The Infinite life Sutra, the Contemplation Sutra and the Amitabha Sutra are the three principal sutras that Pure Land teaching is based on. No matter how profound and mysterious, or how simple and easy a presentation of the Pure Land teaching is, it should not violate the aim and objectives of the three sutras. If […]
Verses of Joy
A collection of Pure Land Buddhist poetry, themed around the deliverance of Amitabha and the striving for rebirth in the Pure Land.
Facing the Loss of a Loved One
Master Jingzong; English translation by Jinghua, edited by Fojin Two objects, A and B are fastened together by a rope. When A drops, it will naturally affect B if B is not anchored. However, if B is rooted, it will be able to hold up A and not let it fall, and will eventually pull […]
Gatha of Praise for Amitabha Buddha
Amitabha’s body is like golden mountains. The splendor of his marks illuminates the Ten Directions. Only those who recite his name are embraced by his light. His Fundamental Vow is the most powerful. Tathagatas of the Six Directions extend their tongues to attest: By reciting Amitabha’s name exclusively, sentient beings will arrive at the Western […]
Master Huijing’s Dharma Words about Benefits in Amitabha-recitation
The Infinite Life Sutra says, “If there are people who hear the Name of that Buddha, rejoice so greatly as to dance, and remember him even once, then you should know that they have gained great benefit by receiving the unsurpassed virtue.” It means that when we hear this name – Namo Amituofo, we will […]
Offer the World a Share of Warmth
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foyuan, edited by Jingxing We humans have weak and inconstant hearts. Though we possess the most wonderful Dharma teaching, we are still unhappy and insist upon burdening our hearts with anguish. So, I repeated recently that we have to work hard at putting our hearts into recitation, as well as […]
Leap Out of the River of Time
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foyi, edited by Fojin Time is like a river of boiling water. We jump and scurry frantically in it to avoid being scalded. But all our efforts are of no avail. With the rapid development of technology and the economy, has there been a corresponding reduction in human suffering? Namo Amitabha […]
How to Recognise the Buddha
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foyuan, edited by Fojin Seeds cannot sprout in a low temperature even though they are of high quality. Once the temperature rises, the seeds sprout naturally. In the cold winter of the Three Domains, the seed of our Buddha-nature simply cannot germinate. However, once we are reborn in the Pure […]
Master Huijing’s Dharma Words about Exclusive Amitabha-recitation
Experience or feeling is unique to an individual and takes place under a particular condition; it does not commonly apply to all beings and under all conditions. Experience or feeling takes place at one time under a given circumstance; it is not permanent and universal. So, Master Shandao says, “Although [an ordinary being] sets forth […]
The Value Systems of Humans, Heaven and Buddha
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foyuan, edited by Fojin The value systems of humankind, Heaven and Buddha differ greatly. Human beings calculate in a clever and shrewd manner; Heaven adopts the law of cause and effect (karma) impartially; and Buddha values compassion. The things that a human being treasures are finite and impermanent; the things that […]
Boarding the Plane at Ground Level
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foyuan, edited by Fojin A tall mountain can elevate a person high above sea level, but it can’t get him off the ground, even by a fraction. Knowledge, erudition, virtue and spiritual practice can earn a person great fame and much respect from others, but these things can do nothing […]