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
A bell does not ring by itself if not struck; Amitabha cannot deliver us if we do not entrust ourselves to him. Striking the bell results in its ringing; reciting Amitabha’s name results in rebirth in the Land of Bliss.more
Dharma Master Jingzong
—— Master Shandao expounding the “deep faith in one’s roots and the Dharma” to reject incorrect views and follow Amitabha Buddha.more
Impermanence
By Master HuiyuanAll things in this world are unpredictable and impermanent, always arising and ceasing endlessly. There is no such thing as a banquet that never ends or a sun that never sets. Even sorrows and joys, like the waves of a sea, will dissipate in the end.more
News
- 01. Striking a Bell as a Metaphor for the Buddha’s Unconditional Deliverance
- 02. Impermanence
- 03. How to Comprehend “The Primary Intent of Shakyamuni Buddha For Appearing in the World Is to Teach Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow”?
- 04. Instructions Preceding the Ceremony of Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels
- 05. The Great Path is the Simplest