirth in the Pure Land through the exclusive recitation of Amitabha Buddha’s Name.
Although all three sutras focus on the teaching of Amitabha Buddha’s deliverance through his vow power and Name, and are available to all beings; their focus on individual capacities is most explicitly stated in the Contemplation Sutra.
Finally, the Amitabha Sutra concludes the profound teaching, with the attestations of all buddhas in the six directions. It highlights how all buddhas affirm assured rebirth for those who exclusively recite Amitabha Buddha’s Name. It also confirms that they will ultimately attain buddhahood. Although all three sutras share the method of practice and its benefits, it is explicitly stated in the Amitabha Sutra.
This unique aspect showcases the extraordinary benefits of the Pure Land path that are specifically expounded in the Amitabha Sutra, and more importantly, expresses the original reason for Shakyamuni Buddha’s appearance in the world and introducing Buddhism in his era.
Related features from BDG
Humility and Respect for the Buddha’s Word: Believing and Accepting the Teaching
The Process of Establishing Full Faith in Amitabha Buddha
Are There Any Prerequisites To Enter the Gateway of Amitabha’s Pure Land?
