Pure Land Buddhism Essay

Pure Land has an innovative approach to Buddhism that has been flourishing with popularity, particularly in East Asia. The emphasis on the “other power” and devotion to Amitabha, allows Buddhist to be reborn into a heavenly region. In Pure Land, an individual mentally repeats the name Amitabha, to escape the cycle of rebirth in the six realms. Rebirth is seen as a gift given by Amitabha (Oxtoby et al. 223). Buddhists are reborn into Sukhavati, which allows for optimal circumstances in order for Buddhist to reach Nirvana (Reinke 169-210). This style of Buddhism is controversial to the traditional Zen approach but has copious advantages when analysing this method further. In the comparison of its accessibility to all social classes, the intimate relationship formed with Amitabha, and its acceptance, demonstrates that Pure Land in contrast to Zen is a superior form of Buddhism.

Primarily, Pure Land Buddhism is more

In the eighteenth vow, Amitabha promises to create a heaven in exchange for meditation of Amitabha’s name. In this promised land, there is no suffering, old age or death, instead it will be filled with food, drinks and music (Oxtoby et al. 224). Faith in the Amitabha reserves an individual's place in the Pure Land. Therefore, this requires a faithful and profound relation between the Buddha, and the entity. Additionally, due to Amitabha’s compassion, even the most tremendous sinners can enter the Pure Land through faith and repentance. The profound mind desires for salvation through faith in the other power despite knowing that they themselves are sinners. This is due to Amitabha’s absolute compassion and infinite love, that exhibits pardon. This type of relationship leads to forgiveness, strengthening of faith and demonstrates love in which clearly is a superior form of Buddhism (Putt