The Land of Pure Bliss

Book excerpt: The Land of Pure Bliss is an in-depth exploration of the nature and practice of faith as it has developed in Mahayana Buddhism over the past two thousand years. The heart of the book is a first-ever full English translation of Shandao's highly influential Commentary in Four Parts Explaining the Scripture About Meditation on the Buddha of Infinite Life (Amitayur Dhyana Sutra, 觀無量壽佛經), which was the inspiration for subsequent schools of 'Pure Land' Buddhism in East Asia. Also included is an introduction to the history and teachings of Pure Land thought as well as a sizable appendix of supplemental translations from other scriptures and discourses that provide insight into the nature and practice of faith as understood in Mahayana Buddhism. In addition to providing key terms in English, Sanskrit & Chinese, this work provides comprehensive footnotes and a thorough index to offer a background on Buddhist concepts and history relevant to the subject. Also included are translations of Pure Land thought from: The Longer Scripture on the Buddha of Infinite Life, The Scripture on the Great Garland of Universal Enlightenment, The Scripture on the Lotus Blossom of Sublime Purpose, The Scripture on the Meditation In Which the Buddhas All Stand Up Before One, 'On the Easier Practice of Faith' attributed to Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu's 'Commentary on the Longer Scripture About the Buddha of Infinite Life', 'On the Practice of Keeping the Buddha on Mind While Ever Walking' by Zhiyi of the Tiantai School, 'An Esoteric Explanation of the Name 'Infinite Life & Light' by Kakuban of the Japanese Mantra (Shingon) School. Honen's 'One Page Testament', and more ...