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
At sunset, the gloaming drum sounds urgent and alarming, Reminding us of the unbearable pain and sorrow of the Saha World. As I am thinking about all that is mundane and transcendental in life, The only path out of misery is reciting Amituofo; if not, what else can we do?more
Dharma Master Jingzong
When reciting Amitabha's name for rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss, we all have minds subject to afflictions and arising and ceasing. Therefore, do not worry about it, thinking "Look at how pathetic I am...," as there is no need. Just recite Amitabha's name the whole way through, regardless of whatever your mind is experiencing. This is called "single-pointed, exclusive recitation."more
The boy recites the name of the Buddha and sits in a vat with his body coated with gold
Fifteen to sixteen years after Brother Zhou's death, his story is still being circulated by the people of this town.more
News
- 01. The Infinite Life Sutra Spoken by the Buddha
- 02. If not Amituofo’s Name, Whose Name Shall I Recite?
- 03. The Principal Sutras of Pure Land Schools ── General Meanings
- 04. To Hold Fast to Amitabha’s Name is to Have a Myriad of Good roots and Merits
- 05. You Are Not a Sage, But Merely an Ordinary Being