12.3 Pure Land Buddhism and other East Asian schools
4 min read•july 22, 2024
Buddhism centers on 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 ()
- 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, )
- Popularized by the teachings of (334-416) and (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 (, )
- Established as an independent school by (1133-1212) and his disciple (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 (617-686) and (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
Key Terms to Review (20)
Amitabha Buddha: Amitabha Buddha, also known as Amida Buddha, is a celestial buddha in Mahayana Buddhism who embodies infinite light and life. He is the central figure in Pure Land Buddhism, where devotees believe that by invoking his name, they can be reborn in his Pure Land, a paradise free from suffering, allowing for easier attainment of enlightenment.
Amitābha sutra: The Amitābha Sutra is a key scripture in Mahayana Buddhism that focuses on the teachings of Amitābha Buddha, who is the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life. This sutra emphasizes the significance of faith and devotion in achieving rebirth in the Pure Land, a realm of enlightenment where beings can attain Buddhahood. The text presents a path for practitioners to connect with Amitābha through chanting his name, fostering a direct relationship that leads to liberation from the cycle of suffering.
Chinese Buddhism: Chinese Buddhism refers to the various schools of Buddhism that developed in China, primarily from the 1st century CE onward, integrating indigenous beliefs and practices. It played a significant role in shaping the religious landscape of China, influencing culture, philosophy, and art while giving rise to unique forms such as Chan and Pure Land Buddhism, which emphasized meditation and devotion respectively.
Contemplation Sutra: The Contemplation Sutra is a significant text within Pure Land Buddhism that emphasizes the practice of visualization and meditation on Amitābha Buddha to attain rebirth in the Pure Land. This sutra outlines methods for practitioners to focus their minds, cultivate faith, and develop a deep connection with Amitābha, facilitating spiritual awakening and liberation from suffering.
Enchin: Enchin was a prominent Japanese monk and scholar who played a vital role in the development and spread of Pure Land Buddhism in Japan during the late 8th to early 9th centuries. He is particularly known for establishing the Nara school of Pure Land Buddhism, emphasizing devotion to Amitābha Buddha and the practice of chanting his name to attain rebirth in the Pure Land. His teachings significantly influenced East Asian Buddhism and contributed to the popularization of faith-based practices.
Ennin: Ennin was a prominent Japanese monk who played a significant role in the development of Pure Land Buddhism during the Heian period. He is best known for his pilgrimage to China in the 9th century, where he studied under the eminent Buddhist master Huayan and brought back essential teachings and texts that greatly influenced Japanese Buddhism, particularly within Pure Land sects.
Honen: Honen was a Japanese monk who founded the Jodo Shu (Pure Land) school of Buddhism in the late 12th century. He emphasized the practice of nembutsu, which involves the recitation of 'Namu Amida Butsu' (Homage to Amida Buddha), as a means to attain rebirth in the Pure Land. Honen's teachings marked a significant shift in Japanese Buddhism, focusing on faith and devotion to Amida Buddha as a pathway to enlightenment.
Huiyuan: Huiyuan was a prominent Chinese Buddhist monk and a key figure in the development of Pure Land Buddhism during the 4th to 5th centuries. He is best known for advocating the recitation of Amitabha Buddha's name as a means to attain rebirth in the Pure Land, emphasizing faith and devotion as essential components of Buddhist practice. His teachings and writings helped shape the Pure Land movement, which gained significant traction in East Asia, influencing various schools of Buddhism in the region.
Japanese Buddhism: Japanese Buddhism refers to the various schools and practices of Buddhism that developed in Japan from its introduction in the 6th century onward. It incorporates native beliefs, cultural elements, and distinctive interpretations that have evolved over time, leading to unique traditions like Pure Land Buddhism, Zen, and Nichiren. These schools significantly reflect the broader context of East Asian Buddhist practices.
Jōdo shinshū: Jōdo Shinshū, or the True Pure Land School, is a prominent branch of Pure Land Buddhism that emphasizes faith in Amida Buddha for achieving enlightenment and rebirth in the Pure Land. It was founded by Shinran Shonin in the 13th century and teaches that salvation is attainable through entrusting oneself to Amida’s vow rather than through personal merit or meditation practices.
Jōdo-shū: Jōdo-shū is a major school of Pure Land Buddhism that emphasizes the practice of reciting the nembutsu, which is the name of Amida Buddha, as a means to attain rebirth in the Pure Land. This tradition focuses on faith in Amida Buddha and the belief that sincere devotion will lead to enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of samsara.
Larger Sukhāvatīvyūha Sūtra: The Larger Sukhāvatīvyūha Sūtra is a key Mahayana Buddhist text that outlines the characteristics and practices associated with the Pure Land, specifically focusing on the Western Paradise of Amitābha Buddha. It describes the ideal of attaining rebirth in this Pure Land, where practitioners can achieve enlightenment more easily due to the favorable conditions provided by Amitābha and the absence of suffering.
Nembutsu: Nembutsu, often translated as 'the name of Buddha,' refers specifically to the recitation of the phrase 'Namu Amida Butsu,' which means 'I take refuge in Amida Buddha.' This practice is central to Pure Land Buddhism, where followers believe that by sincerely reciting this phrase, they can achieve rebirth in the Pure Land, a blissful realm where enlightenment is easily attained. It emphasizes reliance on the grace of Amida Buddha for salvation, rather than solely on one's own efforts.
Pure Land: Pure Land refers to a specific type of Buddhist practice and belief centered on the aspiration to be reborn in a paradisiacal realm known as the Pure Land, primarily associated with the bodhisattva Amitābha. This tradition emphasizes faith, devotion, and the recitation of Amitābha's name as a means to attain enlightenment and escape the cycle of samsara. Pure Land practices are prominent in East Asian Buddhism, especially within the schools of Pure Land Buddhism, which focus on accessibility and inclusivity for practitioners seeking spiritual relief.
Shandao: Shandao was a Chinese Buddhist monk who played a significant role in the development of Pure Land Buddhism during the 6th century. He emphasized the practice of calling upon Amitābha Buddha through the nembutsu (the phrase 'Namu Amida Butsu') as a means for ordinary people to attain rebirth in the Pure Land. His teachings laid the groundwork for Pure Land thought and practice, which became a major strand of East Asian Buddhism.
Shinran: Shinran was a Japanese Buddhist monk and the founder of the Jōdo Shinshū school, which is a branch of Pure Land Buddhism. He emphasized reliance on Amida Buddha's compassion for salvation rather than personal merit or good deeds, positioning himself as a pivotal figure in the development of East Asian Buddhism and the Pure Land tradition.
Shorter Sukhāvatīvyūha Sutra: The Shorter Sukhāvatīvyūha Sutra is a foundational text in Pure Land Buddhism that outlines the nature of the Pure Land, a blissful realm where beings can attain enlightenment. This sutra emphasizes faith and the recitation of Amitābha Buddha's name as a means to be reborn in the Pure Land, connecting deeply with the practices and beliefs of East Asian Buddhist traditions.
Tathāgatagarbha: Tathāgatagarbha is a concept in Mahayana Buddhism that refers to the 'Buddha-nature' inherent in all sentient beings. It suggests that everyone possesses the potential to attain enlightenment and become a Buddha, highlighting an optimistic view of human nature. This idea plays a crucial role in Pure Land Buddhism and other East Asian schools, as it encourages believers to seek spiritual awakening and liberation from suffering.
Uisang: Uisang was a prominent Korean monk and scholar who lived during the 7th century, known for his significant contributions to the development of Pure Land Buddhism in Korea. He is particularly recognized for advocating the practice of chanting the name of Amitabha Buddha, which became a central practice in the Korean Pure Land tradition. Uisang’s teachings emphasized faith and devotion, influencing both monastic and lay practitioners in their spiritual pursuits.
Wonhyo: Wonhyo was a prominent Korean Buddhist monk and scholar from the Silla period, known for his efforts in systematizing and interpreting Buddhist teachings. He played a crucial role in the development of Korean Buddhism by emphasizing the importance of both practice and understanding, bridging different schools of thought within Buddhism, especially Pure Land and Yogacara. His works helped lay the foundation for later interpretations and practices of Buddhism in East Asia.