Pure Land Buddhism

Pure Land Buddhism, sometimes also called Shin Buddhism, is one of the most popular forms of [Page 1036]Buddhism throughout East and Southeast Asia. The beliefs and practices of the Pure Land tradition focus primarily on the person of Amida Buddha (originally venerated in India by the Sanskrit name Amitabha) and the Pure Land he created to refresh those who struggle to attain nirvana. Originally an outgrowth of the Mahayana tradition, Pure Land has achieved varying levels of independence as a tradition across Southeast Asia, most notably in Japan, where it is both an independent Buddhist tradition and the nation's most popular one. By evaluating the simplicity of Pure Land's devotional practices and the inclusiveness of its soteriology, one can better understand this tradition's far-reaching popularity.

According ...