I have a beautiful portable shrine that is dedicated to the worship of Amitabha Buddha, the central Buddha of the Pure Land school and the most popular object of reverence in Chinese Buddhism. Owners of a shrine this size can take it anywhere around the world with them. Elegantly carved out of wood, it fits […]
Pure Land
A Message from Master Shandao
A text about “embrace and transform by the Name in the form of light” cited from In Praise of the Rite of Rebirth: Amitabha Buddha made a profound, weighty vow to embrace all beings of the ten directions with his light and transform them with his name, in the event that they have faith in […]
Master Huijing’s Dharma Words About Faith in Pure Land
For now, we are not just born to be human beings, but also to encounter the Buddhist teachings, and the Pure Land teaching, in particular, the real teaching that enables us to be liberated in this lifetime. It is the result of Amitabha’s compassionate and sagacious guidance in many lives, so that we can be […]
Master Huijing’s Dharma Words about the Primary Sutras (General)
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Only Torch
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foying, edited by Jingxing In daytime, banners of any bright color, red or blue, can work as guiding signs. But in the wilderness at night, only an open flame can lead people through the darkness. In the Age of Correct Dharma, it is easy to deliver others by expounding any of […]
Master Huijing’s Dharma Words about Practice in Amitabha-recitation
Start a day with Amitabha-recitation in our daily life. If we can do that, we are certainly embraced by Amitabha’s light whatever we do and wherever we are during the day. We must be safe and peaceful. Everything goes on smoothly. There is no taboo in the Buddhist teachings. We can recite this Name – […]
Being Honest
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foying, edited by Jingxing If what we say is reliable, we are honest. If our words are unreliable, we are telling lies and are dishonest. If our words are true, we would certainly reap abundant good results from our deeds. Honesty bears fruit, hence the Chinese word chengshi (“sincerity and fruit”). […]
Master Huijing’s Dharma Words about Attributes of the Pure Land Sect of Buddhism: Ultimate Truths
Master Honen therefore says: schools of the Sacred Path focus their practice on development of knowledge and discernment for realization of truth and entering nivana, while the practice of Pure Land school focuses on returning ignorance for rebirth in the Land of Bliss. “Returning ignorance” means not displaying our talents, wisdom, or good deeds in […]