Pure Land School Three Scriptures

Author: Hongxue
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: The teachings of the Pure Land sect are primarily expressed in the "Three Pure Land Sutras." The focus of the Sutra of Immeasurable Life lies mainly in introducing the Forty-Eight Vows of Amitābha Buddha in his land of practice, as well as the Buddha endowed with immeasurable light and boundless life. It also elaborates in detail on the method of salvation through others' power. The Sutra of Contemplating Immeasurable Life is the teaching imparted by Shakyamuni Buddha at the request of Queen Vaidhuryā, who enticingly reveals the method of self-power cultivation. Within it, the compassionate and joyful Amitābha Buddha points out the way of salvation through others' power. In other words, some people cling to self-power and find it difficult to enter the method of others' power as described in the Sutra of Immeasurable Life. Therefore, it is necessary to explain this scripture that contains both outward and inward methods, which includes sixteen aspects, known as the "Sixteen Contemplations." The Sutra of Amitābha Buddha focuses on introducing Amitābha Buddha and his land of rebirth—the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The Sutra of Immeasurable Life is called the "Gate of the Vast Vows" because it highlights the essence of the Eighteenth Vow. The Sutra of Contemplating Immeasurable Life explains the essence of the Nineteenth Vow, serving as the key gateway for transitioning from the two types of wholesome practices (fixed and scattered) into the method of the Vast Vows, and is known as the "Essential Gate." Meanwhile, the Sutra of Amitābha Buddha extensively discusses the Twentieth Vow, explaining how to take the name of Amitābha Buddha, recognizing it as one's own, recite the name, and be reborn in the Pure Land, which is called the "True Gate." This book includes the three Pure Land Buddhist scriptures: the Sutra of Immeasurable Life, the Sutra of Contemplating Immeasurable Life, and the Sutra of Amitābha Buddha, along with the Treatise on Rebirth in the Pure Land.