Pure Land

The Pure Land sutras describe Sukhavati (Land of Bliss), the western Buddha-field of Amitabha (Amida) Buddha. Entry is gained through faith in Amitabha and recitation of his name (nianfo).

Texts

• Larger Sukhavativyuha - Dharmakara Bodhisattva’s 48 vows; description of Sukhavati
• Smaller Sukhavativyuha - Brief description; recitation of the name; confirmed by six-direction Buddhas
• Amitayur-dhyana Sutra - 16 visualizations of Sukhavati; Queen Vaidehi; three grades of birth; Maitreya as witness

The 48 Vows of Dharmakara

The monk Dharmakara vows not to attain Buddhahood unless all sentient beings who hear his name and wish to be reborn in his land are received there. He attains Buddhahood as Amitabha (“Infinite Light”) / Amitayus (“Infinite Life”).

Translated by F. Max Müller and J. Takakusu (Sacred Books of the East, Vol. 49, 1894). Public domain.