Welcome to the English-language website of the Pure Land school.
Our aim is to introduce to international audiences the teachings and practices of Pure Land Buddhism according to the lineage of Master Shandao (善導大師, 613-681) of Tang Dynasty China.Master Shandao, long revered in East Asia as an incarnation of Amitabha Buddha, is universally acknowledged as the de facto founder of the Pure Land school of Buddhism. Grounding his teachings in the three Pure Land sutras preached by Shakyamuni Buddha, he urged practitioners to aspire to rebirth in the Land of Bliss by reciting the name of Amitabha Buddha exclusively.
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After the Charter, it is necessary to be familiar with the school’s founder, for the former is based on the teachings of the latter.
The founder occupies a preeminent position in the school, unmatched by others. The founder of the Pure Land school was Master Shandao of the Tang Dynasty, widely accepted as an incarnation of Amitabha Buddha. He synthesized and completed the Pure Land teachings and wrote the Five Works in Nine Fascicles, which definitively laid down the thought and practices of the Pure Land tradition.
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English translation by Householder Jingtu
A “charter” outlines the principles characteristic of a Dharma school and sets forth guidelines for practice by its adherents.
The Pure Land Charter was drafted by Dharma Master Huijing. It serves as a manifesto for the Pure Land school, summarizing its evolution over more than a millennium, up to the present day. The Charter consists of 18 clauses defining the essential elements of the school and clearly lays out its framework.
The Pure Land Charter was drafted by Dharma Master Huijing. It serves as a manifesto for the Pure Land school, summarizing its evolution over more than a millennium, up to the present day. The Charter consists of 18 clauses defining the essential elements of the school and clearly lays out its framework.more
Dharma Master Huijing
Some may ask themselves this: if Amitabha Buddha’s light shines across the entire universe, without obstruction, why can’t we see it?
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Dharma Master Jingzong
Don’t embellish the simplicity of Amitabha-recitation. Rebirth in the Pure Land doesn’t depend on appearances, a polished voice, formal postures, or a pure mind. Only the name, ‘Namo Amitabha Buddha,’ leads to rebirth.” - Ippen Shonin
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Amitabha Buddha is Like a Huge Mountain
In 2020, to celebrate Amitabha Buddha’s birthday, the Shandao Temple of the Pure Land Buddhist Association in Pingtung, Taiwan, held a 7-day Buddha recitation ceremony that concluded on the Buddha's birthday, November 17th of the lunar calendar. During this period, the temple organized morning sessions for chanting and afternoon sessions where venerable masters took turns teaching the principles of Pure Land Buddhism.
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Truly Satisfied: A Buddhist Farewell to Householder Huiyao Tsai
By Householder Fobau (Janice Tsai)moreMy father, Mr. Huiyao Tsai, passed away peacefully at home on the evening of April 13, 2025, at the age of 94.