Pure Land Buddhism

Lineage

Bodhisattva Nagarjuna (c.150 - 250)

Major works:
Chapter on the Easy Path (1 fascicle),
The Twelve Rites (1 fascicle)

Bodhisattva Vasubandhu (c.329 - 400)

Major works:
Treatise on Rebirth in the Pure Land (1 fascicle)

Master Tanluan (476 - 542)

Major works:
Commentary on the Treatise on Rebirth in the Pure Land (2 fascicles)
Gatha in Praise of Amitabha Buddha (1 fascicle)

Master Daochuo (562 - 645)

Major works:
Collection on the Land of Peace and Joy (2 fascicles)

Master Shandao (613 - 681)

Major works:
Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra (4 fascicles)
Dharma School of Contemplation and Recitation (1 fascicle)
In Praise of Dharma Practices (2 fascicles)
In Praise of the Rite of Rebirth (1 fascicle)
In Praise of Pratyutpanna (“in the presence of the Buddhas”) (1 fascicle)

Lineage

Characteristics

Recitation of Amitabha’s name, relying on his Fundamental Vow (the 18^th)
Rebirth of ordinary beings in the Pure Land’s Realm of Rewards
Rebirth assured in the present lifetime
Non-retrogression achieved in this lifetime

Guiding Principles

Faith in, and acceptance of, Amitabha’s deliverance

Single-minded recitation of Amitabha’s name

Aspiration to rebirth in Amitabha’s Pure Land

Comprehensive deliverance of all sentient beings