Pure Land: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Pure Land means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
In Buddhism
General definition (in Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: BuddhismPure Land:—A land free from impurities. To live in a Buddhist Pure Land you must elevate your life condition and see things the way they really are.
Source: Buddhist Door: GlossaryGenerally refers to the Paradise of the West, presided over by Amitabha. Also known as the Land of Ultimate Bliss. Other Buddhas have their own Pure Lands, all of which are the adornment of merits and virtues in moral or spiritual cultivation. The Pure Land Sect whose chief tenet is salvation by faith in Amitabha; it is the popular cult in China and Japan.Source: Shambala Publications: GeneralPure Land (Chin., ching-t’u; Jap., jōdō); in Mahāyāna the “pure lands” (also buddha-realms or buddha-paradises), each ruled over by a buddha. Since according to the Mahāyāna there are countless buddhas, countless pure lands also exist. The most important is Sukhāvatī, the pure land of the west or the western paradise, ruled by Buddha Amitābha. An eastern paradise is the pure land of Bhaishajya-guru Buddha (“Medicine Guru Buddha”). The Abhirati paradise of Buddha Akshobhya is also in the east. In the south is the paradise of Buddha Ratnaketu, in the north that of Buddha Dundubhīshvara. A further pure land will be brought forth by the future buddha Maitreya, who presently still dwells in the Tushita Heaven.
These pure lands are transcendent in nature. They are the hope of believers who wish to be reborn in them. The decisive factor here is not their good karma but rather the aid of a given buddha, who has taken the vow to help all those to rebirth in his pure land who turn to him in faith. In folk belief these paradises are geographically localizable places of bliss; however, fundamentally they stand for aspects of the awakened state of mind, and the directions (east, south, etc.) have iconographical meanings. The pure lands are not, however, the final stage on the way, but are the stage before nirvāna, which is to be realized in the ensuing rebirth. Nevertheless, in a pure land, retrogression is no longer possible.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text (+4): Sukhavativyuha Sutra, Amitabha Sutra, Avalokiteshvara, Amitabha, Amida, Bhaishajyaguru, Amitayurdhyana Sutra, Western Paradise, Buddhakshetra, Gandavyuhasutra, Kosen Rufu, Sambhogakaya, Tusita Heaven, Mahasthamaprapta, Saha Land, Japanese Buddhism, Buddhism, Buddhist Chant, Byodo In, Kshetra.
Relevant text
Search found 34 books and stories containing Pure Land; (plurals include: Pure Lands). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra (by Charles Luk)
Vimalakīrti Sutra (by John R. McRae)
Chapter X - The Buddha Accumulation Of Fragrances < [Fascicle Three]
Chapter I - Buddha Land < [Fascicle One]
Socially Engaged Buddhism (with reference to Australian society) (by Phuong Thi Thu Ngo)
Reciting the Buddha’s name (Pure Land) < [Chapter 2]
The Festival of Mahayana Tradition < [Chapter 4]
Guide to Tipitaka (by U Ko Lay)
Day by Day (Dharma lectures) (by Stephen L. Klick)