key term - Shorter Sukhāvatīvyūha Sutra

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sutra describes the characteristics of Sukhāvatī, the Pure Land created by Amitābha Buddha, which is free from suffering and filled with beauty.
2. It emphasizes the importance of faith in Amitābha's vows and assures that even those who are not particularly virtuous can attain rebirth in the Pure Land through sincere faith.
3. The Shorter Sukhāvatīvyūha Sutra is particularly influential in East Asian Buddhist schools, shaping their devotional practices and beliefs about salvation.
4. This sutra often contrasts with other texts that describe more complex paths to enlightenment, focusing instead on a simple, faith-based approach.
5. In East Asia, especially in Japan, this sutra has been central to movements like Jōdo Shinshū, which promotes reliance on Amitābha's grace for rebirth.

Review Questions

• How does the Shorter Sukhāvatīvyūha Sutra describe the qualities of the Pure Land and what implications do these qualities have for practitioners?
  • The Shorter Sukhāvatīvyūha Sutra describes the Pure Land as a realm devoid of suffering, filled with exquisite flowers, music, and a supportive environment for spiritual growth. These qualities make it an attractive destination for practitioners who seek enlightenment. The depiction encourages individuals to cultivate faith in Amitābha Buddha, believing that even those with limited virtues can attain rebirth there through sincere devotion.
• Discuss how the Shorter Sukhāvatīvyūha Sutra influences Pure Land Buddhism’s understanding of salvation compared to other Buddhist paths.
  • The Shorter Sukhāvatīvyūha Sutra significantly influences Pure Land Buddhism by presenting a more accessible path to salvation than many traditional Buddhist practices that emphasize rigorous meditation and ethical conduct. It highlights faith in Amitābha Buddha and the Nembutsu as key elements for rebirth in the Pure Land. This contrasts with other schools that require deeper personal effort, thereby appealing to those seeking a simpler approach to attaining enlightenment.
• Evaluate the role of faith as presented in the Shorter Sukhāvatīvyūha Sutra within the broader context of East Asian Buddhism's development.
  • Faith plays a pivotal role in the Shorter Sukhāvatīvyūha Sutra, acting as the main vehicle for attaining rebirth in Amitābha's Pure Land. This emphasis on faith over personal merit reflects broader trends in East Asian Buddhism where devotional practices gained prominence. By encouraging reliance on Amitābha's grace, this sutra contributed to the rise of sects like Jōdo Shinshū, reshaping Buddhist practice by making it accessible to all, regardless of their spiritual accomplishments.

Related terms

Amitābha Buddha: A celestial Buddha associated with infinite light and life, central to Pure Land practices, who vows to help all beings attain rebirth in his Pure Land.

Nembutsu: The practice of reciting 'Namu Amida Butsu' (Homage to Amitābha Buddha), which is fundamental in Pure Land Buddhism for attaining rebirth in the Pure Land.

Buddhism: A spiritual tradition founded on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), focusing on the path to enlightenment and the cessation of suffering.