The origins of “Pure Land Buddhism,” or more precisely, “the Buddhism of Pure Lands,” can be traced to the developmental stages of the Mahayana tradition.
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
The so-called sectarianism of Buddhism in Japan has enabled Pure Land Buddhism to develop as a quasi-independent tradition within Buddhism. One of the central figures
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
“Return to Amida, Return to Amida, So even dewdrops fall,” wrote the Soto Zen hermit Ryokan (1756–1831) famously, and throughout his life he exhorted those
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 of my aspirations as a journalist of religion is to explore how to better recount and share the teachings of Buddhism with more people.
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
Four years ago, one of my best friends visited Hong Kong. The first cultural landmark I took him to was Chi Lin Nunnery, which I
