The path to liberation in the Pure Land tradition is simple: trust in the name of Amitabha Buddha. The power that brings all sentient beings to the Land of Ultimate Bliss is already complete - contained fully within the name “Namo Amitabha Buddha.” Nothing else is needed; nothing is lacking. 

       Pure Land practice is about accepting Amitabha’s vow to save all beings, rather than trying to earn salvation through personal effort. Amitabha’s promise is unwavering - rebirth in his Land of Ultimate Bliss is effortless for those who simply place their trust in him. The only barrier? Resistance.

       What does it mean to resist Amitabha’s offer to liberate us? 

       Resistance happens when we reject the idea of rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss, believing that faith in Amitabha alone isn’t enough. Some people assume that accumulating spiritual merit through rigorous self-cultivation is necessary for salvation. But this contradicts Amitabha’s Primal Vow, which assures us that reciting his name is sufficient for rebirth - no extra conditions, no personal striving.

       Amitabha’s Eighteenth Vow, known as the “Vow of Rebirth Through Recitation of Amitabha’s Name,” is clear: there are no rituals, no complex spiritual practices - just single-minded recitation of “Namo Amitabha Buddha.”

       By simply reciting this name of myriad virtues, we naturally align with his vow, creating a deep connection with him and becoming inseparable from his boundless light and protection. 

       Master Shandao, the founder of the Chinese Pure Land school in the Tang Dynasty, advocated that faithfully reciting Amitabha's name is sufficient for rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss. Some may think it makes little difference whether we fully follow the teachings of Master Shandao or not. However both scriptures and real-life experience tell us that the difference is profound - we must not underestimate this distinction.

       If we wholeheartedly recite Amitabha's name and aspire to rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss, we should rest assured that our rebirth is absolutely guaranteed. In fact, we are already inseparable from Amitabha Buddha.

       To fully comprehend this truth, we must study the Pure Land teachings as transmitted through Master Shandao's lineage. If we don’t, a sense of doubt will inevitably linger.

(Translated by the Pure Land School Translation Team;
edited by Householder Fojin)