Significance of Pure Land
The concept of Pure Land in Buddhism encompasses various interpretations across different traditions. Generally, Pure Land refers to an idealized spiritual realm where practitioners aspire for rebirth to achieve enlightenment. It is characterized as free from suffering and impurities, often depicted as a peaceful place conducive to spiritual practice. In Mahayana Buddhism, it is specifically associated with Amitabha Buddha, where sincere practices lead to a state of spiritual purity and ease in achieving enlightenment, making it a significant goal for practitioners.
Synonyms: Heavenly realm, Land of bliss, Ultimate happiness, Celestial abode, Paradise, Nirvana, Heaven, Blissful realm, Sukhavati
In Dutch: Puur Land; In Finnish: Puhdas maa
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Pure Land'
Pure Land in Buddhism is an idealized spiritual realm, free from suffering and impurities, where practitioners aspire to achieve enlightenment through cultivating virtues. Associated with Amitabha Buddha, it represents a transcendent space for rebirth and spiritual practice.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A Buddhist concept referring to a spiritual realm of peace and bliss, often associated with Amitabha Buddha, where practitioners aim to be reborn as a means of attaining enlightenment.[1] (2) A conceptual space referred to by the demon as the place where enlightenment can be found, misleading individuals.[2] (3) Spiritual realms associated with enlightenment and purity, where beings can pursue higher spiritual attainments.[3] (4) The ultimate realm of spiritual purity and enlightenment to which practitioners aim to cultivate mindfulness of the Buddha and attain rebirth.[4]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A realm free from suffering ideal for achieving spiritual enlightenment.[5] (2) A land characterized by purity, achieved through the Bodhisattva's pure mind and actions.[6] (3) The ideal realm where a Bodhisattva can lead beings towards enlightenment.[7] (4) A realm of existence free from suffering and impurities, where beings can achieve enlightenment.[8]
From: Vimalakirti Sutra
(1) A spiritual realm free from the defilements of ordinary existence, often sought by practitioners for rebirth.[9] (2) A realm of spiritual purity attained through sincere practices and the intention of the bodhisattvas.[10] (3) A transcendent realm created by a buddha, where beings are reborn to achieve enlightenment with greater ease, referenced in connection with the past identity of Vimalakirti.[11]
From: Lotus Sutra
(1) A blissful and serene realm where beings can practice the Dharma without the distractions and suffering found in the mundane world.[12] (2) A reference to the virtuous and immaculate realm associated with the future becoming of the Buddhas.[13] (3) A divine realm devoid of impurities and troubles, where beings can be born and practice the Dharma easily.[14]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Spiritual realms or states considered ideal for practice and cultivation of virtues according to Buddhist principles.[15] (2) A concept in Mahayana Buddhism referring to a realm of bliss and enlightenment associated with Amita Buddha, sought after by practitioners.[16]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) A state of mind or existence characterized by purity, achieved through spiritual practice and understanding.[17] (2) A Buddhist heaven described as the ultimate spiritual destination, which is perceived as not far when the mind is pure.[18]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) A school of Mahayana Buddhism that focuses on the worship of Amitabha Buddha and the attainment of rebirth in the Pure Land.[19]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) A desired realm for rebirth in Buddhism, characterized by virtue and conducive to achieving enlightenment.[20] (2) A realm of existence perfect for spiritual practice, often characterized as a goal for practitioners seeking enlightenment.[21]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) A realm or dimension of existence that is free from suffering, conceptual confusion, and represents the ultimate goal of practice.[22]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) An idealized state or realm where beings can achieve enlightenment and freedom from suffering.[23] (2) An idealized spiritual realm to which practitioners aspire, attained through purification and cultivation of virtues.[24]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) A concept in Mahayana Buddhism referring to a heavenly realm where beings can achieve enlightenment, especially associated with Amitabha Buddha.[25]
Hindu concept of 'Pure Land'
In Hinduism, Pure Land can be interpreted as Bharata-varsha, symbolizing spiritual purity, or as a mythical realm made entirely of gold, representing a transcendent state where all matter transforms into gold, indicating ultimate purity and transcendence.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A land that is entirely made of gold, devoid of living beings, where any substance placed upon it is instantly converted into gold.[26]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A description of Bharata-varsha indicating its spiritual significance and purity.[27]