Taming the Monkey Mind – A Guide to Pure Land Practice. Pure Land Buddhism is branch of Mahayana Buddhism. In Pure Land practice people focus on buddha in the form of Amitabha, the buddha of infinite life and infinite light. Believers put their faith in Amitabha Buddha and recite his name, confident in the promises he has given to deliver all who invoke his name. Download the free ebook here: (145 pages) :
Taming the Monkey Mind
What is Pure Land Buddhism?
Pure Land Buddhism is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes devotion to the Buddha Amitabha (also known as Amitayus or Amida Buddha) as the primary means of salvation. The ultimate goal for Pure Land Buddhists is rebirth in the “Pure Land” or “Western Paradise” — a celestial realm where one can practice the Dharma without the distractions and difficulties present in our current world, thus ensuring progress toward enlightenment. Key features of Pure Land Buddhism include:
1. Nianfo/Nembutsu: The core practice of Pure Land Buddhism is the recitation of the name of Amitabha Buddha. In Chinese, it’s called “nianfo” and in Japanese, it’s “nembutsu.” The most common form of this recitation is the phrase “Namo Amituofo” in Chinese or “Nam(u) Amida Butsu” in Japanese.
2. Faith and Devotion: Pure Land places a significant emphasis on sincere faith in Amitabha Buddha and his vow to save all sentient beings. By reciting his name with genuine faith, believers hope to be reborn in the Pure Land.
3. Amitabha’s Vows: Central to Pure Land teachings are the 48 vows made by Amitabha Buddha, particularly the 18th vow, in which he promises to ensure the rebirth in his pure land of anyone who sincerely recites his name.
4. Pure Land: This is a paradisiacal realm described in various sutras where practitioners are free from rebirth in the six realms of samsara and can pursue enlightenment without the obstacles found in our current world.
5. Scriptures: Pure Land Buddhism relies on several sutras, but the most important are the Longer Sukhavativyuha Sutra, the Shorter Sukhavativyuha Sutra, and the Amitayurdhyana Sutra. These texts describe Amitabha Buddha, his vows, and the nature of the Pure Land.
6. Accessibility: One of the appeals of Pure Land Buddhism is its accessibility. The primary practice of chanting Amitabha’s name is simple and can be done by anyone, regardless of their level of education, social status, or previous deeds.
Historically, Pure Land traditions became especially popular in East Asia, including countries like China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. In Japan, the Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land School) and Jodo Shu (Pure Land School) are major representatives of this tradition. While the practices and teachings might differ slightly between regions and specific sects, the emphasis on faith in Amitabha and the aspiration to be reborn in the Pure Land remain central to all.