Going Home to the Pure Land
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Self Reflections...
This site is intended to introduce all beings to the sutra of "Buddha Speaks of the Amitabha Buddha", which is one of the Five Pure Land Sutras commonly practiced in Pure Land Buddhism.
The Pure Land School of Buddhism has five important sutras that are imperative for practitioners to learn, recite, and understand the Pure Land Doctrine.
It is recommended to spend time everyday on chanting the Pure Land sutra (pick one from the five Pure Land sutras you like most and stick with it), as well as chanting the Buddha-name of Amitabha Buddha. Check out a sample collection of the Amitabha Mindful Chanting music and start your daily practice!
Such daily practices concentrate our minds on the learning, deepen the understanding, and emphasize on the cultivation at the same time.
Why Amitabha's Pure Land?
In this Dharma-Ending Age, Sakyamuni Buddha in numerous teachings encouraged all beings to practice the Pure Land method--make a vow to reborn in the Western Pure Land and mindfully chant the Buddha name of Amitabha. The Western Pure Land is the ideal place for all beings to attain Buddhahood in one lifetime. It is an easy and simple method to get started. What's so special about Amitabha's Pure Land? Read more here.
In the Visualization Sutra, Sakyamuni Buddha described a detailed account of the Western Pure Land for all beings to mindfully visualize this ideal learning environment and encourage us to aspire to and vow to reborn there.
Amitabha Buddha--A name that goes beyond space and time
Amitabha is a name that encompasses all sorts of infinity. Reciting the name of Amitabha Buddha constantly and persistently helps us rediscover the inner Buddha nature--the true nature. Chanting "Amitabha Buddha", therefore, helps invoke our true nature--infinite light and infinite life. Read more here.
What are the Five Pure Land Sutras?
1. The Amitabha Sutra [Full sutra text] or [Full sutra text (Chinese)]
See also "Commentary of the Amitabha Sutra" [Full commentary] by Grand Master Ou-i, an excellent resource that provides us the essence of the Pure Land method.
2. The Infinite Life Sutra (Buddha Speaks of the Infinite Life Sutra of Adornment, Purity, Equality, and Enlightenment of the Mahayana School) [Sutra Excerpts] or [Full sutra text (Chinese)]
3. The Visualization Sutra [Full sutra text] or [Full sutra text (Chinese)]
4. The Chapter of the Practices and Vows of Bodhisattva Samantabhadhra from the Avatamsaka Sutra [Full sutra text] or [Full sutra text (Chinese)]
5. The Chapter on Mahasthama Bodhisattva's Mindfulness of Amitabha to Universally Realize Samadhi from the Surangama Sutra [Full sutra text] or [Full sutra text (Chinese)]
Amitabha Mindful Chanting
Every time we practiced Buddha-name chanting or sutra recitation, we dedicate our merits and virtues accrued from our practices to adorn the Pure Land, repay the Four Kinds of Kindness above, and relieve the suffering of those in the Three Paths below.
By continuously practicing (Amitabha) Buddha-name chanting, the ultimate goal is to seek the help of Amitabha Buddha to be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss at the end of this lifetime!
Start your Buddha-name chanting practice today by following a sample from the collection of the Amitabha Mindful Chanting music.
Ten Benefits of Practicing Buddha-name Recitation (Mindfulness of the Buddha)
Some say the benefits of Buddha recitation practice may results after death, but at present we merely experience weariness and fatigue with no practical benefit. That’s why this is likely a reason practitioner become lazy and retrogress in the cultivation path of Buddhahood.
Such saying is a misunderstanding and incomprehensive. The sutras say that those who invoke the Buddha’s name with utmost sincerity will derive ten greats benefits in this very life. These are the ten benefits described by Buddha Sakyamuni himself, as recorded in the sutra teachings.
- Day and night they enjoy the invisible protection of all celestial beings, powerful deities, and the their multitudes of retainers.
- Twenty-five great Bodhisattvas, including the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (Kuan Yin) and other Bodhisattvas, constantly keep them in mind and protect them.
- They enjoy the continuous aid and protection of the Buddhas; Amitabha Buddha emits constant light to gather them in.
- No evil demons, ferocious dragons, poisonous snakes or the like can harm them.
- They do not meet with such calamities as drowning, burning or other violent death; nor do they encounter such punishment as being shackled and imprisoned.
- Previous evil karma is gradually dissipated; the souls of those whom they have murdered in past lives are liberated and no longer seek revenge.
- They have restful sleep or dream of auspicious events or view the supremely wonderful body of Amitabha Buddha.
- Their Minds are always joyful and at peace, their complexions clear and bright, their bodies filled with energy and strength; whatever they undertake generally meets with success.
- They are always honored and assisted by others, and are gladly accorded the respect reserved for the Buddhas.
- At the time of death, they do not experience fright, as right thoughts manifest themselves; they witness Amitabha Buddha and the Lotus Sacred Assembly bearing the golden lotus dais, to welcome and escort them to the Pure Land, where they will enjoy peace of Mind and happiness forever.
Since Buddha Recitation can bring such benefits in the present and in the future, it should be taken as the most important of all mundane and supra-mundane Dharma methods. Those who are serious practitioners should take this as once in a lifetime opportunity, redouble their efforts and not to cast any doubt on this Dharma Door.
Ten Benefits of Printing Buddhist Sutras and Making Buddha Statues/Images
- All evil karma made in the past will either be wiped off or retribution created by past serious offences reduced.
- Auspicious spirits constantly protect you and you do not have to experience the disasters of plagues, floods, fires, thieves, armed conflict, or imprisonment.
- Suffering inflicted by vengeful enemies made in the past will be avoided, and the merit derived from printing sutras will allow these enemies to receive the benefits of Dharma, and thereby untie the bond of hatred.
- Evil ghosts and other yaksha-ghosts cannot encroach on you; poisonous snakes or man-eating beasts cannot harm you.
- You will have peace of mind. During the day you will meet with no danger, and at night you will have no bad dreams. Your complexion will be healthy, smooth and moist. Your energy will be full of vitality. Your business will continue to prosper and meet with ultimate success.
- You will always have ample food and clothing. Your families will always be at peace, and your prosperity and blessings will constantly increase.
- Gods and other people will immediately take a liking to things you do or say. Wherever you go, you will always be greeted with respect and revered by happy crowds of dear friends.
- Ignorant people will grow wiser, unhealthy people will grow healthier, troubled people will feel happier, and women can become men in their next lives if they wish to do so.
- Your will escape from the three lower realms, and always be reborn in wholesome places, with a handsome upright appearance and unusually fine character. You will enjoy supreme happiness and abundant wealth.
- You will be able to plant innumerable roots of goodness in the blessed minds of all living beings. You will help the living beings to reap bounteous, measureless merits, and help them attain the final Buddhahood.
Dedicated For the Sake of All Beings
The site For the Sake of All Beings, which is dedicated to all beings who want to learn how to end their sufferings in one lifetime, provides more information on Pure Land Buddhism, Principles and Cultivation, Three Learnings, Three Refuges, Five Precepts, and Six Paramitas.
Namo Amitabha!