In short: Pure Land Buddhism is a devotional Mahayana tradition centred on Amitabha Buddha. Practitioners recite his name (nianfo, nembutsu) with faith, hoping to be reborn in his Pure Land, where awakening is easier. It is widespread in China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam, and in Buddhist temples in the West such as Jodo Shinshu temples in Chicago.
Core practice
- Recitation of Amitabha's name.
- Faith and vows.
- Ethical living and compassion.
Find a temple
See Illinois for Chicago's Pure Land temples, and the directory. Compare Buddhist chanting.
Compare: schools of Buddhism · Theravada · what Buddhists believe
Chants: Nam Myoho Renge Kyo · Namo Amituofo · Om Mani Padme Hum · Heart Sutra
Questions people ask
What is the main practice of Pure Land Buddhism?
Reciting the name of Amitabha Buddha, called nianfo in Chinese and nembutsu in Japanese, with faith.
What is the Pure Land?
A realm created by Amitabha Buddha where conditions are ideal for practising toward awakening.
Is Pure Land the same as Jodo Shinshu?
Jodo Shinshu is a Japanese Pure Land school. Pure Land practice also exists in Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese Buddhism.