Significance of Buddha-field
Buddha-field, according to various Buddhist traditions, refers to the realms or spiritual environments where Buddhas reside and offer teachings. These sacred spaces are associated with enlightenment, purity, and the qualities of enlightened beings, serving as places for spiritual growth and the realization of Dharma. They embody the potential for enlightenment and reflect the teachings and blessings of the Buddhas. In essence, the Buddha-field represents both a physical and metaphorical space conducive to attaining spiritual ideals and wisdom.
Synonyms: Spiritual environment, Sacred space, Holy ground, Pure land, Sukhavati, Blissful realm, Celestial realm
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Buddha-field'
Buddha-field in Buddhism refers to spiritual realms characterized by purity and enlightenment, where Buddhas reside, teachings flourish, and conditions for attaining enlightenment are ideal, fostering spiritual growth and community.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A realm or environment characterized by the presence and influence of a Buddha, where beings can experience enlightenment.[1] (2) The realm or environment that a bodhisattva purifies and adorns through good deeds and compassion.[2] (3) Countless realms inhabited by Buddhas; referenced as apramanabuddhakshetra, these are the fields belonging to the ten directions.[3] (4) The realms or environments that are adorned and populated by the actions and compassion of bodhisattvas.[4] (5) A term for the realms or locations from which bodhisattvas originate, implying a connection to various places.[5]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) Spiritual realms or environments where Buddhas exist, often filled with ideal conditions for the teaching of the Dharma.[6] (2) Refers to the purified environment surrounding a Buddha, where spiritual qualities are cultivated and realized.[7] (3) The realm or environment shaped by a Buddha where beings can access teachings.[8] (4) A realm or domain in which a Buddha resides and where beings may be led to enlightenment.[9] (5) A realm where a Buddha resides, characterized by the absence of hell and brute creation.[10]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) Various realms or environments where the Buddhas work to develop and discipline living beings.[11] (2) The various realms or environments where Buddhas reside and teach, symbolizing the diversity of spiritual experiences.[12] (3) A pure realm or domain where a Buddha resides and practices teaching the Dharma, distinct from worldly conditions.[13] (4) A spiritual realm or environment created by a Bodhisattva where beings can attain enlightenment.[14] (5) The realms of existence associated with the Buddhas, characterized by emptiness and potential for enlightenment.[15]
From: The Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The pure spiritual realm associated with the enlightened beings.[16] (2) Spiritual realms that are a field of merit for the realization of Buddhahood.[17] (3) The sacred space surrounding the Buddha during his enlightenment, described as filled with celestial beings and flowers.[18] (4) Specific realms or areas where Buddhas reside and teach, each characterized by distinct qualities and residents.[19] (5) A realm or field of merit associated with a Buddha, indicating a space influenced by his presence and virtues.[20]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) A realm of bliss and enlightenment, such as Sukhavati, where beings connected to the dharma can be reborn.[21] (2) Different realms where enlightened beings exist, including dharmakaya, sambhogakaya, and nirmanakaya buddha fields.[22]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) A pure space visualized during offerings where practitioners strive to align other sentient beings and themselves with the qualities of the buddhas.[23] (2) Primordial fields of the Buddhas that encompass both the realities of samsara and nirvana.[24] (3) The metaphorical realms or environments characterized by the presence of enlightened beings, acting as sites for spiritual work.[25] (4) The vast spiritual terrains inhabited by various buddhas that are rich with offerings and attributes of enlightenment.[26] (5) The enlightened environment or realm associated with a Buddha, characterized by the presence of awakened beings and pure qualities.[27]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A realm of existence characterized by the presence of enlightened beings, as related to personal experiences of enlightenment.[28] (2) These are spiritual environments or realms emanated from the goodness of enlightened beings, which practitioners should revere.[29] (3) The realm associated with enlightened beings, often characterized by purity and virtues.[30] (4) The various realms or states of existence that are conducive to enlightenment, which can be perceived through spiritual practice.[31] (5) Different realms or states of existence associated with the various buddhas, serving as destinations for spiritual practice and realization.[32]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Divine realms characterized by qualities conducive to enlightenment, which can be destroyed during the cycles of destruction but are reconstituted anew.[33]