The Three Pure Land Sutras

by Numata Center for Buddhist Translation & Research

Translated from the Chinese by Hisao Inagaki. These three sutras make up the most important scriptures of the Pure Land School of Buddhism, which centers around the Buddha of Infinite Light & Life, known in Japanese as the Amida Buddha. [Taisho Tripitaka #360, #365 and #366] [ Wu-liang-shou-ching; Kuan-wu-liang-shou-fo-ching; A-mi-t'o-ching] [ Mu-ryo-ju-kyo; Kan-mu-ryo-ju-butsu; A-mi-da-kyo]

Genres: Buddhism, Religion

173 pages, Hardcover

First published November 26, 1995

Reviews

[Sato]

This book contains the three main sutras of the Pure Land school of Buddhism. While less known in the west, Pure Land Buddhism is very broad and one of the most widely practiced schools in Asia. It is a major branch of the Mahayana, the largest branch of Buddhism. As an example, it is not Zen that is the biggest school in Japan, but the Jōdo Shinshū (True Pure Land Buddhism).

That being said, Pure Land Buddhism differs between schools and countries and is therefore diverse. However, the three collected sutras of this book, give a general idea, what this particular branch of Buddhism is about. Central to Pure Land Buddhism is the idea of a "buddha-field", a realm that has been purified by a Buddha. The Buddha dwells here and teaches the beings reborn in the realm, leading them to Nirvana. Because of this, beings should aim to be reborn there, as their last life leading to awakening.

First is the Longer Sukhāvatīvyūha Sūtra (Amitāyus Sutra). The sutra describes the land and life of the Buddha Amitābha (or Amitāyus). His realm (Sukhāvatī) is explained in great detail as a paradise located in the west, a place one should try to attain rebirth in.

Second is the Shorter Sukhāvatīvyūha Sūtra (Amitābha Sūtra). Its contents are similar to the longer one and also describe the other Buddhas of the six directions. The sutras tell the reader, what they should do to receive rebirth in Sukhāvatī. The basic idea is making the vow to be reborn there, evoking the name of Amitābha, and in the moment of death being taken to his Buddha field.

To quote the sutra (and maybe give an idea how they are written): "Having died, they will arise in the world system Sukvāvatī, the Buddha-land of just that Amitāyus Tathāgata. Therefore, then, O Śāriputra, seeing this intention, I thus say: a son of good family or a daughter of good family should devotedly make vows of aspiration towards that Buddha-land."

The third sutra is the Amitāyur-dhyāna Sūtra (Amitāyus Contemplation Sūtra). The focus of this sutra is the practice to attain rebirth in the Pure Land. It gives an overview on ethics, and on sixteen contemplations or mental visualization that should be practiced.
Additionally, it lists different types of rebirth that can be achieved. The important point here is that even a being with evil karma, that would be reborn in Hell, can be saved by repeating the name of Amitābha ten times.

This aspect is one of the most important points of Pure Land Buddhism: no matter the deeds done, there is always the chance of a rebirth in Sukhāvatī. Through this it gives hope to everyone, no matter their standing or karma. It also is quite reminiscent of the Christian idea of absolution and paradise.

I don't want to judge the teachings of Pure Land Buddhism here, since I don't really know enough about this school and its practices to do so. And even if I did, the only thing I could do is comparing it to the teachings of my own school. What can be said is, that these sutras are not easy to read and are not suited for people who want to learn a few core aspects about Buddhism. Many also may find them off-putting, since they are abstract and not very grounded in reality.

But if you want to get a basic understanding of the teachings of this school in particular, these sutras are sort of mandatory in my opinion.

[Michael Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, note that this book contains 360 pages of text and 65 pages of notes and glossary. The first part of the book gives a wonderful overview of Mahayana Buddhism and the key masters, or teachers, who provided so much of the commentary on the Sutras. It is the second part of the book that contains the three Pure Land Sutras.
There is a tremendous amount of well-explained and helpful background on the Sutras and the Masters. This will definitely be one of my standard reference books going forward.

[Fran · Rating 3 out of 5]

The three Pure Land Sutras; I will need to keep referring to these as I am 'getting into' this aspect of Buddhism, the most extensive in the Far East and in many ways the most straightforward. The visualisations are extensive and will take practice.