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
In the state of Bardo (the state of existence between two lives or the period between death and rebirth), one has a very keen awareness that makes one particularly receptive to help from one’s family. Since a person in such a state is no longer constrained by a physical body, his mind follows instructions more easily. Great benefits can flow if we can guide him along with virtuous thoughts.more
Dharma Master Jingzong
It can be said that the merits of helping others to recite Namo Amituofo are a hundred times greater than those of participating in a general Dharma service, because the former is done when one is both in pain and in need of help the most. Just like when playing soccer, the ball may be passed among players countless times, but the kick that scores the goal is what matters.more
All Worldly Things Are Impermanent, When You Are Sad, Think of These Four Points
By Ping Seng Ye ChengWe always hope that reciting Amitabha’s name enables us to live peacefully for the rest of our lives, embraced by his light, without mood swings. Once this life is over, our lotus flower in the Land of Ultimate Bliss will bloom, signifying our rebirth, and soon after, we can return to the Saha world to carry out our vomore
News
- 01. Transcendental Deliverance
- 02. All Worldly Things Are Impermanent, When You Are Sad, Think of These Four Points
- 03. Amitabha-Recitation Is Our Own Business And Has Nothing To Do With Others!
- 04. Which is More Meritorious, Participating in An Assisted Recitation or Attending a General Dharma Service?
- 05. Having A Good Doctor is No Reason to Want to Be Sick! We Recite the Name of Amitabha to Appreciate the Buddha