The Pure Land gate stands open wide —

Just lift your foot and step inside. 

The Pure Land gate stands open wide —

How many seek the path, how many abide?

The Pure Land gate stands open wide —

Now I go to that Land of Bliss, yet I’ll surely be back.

A path of birth and death, where we are bound —

Recite Amitabha’s name, the only saving sound.

You ask, “Where is my true home for ultimate peace?”

I point to the lotus thrones in the Land of Bliss.

“How can I be reborn there?” you further inquire,

“Just recite Amitabha’s name, find the home to which you aspire.”

No deep enlightenment or wisdom is required,

No need to repent wrongdoings or end the afflictions entwined.

The whole world is but an illusion, the Buddha alone is real —

To whom but Amitabha should I sincerely appeal?

Although it is I who believe and invoke his name,

It is the Buddha who calls, and my liberation proclaimed.

He teaches me to whole-heartedly recite his name —

I thus entrust my heart and enter his embrace the same.

In utter despair, with no one to turn to around,

I suddenly see a western light — salvation is found.

Farewell, samsara, I’m free from your chain,

What joy, to be reborn in Amitabha’s domain!

The blissful attainment is not for my sake alone —

To save all beings I’ll return to the world I’ve known.

(Translated by the Pure Land School Translation Team;
edited by Householder Fojin)