A friend remarked that in this Dharma-ending age, he was surprised that a recent Pureland retreat was not as well received by youngsters as meditation retreats. Most participants of the first are middle-aged and above. Pureland practice is often mistaken to be only for the old or dying, to be less intellectually challenging – as many think that Pureland practice is just chanting, and nothing else. The truth is, if mindfulness of Buddha is practised mindfully, one can actually realise the whole spectrum of the Buddha’s teachings as it encompasses the threefold training (戒定慧). Well, let’s not forget that the Pureland tradition is ‘an extremely hard to believe’ method, as proclaimed by the Buddha himself – because it seems simple, while truly profound.
Many feel that meditation should not be dismissed totally as Buddha himself did sit under the Bodhi tree to meditate towards enlightenment. Thus, many Buddhists might not see their spiritual path as complete if they had not tried sitting meditation. True enough… for myself too had gone through a systematic way of training in meditation before becoming a Purelander. Meditation has its advantages and it’s undeniable beneficial for the spiritual path. But when it comes to the subject of determining my next birth, my personal meditation skills might not be able to help me out of Samsara. That said, Pureland practice in terms of training mindfulness of Buddha by chanting (aloud or silently) can achieve Samadhi and insight as well. Pureland practice is relatively much easier, if I were to say, meet a car accident at this instant.
If one practises really diligently, one might become a stream-winner (Sotāpanna), and will have 7 or less lifetimes to go, before gaining enlightenment (Arahantship) – while not retrogressing below the human realm. But before one becomes an Arahant, one is still subjected to suffering and riding the roller-coaster of Samsara. Becoming an Once-returner (Sakadagami), one will have only one more lifetime before enlightenment, or one might become a Non-returner (Anāgāmi), reborn in the Pure Abodes. If one puts in even more effort, one will become an Arahant, out of the cycle of birth and death. However, even as an Arahant can abide in emptiness of self for aeons, one would still need to, eventually, further advance oneself till realisation of the emptiness of all phenomena (dharmas) is attained, thereby becoming a fully enlightened Buddha.
Of the four stages towards minimal enlightenment above, being an Anāgāmi or Arahant are the best options. However, if one is to became an Anāgāmi or Arahant, one would have to renounce lay life along the path, or as a result. As part-time cultivators burdened with much samsaric hassles, it’s just not possible for now. Even if I were to cultivate full-time with my dull mind, it would be a wonder if I can see the Three Universal Characteristics clearly. I know these might seem like bad excuses, but I’m not going to gamble when it comes to my next rebirth.
Just as I was worrying about my next and final destination, I stumbled upon Pureland Buddhism, which not only presents a swift path out of Samsara, but also a fairly easy method of practice – that is based largely on Faith (in Amitabha Buddha’s merits and vows), Aspiration (of wanting to to reborn in his Pureland) and Practice (of mindfulness of his name). Pureland Buddhism was extensively encouraged and endorsed by the historical Shakyamuni Buddha and Buddhas of all directions, and is especially recommended for this Dharma-ending age, when average human capacities are considered too dull for enlightenment.
Beings reborn in Pureland will not only be able to learn directly from Amitabha and his assembly, but from Buddhas of all directions too. Unlike an Anāgāmi, with one lifetime towards enlightenment of an Arahant, full enlightenment of Buddhahood is one lifetime away! Beings in Pureland are also adorned by Amitabha’s 48 vows – actualised by his boundless merits which he shares with us via various skilful empowerments. To name a few, one will have the divine ear – for hearing teachings of at least a hundred thousand kotis of nayutas of Buddhas and remember them all (Vow 7). One will have supernormal power of travelling anywhere in an instant, even beyond a hundred thousand kotis of nayutas of Buddha-lands (Vow 9). One will be able to expound the Dharma with the all-knowing wisdom (Vow 25). One will acquire eloquence and wisdom in upholding sutras and reciting and expounding them (Vow 29). The list goes on…
Speaking for myself, I am overwhelmed with gratitude that the Buddha taught such a wondrous method for beings like me. We just need to connect to Amitabha Buddha enough to deserve to be born in his presence. Pureland is certainly a spiritual paradise created out of perfect Compassion and Wisdom – a perfect school to train even ordinary beings like you and me to be warrior Bodhisattvas who re-enter Samsara to save others like ourselves and more. Amitabha’s Pureland is the ultimate skillful gateway, which all beings are encouraged to enter – from the person on the street to Bodhisattvas on the brink of Buddhahood. As long as one reaches Pureland, one will be at the stage of non-retrogression. Even if one who wishes to leave early to guide beings in accordance with their original vows, one will not experience suffering and karmic consequences of unenlightened beings. If great Bodhisattvas and Arahants are encouraged to go to Amitabha’s Pureland, who am I not to go!
On a side note, I can’t agree more with the 9th Pureland Patriarch Master Ouyi, who taught this – ‘无始妄认有己，何尝实有己哉。或未顿悟，亦不必作意求悟。但专持净戒，求生净土，功深力到，必悟无己之体，悟无己，即见佛，即成佛矣。’ (From beginningless time mistakening there is a self, where indeed is that self? If there’s no sudden realisation to that, there’s no need to seek it deliberately. But by upholding pure morals, aspiring to be reborn in Pureland, and practising deep till there is strength, one will certainly realise there is no form of self. Realising non-self, one will see the Buddha and become a Buddha.) Amituofo!
Fully agree with Jilexin. Zen, Vajrayana, Meditation, and other methods are fine, but for a person like me with below average and dull capacities (not to mention my being in my twilight years), I see little prospect of getting out of samsara on the strength my own efforts.
Very difficult to practice in this Dharma ending age. I also live in a country that is not Buddhist (less than 0.1% and with a lot of in-fighting among ourselves at that). Thank you for people like you who keep us on track. Life is too precarious and too precious to waste even for a minute. I am a semi retired public school teacher due to retire in two years. I want to incorporate Pure Land teachings in my classes (I teach World Literatures). Perhaps you can help me come up with some ideas. I want my last two years of teaching to be the most telling in leaving behind something to my students. The best legacy is Pure Land.
Hi Carlos, you might be interested in the links to Pureland articles archived at https://moonpointer.com/new/2009/03/pureland-practice-fellowship-articles
You can also see more @ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/amituofo/messages and subscribe to new ones by sending a blank mail to amituofo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Amituofo :pff:
I would view this differently … I am not into real meditation yet and just attended a meditation retreat. I went to the retreat to find out more stuff … and I got some answers …
ZZZ & jilexin concern had crossed my mind too but I see the beauty of Meditation from a different view and in fact it can compliment Pureland Practices.
Reaching Nivana in this life was not my aim, it is the process of doing meditation (even I am not able to achieve even the first stage of mediation) that I would think it is going to help a great deal during when I died, my daily life, my body, help me to focus, the mind, to do reflection and thinking and to understand Buddha Dharma …(it is a long list, I just starting to digest it, so I can’t share much today)
One of the reasons, why people can’t generate faith and be determined in pursuing Buddhism, because Buddha Dharma isn’t tested in our heart to have the power, we didn’t spend enough time doing reflection and think about things, we find it hard to believe things in words etc.
Meditation is one of the ways to help person to sit down, calm down and think about things, to generate loving-kindness, Letting GO etc, so we are stronger to handle our daily problems, only then slowly we see the benefits of it.
A good mediator can see past lives and thus they will believe what is re-carnation, what is karma and that should be a powerful thing to stop anyone for doing evil.
Whether one choose Pureland Practices or Meditation, one things for sure – you need to spend time on training and work on it.
Never forget ONE very important thing – KARMA (good and bad, present life and also past)! When a person died, the state a person in is a reflection of what had been done (speech, body and mind), I think. That is a BIG determine factor, never never underestimate that … we can’t afford it … Strong karma, quick rebirth! So, our destiny (Pureland or not) is in our own hand!
There was a question asked during the retreat. The Answer is something like Pureland, if I understand correctly, if one can achieve a concentrated mind, then at the point, where you want to go, you can go (include of pureland). Via chanting or mediation or something else to achieve that concentrated mind! The key is CONCENTRATED MIND.
To me, put it very simple – The 5 percepts and 8 fold paths are the KEY things to practice everyday … start via baby steps, if it is too big a step to take …
At this point in time, I chosen to do practice Compassionate and Letting go, full acceptance of the Law of Karma as a whole, let the Buddha Teachings change my way of living bit by bit and be at peace, be contented at any moment no matter what … This is something I am going to work toward, because I haven’t achieved yet …
Faith and connection that I generated from some experiences will then be strengthen … so if I want to factor in Pureland later on, it should not be a problem for me …
I appeal to you with all my heart:
– Make a wholehearted aspiration to Amitabha Buddha or any Bodhisattvas, Buddhas. Ask for their spiritual guidance and empowerment in learning as many skilful means as possible in spreading the compassion and wisdom of all Buddhaswithin one’s lifetime.
Your sincere aspiration will definitely be answered; I got mine answered in a way too. I have a very, very long way to go though cos every now and then I still waver between doubt and faith.
May all gain swift liberation from samsara or/and be reborn in Amitabha Buddha’s Pureland, and enjoy the highest happiness in being with the most compassionate, most wise people you could never imagine meeting in your mortal life. 🙂
jilexin, I fully agree with you on this. So nice of you to share …
It was a thought before I got in contact with Buddhism that I generated 18 years ago, took effect. And I felt that it guided me, before I embarked on a tough journey, it ‘back’ me up with little knowledge of Buddhism via a ZEN Theme Movie first and the later part happened because I generated more good intentions, like accompany my mother to Pureland practices and then get to learn about the very basic thing of the law of karma, then went vegetarian, start doing goods, so on. So, I didn’t sink and when things got real bad, the universe is helping me. Only I can understand what is going for myself.
And I also believe each one of us can do that and everyone will be slighty different maybe.
About 10 years ago, I heard of word – “真ç†â€ and I don’t know why I requested to learn it via a thought daily for a period of time. And there come my sufferings again, no joke, so tough! It was only after many years, I see the beauty behind all these bits by bits, because I spend most of my time in solitude now(not working) and done little reflections here and there … Today, I still trying to uncover what were all those hidden messages …
Stupid me, I should have requested wisdom and strength at the time too but whatever happened to me in my life, should be in this way, those are the valuable things for me to learn, those are my fertilizers ….
what I think and feel. So don’t fear sufferrings, they are great teachers … And everyone need to overcome them I think, in order to progress, don’t run away from it, it will haunt you. If one can’t take it now, give it a rest and then when ready, bring them up again. Settle them before dying – who knows, these will pop up again dying …
Check this out with Dharma Teachers and see what it makes sense, don’t just believe what I said.
“…I see the beauty of Meditation from a different view and in fact it can compliment Pureland Practices.”
I have no intention at all to put meditation in a bad light. I was speaking from a point of achieving liberation from samsara as soon as possible, and this may not necessarily be in this present lifetime, due to the need for many conditions to be cultivated and met.
Meditation is a fundamental mind training exercise that every Buddhist has to try out at one point in time or another, and hopefully maintain this exercise throughout one’s life.
Probably those who are not into Pureland practice might not know this, mindfully chanting the name of Amitabha Buddha is actually a kind of meditation practice.
Meditation is a very important mind training exercise with the basic purpose of calming down one’s mind to slowly achieve concentration, awareness or mindfulness, and then progressing to personal insight into one’s Buddha nature.
When any Buddhist engages in any meditation method, he or she should take note of their goals with regards to liberation from future rebirths.
Strictly speaking, if one were to able to reach nirvana in one’s present lifetime, one would at least have to attain the stage of Arahanthood in his or her spiritual practice. If not, future rebirths will still apply to that individual.
When we introduce Buddhism to any beginner, we would usually tell them the aim of any true practising Buddhist, regardless of which dharma door he or she chooses, would definitely be to achieve the basic aim of being free from future rebirths in as short a time frame as possible; being able to achieve this aim in one’s present lifetime is definitely cheered on by all, but not a must.
Let me give you an example:
If the total population of true practising Buddhists in Singapore is 100,000, then most likely only a small number of this total figure will achieve Arahanthood or be reborn in Pureland (if they choose the Pureland method).
This viewpoint is based on both personal inferences and direct quotations from scriptures like Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Sutra of Original Vows and the 3 main Pureland sutras.
As mentioning further would be off-topic, we can discuss this through private emails if need be.
Jilexin has a nice way of explaining Pure Land that is not only level-minded but soothing in its sanity and reasonableness. I am very grateful to be part of moonpointer. It is very educational. Most important, there are no hidden agendas. Only the wish to help all sentient beings be free from suffering asap.
From the above description mentioned on meditation, it seems more like a relaxing technique rather than Buddhist Samatha, Vipassana or Zen meditation. Most Buddhist meditation is not about thinking about things, but about training concentration and for insight. The generation of thoughts, unless it’s for contemplation or visualisation is usually seen as stray thoughts away from the subject of meditation.
Perhaps not many really understand how chanting of Amitabha’s name works. Chanting of Buddha’s name can also calm oneself down, leading to letting go of the body, to generating loving-kindness or concentration (depending on the purpose of practice). Chanting is a form of meditation if done well, which can lead to the ability to see past lives to more deeply understand how karma works.
Amituofo
p.s. Off-topic discussion is welcomed here, as long as it’s Dharma related. 🙂
In my comment above, I had put down this sentence, i even put chanting first – Via chanting or mediation or something else to achieve that concentrated mind! The key is CONCENTRATED MIND.”
This lead me to think, let say 5 minutes before I died, I see certain things which don’t fit into what I think should be, what is the reaction, what thought (karma) did I generated, at that moment, can I still be able to achieve a concentrated mind and die at peace?
I think Pureland can’t be classified as very simple, there are still lots of things to do (å–„æ ¹ç¦å¾·å› 缘 etc). Once a newbie go into it and think it as simple and not practicing much, then it is a big problem. And if it is marketed as very simple, when they get into it and find it different, then there is also a big problem.
My own feeling on spreading of Buddha Dharma …
Everyone had different needs at different points in time (even for those practicing it) and therefore, when people seek a religion, their purposes and intentions will be different. That sentence in one of the posts, What is your true aim in learning Buddhism? is very meaningful.
Newbies – who are they? Do they all come from with same abilities? Same education backgrounds? Same brought up? Same environment? Same thoughts? Same experiences? Same progress …? Same understanding on certain issues? Facing the same things …? Same needs and wants? Same ways of doing things?
In this confusing world, the most basic thing required is guidance; the very fundamental thing is to solve all the daily problems before embarking to the next level. If we are going to market Buddhism in another way, not many people would care to listen …
This is what I put down in the old moonpointer. To me, Buddhism is not just to get enlightenments or pureland, there are many beautiful teachings in it on how to live as an acceptable good person in the society, and our society greatly needs it – like certain codes of conduct so everything can be in harmony hopefully.
The beauty of Buddhism, if certain teachings are being followed, we can resolve some of the basic problems and then we can become a better person and then we can understand more stuff … then escalate to next level …
The key is try to fully understand why …
Your sincere aspiration will definitely be answered; I got mine answered in a way too. I have a very, very long way to go though cos every now and then I still waver between doubt and faith.
May all gain swift liberation from samsara or/and be reborn in Amitabha Buddha’s Pureland, and enjoy the highest happiness in being with the most compassionate, most wise people you could never imagine meeting in your mortal life.
I agree the above points that jilexin had comments .
Sometimes I have these feeling of waver between doubt and faith …
When I am tight up with work life and part time business courses that I did not do my daily practice constantly I feel myself very far away from the Dharma instead of improving it . ::((
However I always try to set some time aside for my practice no matter how tiring after a days of society activities it helps to calm me down and see things clearly . 🙂