I left Pure Land Buddhism a few months ago to practice Nichiren Buddhism. I believed that practicing Pure Land Buddhism was neglecting the "real" practice. So I practiced hard.

I don't remember where I read this: "It is by turning our backs on the light, turning towards our own shadow and seeing its size, that we understand how much we are illuminated by Amida."

That's exactly what I experienced. At one point, while I was reciting daimoku for an hour, I asked myself: what am I doing? I just stopped. That same night, I dreamed that Amida was leading me by the hand to a group of people. .

I just returned to my old Pure Land sangha, like a prodigal son. And I was well received. Namu Amida Butsu

While Amitabhā Buddha, or the Five Dhyani Buddhas may not be mentioned in the Pāl̥i Canon, there does exist the notion of Pure Land within the canon itself. These are called the Buddhakhettas, and can be found in the Buddhāpadāna, located in the Khuddaka-Nikāya. This is also where the Dhammapāla, Tilokavijaya, is mentioned, which are both carried to the Mahāyāna canon. Here is a short pdf that has the verses translated from Pāl̥i to English:

https://ancient-buddhist-texts.net/English-Texts/Short-Pieces-in-English/Buddhapadana.pdf

Here is also the verses from Suttacentral:

https://suttacentral.net/tha-ap1/en/walters?lang=en&reference=none&highlight=false

In the modern era, this fact is very obscure, and not many can understand the concept of being a practitioner of the Theravāda, whilst being a believer in the Pureland, but, I am here to tell you, that it is possible, at that the Buddha directly taught it to Ananda. These skillful qualities and means to teach the various doors of the Dhamma should not be dismissed, as many, especially on Reddit, sometimes carry obscurations that sometimes, “This practice is superior, that teaching is fraudulent.” However, if we are to realize and to understand the true meaning of the Ekāyāna, it is to say that all three vehicles are one of the same path towards realizing full Sammāsambodhi.

May all beings be free from Suffering, ‘Natthi Santi Paraṁ Sukhaṁ,’ There is no happiness higher than that of Peace, Ayuvaṇṇosukhaṁbalaṁ!

• Namo Amitābha Buddha - May obeisance be unto the Amitābha Tathāgata in the Sukhāvatī world. •

Ananda, in this way, the Tathāgata is called “Amitābha” because he has an innumerable and incalculable radiance, an unparalleled radiance, an radiance that no one can gather, an radiance that is the peak of light, a divine light, a light mixed with radiance that no one can eliminate, a light like the moonlight, a light that is pleasing, delightful, inviting to associate with, inviting to dwell in, inviting to relate, a light that is so bright that no one can compare, a light that is brighter than other kings and leaders, a light that makes the moon and sun sad and hide and peacefully reside together, a light that makes the guardian deities, Sakka, the Brahmās of the Suddhāvāsa, Mahesvara, and most of the deities become sluggish as has been said.

Source: Sukhāvatī-Vyūha Sutta Published by :: Chinese Saṅgha

Since they can't talk and move (but I believe still can hear), how can they achieve rebirth? How can they practice Nianfo?

Thank you. I would love to know. I would love to know if there are other ways of achieving rebirth without vocal recitation, like people in coma or people who just recently died, like a few minutes or hours ago.

Ever thought of learning the Dharma, discussing with group of virtuous community and have a community to learn from?

Ever got kicked by other Buddhist servers, or banned by other Buddhist servers for all sort of weird reasons, from secularism to no reason at all?

Ever wanted a peaceful and beautiful Discord server to share your insights and practice without getting judged?

Here is the chance! Join the few Discord server below to have an amazing experience learning the Dharma and progressing with the community, without getting judged, attacked, or criticised because of your background or imperfections!

Anyone (regardless of race, language, religion, background, etc) is welcomed to join as long as they do not slander the Dharma!

https://discord.gg/YG5V4pZQ----- General Dharma Server
https://discord.gg/fenJzKBk----- Pure Land Server

See you there!

Note the verse here from the Sutra below (I bolded it):

"Those who trust the words of this Sutra as true,
Will all be reborn in the Western Land of Bliss.
To speak of present cause and effect
To proclaim future and past as well,
Is a deed that could never be done to its end."

-
I really like this Sutra, and I find myself coming back to it often for inspiration. I wanted to share it here in case others might enjoy or benefit from it as well. 🙏

-
The Buddha Speaks The Sutra On Cause And Effect In The Three Periods Of Time

(Translated by the Buddhist Text Translation Society https://www.cttbusa.org/cause_effect/cause_and_effect.htm )

At that time, Ananda was on Magic Mountain, together with twelve hundred fifty in the assembly. Ananda made obeisance with his palms together, circumambulated the Buddha three times, and knelt with his palms joined.

Then he asked Shakyamuni Buddha this question: "During the Dharma-Ending Age, all the living beings in Southern Jambudvipa will give rise to much unwholesome karma. They will not revere the Triple Jewel, or respect their parents. They will be lacking in the Three Bonds. The Five Constants that safeguard the universal obligations between people will be in disharmony and disarray. Beings will be poor, destitute, lowly, and vile. Their six faculties will suffer impairment. All day long they will engage in killing and harming. Moreover, they will not be of equal status; some will be wealthy while others will be poor. What are the conditions leading to these various different rewards and retributions? We disciples pray that the World Honored One will compassionately explain each one of these for us."

The Buddha told Ananda and the assembly of great disciples, "You should now listen attentively. Good indeed, good indeed! I will clearly set forth all of this for you. All men and women of the world, whether they be poor and lowly or wealthy and noble, whether they be undergoing limitless sufferings or enjoying blessings without end, are all undergoing the rewards or retributions which are due to causes and effects from their past lives.

What should they do from now on?

"First, they should be filial and respectful to their parents. Next, they should reverently believe in the Triple Jewel.

Third, they should refrain from killing and instead liberate the living. Fourth, they should eat pure vegetarian food and practice giving.

These acts will enable them to plant seeds in the field of blessings for their future lives."

Then the Buddha spoke these verses on cause and effect:

Wealth and dignity come from one's destiny
From causes planted in lives in the past.
People who hold to this simple principle
Will reap good fortune in lives in the future.

Kind men and women, listen to the causes,
Hear and remember this Sutra's reminder
Of the causes and effects of karmic deeds
In the past, in the future, and in the present.

Cause and effect is no small care.
True are my words; don't take them lightly.
Why are some people officials at present?
Because with gold they gilded the Buddhas
In their past lives, long long ago.

It's from their practice in lives in the past
That they reap in this life a rich fruition.
The purple gown and golden cordon--
The honored marks of higher office:
Should you seek them, seek with the Buddhas
Gilding the Buddhas is your own gain;
Robing Thus Come Ones, you robe yourself.

Don't say it's easy to become an official;
It cannot happen if causes aren't planted.
What are the causes of owning a carriage
And riding on palanquins? People like that
Were builders and menders of bridges and roads.

Why are some people wearers of fine material?
That is because in times in the past,
Robes they save as gifts to the Sangha.
Sometimes people have plentiful goods,
The reason, in fact, again is quite fair.
In the past those people gave food to the poor.

Others don't have food or drink,
Who can guess the reason why?
Before those people were plagued with a fault:
Stingy greed made them squeeze every penny.

The well-to-do among us dwell
In very tall mansions and vast estates.
The reason is they gladly gave rice,
Lavishing gifts of grain on monasteries.
Enjoying blessings and justly prosperous,
Are People who reap a fitting reward.

In times now past they helped build temples
And saw that the Sangha had huts and shelters.
Some people's features are fine and perfect,
Surely the reason for such rewards
Is that beautiful flowers they offered to Buddhas.

Why are some people gifted and wise?
In former lives they ate pure food
And remembered the Buddhas with mindful regard.
Look at men whose wives are loyal,
Their reward comes now for what happened before:
Their conditions are strong in the Buddha's door.

Some have marriages lasting and meaningful.
Their happiness doesn't happen by chance.
The cause this time is the hanging of canopies
And streamers before the Buddhas' statues.

Some happy fellows' fathers and mothers
Enjoy long lifespans, contentment, and ease.
Where is the source for rewards such as these?
They protected orphans in times now past
And regarded all elderly ones as their own.
Orphans must live without fathers and mothers
Since before they shot down birds for sport.

How does one get lots of children and grandchildren?
By letting birds fly from their cages to freedom.

In raising children, some really fail badly.
It's because before they drowned female infants.
When barren, people won't bear any children.
That's their due for committing promiscuous deeds.

Some have long lifespans, why are they lucky?
Liberating creatures, they ransomed lives.
Have you seen how many suffer short lifespans?
Their wanton slaughter of beings is why.

Lonely are men whom no women will marry.
They're paying their debt for committing adultery.
Widows bear a sad retribution.
They held their past lives' husbands in scorn.

Servants and slaves made that bondage themselves
By neglecting repayment of goodnesses done them.
Bright are the eyes of some fortunate beings.
Before Buddhas they offered lamps filled with oil.

The blind of this world bear a heavy burden
For past failure to tell the way clearly to travelers.
Some people's mouths are very misshapen.
They blew out lamps on the Buddhas’ altars.

To be deaf and mute is a dreary existence.
Reward appropriate for scolding one's parents.
How do people get to be hunchbacks?
They berated and laughed at those bowing to Buddhas.

Take heed of malformed hands, my friend.
They betray people prone to evil.
Fellows with crippled and useless feet
Ambushed and robbed with reckless abandon.

Most cows and horses were humans before--
People who didn't settle their debts.
Many former people are now pigs or dogs
Because they injured and cheated others.

Illness and pain: an effect inevitable
For bestowing meat and wine on the Buddhas.
Freedom from illness: a fine reward
For relieving the sick by bestowing medicines.

The fate of imprisonment catches some people
Due to fiendish deeds and a failure to yield.
Death by starvation: due retribution
For stopping up holes of rats and snakes.

Appropriate that a victim of poisoning
Caused aquatic poisoning; dammed up waters.
Abandoned, forlorn, rejected beings
Were cruel of old, abusing others.

The stature of some is extremely short.
Before, they read Sutras spread out on the floor.
Vomiting blood? Believe it's from first
Eating meat, then reciting the Sutras.

Another deed that determines deafness:
To not listen well to Sutra recitals.

Sores and scabies bother some people
Who gave stinking fish and flesh to the Buddhas.
People who reek with a terrible stench
Sold inferior scents and phony goods.

Why do some by their own hand hang themselves?
Before, they used nooses to capture their prey.
All those widowed, alone, unwed, or orphaned,
Are now paid justly for former jealousy.

Those struck by lightning, consumed by fire,
Rigged their scales to better their business income.
Fierce tigers and snakes that feast on people
Are enemies bearing resentments from lives before.

In our myriad deeds, whatever we do,
We reap our own rewards, it's true.
Who can we blame for our woe in the hells?
Who can there be to blame but ourselves?

Don't say that cause and effect is unseen.
Look at you, your offspring, heirs, and grand children.
If you doubt the good of pure eating and giving,
Look around and find those enjoying fortune.
Having practiced of old, they now harvest abundance.

To cultivate now will bring blessings anew.
Those who slander the cause and effect in this Sutra
Will fall and have no chance to be human.
Those who recite and uphold this Sutra
Are supported by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

Write out this Sutra, study it hard
And in the future your families will flourish.
Uphold this Sutra atop your heads
To avert disasters and fatal accidents.

To lecture this Sutra on Cause and Effect
Is to sharpen your wits in successive rebirths.
Chanting this Sutra on Cause and Effect
Will make one revered, well-regarded by all.
Print and distribute this precious Sutra
And reap rebirth as a ruler or king.

To verify former cause and effect,
Regard Mahakashyapa's golden body.
A case of future cause and effect:
Bhikshu Good Star slandered the Dharma
And lost his chance for human life.

If cause and effect contained no truth,
Why did Maudgalyayana seek to rescue his mother
From the hells to save her from suffering?

Those who trust the words of this Sutra as true,
Will all be reborn in the Western Land of Bliss.
To speak of present cause and effect
To proclaim future and past as well,
Is a deed that could never be done to its end.

Join at the door of the Triple Gem.
With blessings and wholesome belief one can enter
The door, supported by gods and dragons,
Dragons and gods who won't let you down.

For every part of giving you practice,
You'll reap ten thousand parts reward.
Such blessings are stored in a solid treasury,
For enjoyment in future rebirths without end.

If you care to know of past live's causes,
Look at rewards you are reaping today
If you wish to find out about future lives,
You need but notice what you're doing right now.

End Of The Buddha Speaks The Sutra On Cause and Effect In Three Periods Of Time

https://www.cttbusa.org/cause_effect/cause_and_effect.htm

Namo Amituofo Namu Amida Butsu my brother's and sisters.

Well first of all just wanna say I love this sub Reddit this sub Reddit has helped me learn more about Amituofo and Pureland in general and I am grateful for you all.

Anyway I was hinking recently and this is a curiosity as well to understand and document the demographic of this sub Reddit so I thought I would do a census to map out this beautiful community here, this isn't anything sectarian just purely for demographic for reflection and understanding.

View Poll

https://oridharma.wordpress.com/2022/04/03/compilation-of-great-master-ippens-dharma-word2/

Namo Amituofo my brother's and sisters.

Maybyou take comfort in these wise words of Master Ippen, rebirth is settled through the words Namo Amituofo/Namu Amida Butsu and not thought our selfes our "faith" which is a mind fake self concept, real faith is purely reciting Nianfo/Nembutsu without worrying about our rebirths or anything else, it's purely simple just say Nianfo/Nembutsu and leave it all to your lips and the words and don't worry about faith or no faith or sin or sinless or precepts just say the words and don't worry any further, Amituofo has ultimate compassion and surely knows we have doubts but tatts ok because our doubts are from our fake self minds, our "true self" is our Buddha Nature which we all share, he will not turn us away from the Pureland because we have doubts or worries otherwise he doesn't have infinite compassion the fact we recite the words is the faith the power and trusting in pure other power is the words.

Please recite with me the words 10 times in what ever language you prefer.

Namo Amituofo Namo Amituofo Namo Amituofo Namo Amituofo Namo Amituofo Namo Amituofo Namo Amituofo Namo Amituofo Namo Amituofo Namo Amituofo

Hello all

A few weeks ago me and some other Pure Land enthusiasts started a reading group on the classic Pure Land texts. We decided to start with the Amitabha sutra and Patriach Ouyi Zhixu's commentary to the sutra, the Essence of the Amitābha Sūtra 佛說阿彌陀經要解.

We've been meeting pretty regularly the last month. We do some classic recitations (in English) like Nagarjuna's Junirai and some classic passages from the sutras. Then we read for about an hour and half and discuss. We are usually meeting at 8 pm EST Sundays.

We've gotten past the initial introduction section and today we will be starting on the actual commentary on the sutra passages, so i thought it was a good opportunity to see if anyone else was interested in hopping in. We have a private a Discord and we use the video chat function on it for our meetings. If you want an invite, send me a private message.

Are they real? Is the Mahayana a real teaching? Am I wasting my time?

This is a great obstacle for me because I just recently stumbled upon a post/reply that said that Mahayana and PL Buddhism is a later fabrication, albeit a useful/skillful fabrication.

I want my Buddhist practice to be as authentic as possible and I don't want to waste my time.

Am I on the right track? I follow Jodo Buddhism, specifically the teachings of Ippen Shonin. I don't have any intentions of slandering the Mahayana or the teachings of Ippen, I just want to make sure that I'm not wasting my time. I want to make sure that I'm actually escaping samsara and not following "false" teachings that may make things worse or get me stuck even more in samsara.

Thanks and I hope I don't come as disrespectful or slandering. I hope I can resolve this doubt so that I can continue on my Nembutsu journey.

Firstly, i mean no disrespect at all, I genuinely want to understand, because I myself am actually trying to follow Mahayana as well, but can't get past the fact that, even though the teachings are attributed to Shakyamuni Buddha, he never actually said anything about Mahayana Buddhism, and I cant wrap my head around why people are saying he did when he said nothing of the sort, the closest link to the actual teachings we have is the Pali Canon.

I don't understand if he never said it then he never said it, and they're saying he did, and he didn't, so why would anyone follow it knowing that he didn't actually teach these things. It's like someone years after Jesus's death, is teaching that He taught about a magical fairy kingdom you can go to by saying His name ten times, and clapping your hands spontaneously, when He never taught any such thing but people would blindly follow it.

I don't understand if he never said it then he never said it, and they're saying he did, and he didn't, so why would anyone follow it knowing that he didn't actually teach these things. It's like someone years after Jesus's death, is teaching that He taught about a magical fairy kingdom you can go to by saying His name ten times, and clapping your hands spontaneously, when He never taught any such thing but people would blindly follow it.

I ask this because I'm actually trying to follow Jodo Shinshu, or at least pureland Buddhism in general, but I can't get past this obstacle, if someone would please enlighten me, pun intended.

Self Explantory:

http://read.goodweb.net.cn/news/news_view.asp?newsid=14881

https://purelanders.com/2020/01/02/the-sutra-on-praises-of-the-pure-land-with-buddhas-protection-and-reception/

Thank you! 🙏

The story has many references to Buddhism. But there is one specifically I am curious about, as it frequently refers a figure know as "God of Mercy" (translated to English, I don't understand much Japanese). It is represented by a Buddha like figure holding an infant. I was wonder if this "God of Mercy" in question intended to be Guanyin Bodhisattva? Or Amitabha? As I have heard some refer to them in this way.

Does anyone know where we can download or buy a copy of the Agganna Sutra? There are a number of interesting YouTube videos about it but I would still like to have a copy of it. Tia.