Pure+Land+Buddhism

=__**PURE LAND BUDDHISM**__= = =

video

__Basic Outline of History__
-began in India around the 2nd century B.C.E., spread to China during 2nd century C.E. -spread other East Asian countries (such as Japan and Korea). -today, the dominant Buddhism school in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam.

__Essence__
-fundamentals of Buddhist teachings: Four Noble Truths Eightfold Paths.

-final goal of Pure Land Buddhists: to be able to reborn in “Amitabha’s Pure Land." -> more favorable surroundings, presence of Amitabha, enlightenment -> "Pure Land" - a perfect world, given to the humans by Amitabha for being faithful.

-the main, distinctive practice: recitation of the name of Amitabha. > "Na-mu A-mi-to Fo" (it means "Hail, Amida Buddha"). -> when chanted with whole-mindedness and sincerity, it's kind of a meditation, helps them visualize Amitabha. -> it is a way to show gratitude towards Amitabha, it doesn't guarantee people's rebirth in the Pure Land.



__Texts__
Three main principles: Three Sutras of Pure Land.

1. Amitabha: describes the Pure Land of Buddha 2. Amitayus: former life of Amitabha 2. Contemplation: the method of meditation -> practitioners can be reborn in to "Pure Land."

__Three Branches of Pure Land Sect in China__
Lu Shan: founded during the Eastern CHinese Dynasty, by Hui Yuan. implemented the practice of reciting Buddha's name by forming the "White Lotus Society," which represented “Amitabha’s Pure Land.”

Tan Luan: he met a Buddhist monk, learned the text of the Pure Land sect; focused on rebirth of Pure Land of Amitabha; the practice of reciting, chanting and meditating the name of Amitabha comes from this religion.

Tzu min: established by Tzu Min and was the first to harmonize the Pure Land and the Chan teachings.



Citations

"BBC - Religions - Buddhism: Pure Land Buddhism." BBC - Homepage. Web. 14 Feb. 2011. .

"Jodo Shinshu Buddhism." //Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple//. Web. 13 Feb. 2011. .

Comments, PuFa 2. "Introduction to Pure Land Buddhism." //AMiTuoFo 阿彌陀佛//. Web. 14 Feb. 2011. .

"Buddhism in a Nutshell - Chap 85." //佛門網 ：開啟佛教大門 - 貼近社會、緊扣生活、深入心靈//. Web. 15 Feb. 2011. .

"Amidism/Pure Land Buddhism вЂ” Buddha World." //ТАМ КУИ - древнее вьетнамское боевое искусство//. Web. 16 Feb. 2011. .

"Pure Land Buddhism." //Home Page//. Web. 16 Feb. 2011. .

//Pure Land Buddhism//. Digital image. //Ocultural China//. Web. 14 Feb. 2011. .

//Amitabha Buddha//. Digital image. Jan.-Feb. 2011. Web. 17 Feb. 2011.

Digital image. //Buddha Forum//. Web. 17 Feb. 2011.

//The Buddha Amitabha//. Digital image. Web. 13 Feb. 2011. .

//Statue of Amtabha Buddha//. Digital image. //Ask.Com//. Web. .