12.3 Pure Land Buddhism and other East Asian schools

Pure Land Buddhism centers on Amitabha Buddha and his Western Pure Land. This school teaches that through faith and reciting Amitabha's name, believers can be reborn in a heavenly realm where enlightenment is easily attained, bypassing the cycle of rebirth.

Spreading across East Asia, Pure Land Buddhism became hugely popular. It emphasizes faith, devotion, and chanting over rigorous study or meditation. This accessibility and focus on salvation through divine grace set it apart from other Buddhist schools.

Pure Land Buddhism

Teachings of Pure Land Buddhism

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• Amitabha Buddha
  • Celestial Buddha who presides over the Western Pure Land (Sukhavati)
  • Made 48 vows to save all sentient beings, promising to create a pure realm where they can attain enlightenment more easily
• Pure Land
  • A heavenly realm where all beings can attain enlightenment easily due to its ideal conditions for spiritual practice
  • Created by Amitabha Buddha's immense merit and boundless compassion
• Rebirth in the Pure Land
  • Achieved through sincere faith in Amitabha Buddha and diligent recitation of his name (Nembutsu)
  • Ensures eventual enlightenment and freedom from the cycle of rebirth (samsara)
• Nembutsu
  • The practice of reciting Amitabha Buddha's name (Namu Amida Butsu in Japanese, Namo Amituofo in Chinese)
  • Considered the primary means of attaining rebirth in the Pure Land, as it expresses faith and devotion to Amitabha Buddha

Pure Land across East Asia

• China
  • Introduced in the 2nd century CE through translations of Pure Land sutras (Longer Sukhavativyuha Sutra, Shorter Sukhavativyuha Sutra, Contemplation Sutra)
  • Popularized by the teachings of Huiyuan (334-416) and Shandao (613-681), who emphasized the importance of faith and Nembutsu practice
  • Synthesized with Tiantai and Chan Buddhist teachings, creating a syncretic approach to Pure Land practice
• Japan
  • Introduced in the 7th century CE by Japanese monks who studied in China (Ennin, Enchin)
  • Established as an independent school by Honen (1133-1212) and his disciple Shinran (1173-1263)
  • Gave rise to the Jodo Shu (Pure Land School) and Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land School) sects, which became the most popular forms of Buddhism in Japan
• Korea
  • Introduced in the 4th century CE along with other Mahayana Buddhist teachings
  • Integrated with other Buddhist schools, such as Seon (Korean Zen), Hwaeom (Huayan), and Cheontae (Tiantai)
  • Promoted by influential monks like Wonhyo (617-686) and Uisang (625-702), who incorporated Pure Land practices into their teachings

Faith and practice in Pure Land

• Faith
  • Sincere belief in Amitabha Buddha's vows and the existence of the Pure Land
  • Considered the primary requirement for rebirth in the Pure Land, as it leads to a deep trust in Amitabha's compassion and the efficacy of Nembutsu practice
• Devotion
  • Expressing gratitude and reverence towards Amitabha Buddha for his vows and the opportunity to attain enlightenment in the Pure Land
  • Engaging in acts of worship, such as making offerings, prostrations, and chanting sutras
• Chanting
  • Reciting Amitabha Buddha's name (Nembutsu) as a form of meditation and devotion
  • Believed to purify the mind, accumulate merit, and strengthen one's connection to Amitabha Buddha, thus ensuring rebirth in the Pure Land

Pure Land vs other Buddhist schools

• Emphasis on faith and devotion
  • Pure Land Buddhism places a strong emphasis on faith in Amitabha Buddha and devotional practices, while other schools may focus more on personal effort and meditation
• Accessibility
  • Pure Land teachings are considered more accessible to lay practitioners, as they do not require extensive study or rigorous monastic training
• Goal of practice
  • The primary goal of Pure Land practice is rebirth in Amitabha's Pure Land, while other schools may aim for enlightenment in this lifetime or the attainment of Buddhahood

Cultural impact of Pure Land Buddhism

• Art
  • Depictions of Amitabha Buddha and the Pure Land in paintings, sculptures, and mandalas, often portraying the beauty and serenity of Sukhavati
  • The development of raigo art, portraying Amitabha descending to welcome the deceased into the Pure Land
• Literature
  • Pure Land themes featured prominently in Buddhist texts, such as the Longer Sukhavativyuha Sutra, Shorter Sukhavativyuha Sutra, and the Contemplation Sutra
  • Influence on poetry, such as the works of the Japanese monk Kuya (903-972) and the Chinese poet Wang Wei (701-761)
• Popular Culture
  • Pure Land teachings and practices widely adopted by lay Buddhists, making it one of the most popular forms of Buddhism in East Asia
  • Incorporation of Pure Land elements in folk tales, songs, and festivals, such as the Obon festival in Japan and the Ghost Festival in China
  • The popularity of Pure Land-related pilgrimage sites and temples, such as the Temple of the Fragrant Mountain (Xiangshan Temple) in China and the Byodoin Temple in Japan