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Pure Land: Difference between revisions
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The most famous Pure Land is Sukhavati (“Pure Land” or “Happy Land”), the Western Paradise of the Buddha [[Amitabha]]. As related in Mahayana sutras, Amitabha established this Pure Land for all who would simply invoke his name in faith or, according to one sutra, live by certain precepts and perform good deeds. | The most famous Pure Land is Sukhavati (“Pure Land” or “Happy Land”), the Western Paradise of the Buddha [[Amitabha]]. As related in Mahayana sutras, Amitabha established this Pure Land for all who would simply invoke his name in faith or, according to one sutra, live by certain precepts and perform good deeds. | ||
In ''A Survey of Buddhism'', Buddhist monk and scholar | In ''A Survey of Buddhism'', Buddhist monk and scholar Sangharakshita explains that Sukhavati may be “thought of as a kind of cosmic Sangha, unthinkably vaster and infinitely more perfect than the institution which is ... its shadow here on earth. One who [is reborn] in this spiritual kingdom is free from the evil destinies; he has no more to fear rebirth ... as a tormented being. Problems of food, clothing and means of livelihood perplex him not. His whole concern is with the attainment of Enlightenment.”<ref>Sangharakshita, ''A Survey of Buddhism: Its Doctrines and Methods through the Ages'' (Birmingham, U.K.: Windhorse Publications, 2001), p. 378.</ref> | ||
The Pure Lands are described in Buddhist writings as beautiful abodes, rich and fertile, inhabited by gods and men; they are devoid of all pain or sin as well as the problems of everyday existence. Traditionally, these paradises are believed to actually exist geographically but they are also seen as representing aspects of the awakened mind. | The Pure Lands are described in Buddhist writings as beautiful abodes, rich and fertile, inhabited by gods and men; they are devoid of all pain or sin as well as the problems of everyday existence. Traditionally, these paradises are believed to actually exist geographically but they are also seen as representing aspects of the awakened mind. | ||