I believe in Amitabha Buddha and that he will guide me to the Pure Land when the time has come. Every single day before I go to sleep, I recite his mantra and this strengthens my faith. Thank you! Namo Amitabha Buddha
I started saying Namo Amitabha Buddha just a few days ago and in only a few days I got a newer nicer hotel room, I got more privacy, I got all these nice comforting things and space for me to practice meditating. I'm making huge progress in meditating and taming my mind so I think its just all to help me keep practicing undisturbed
(Warning: lengthy text ahead) Well said, Jiawen. I totally agree with you. But I also like to share my opinion with you: To come into contact with Buddhism is itself a 'miracle'. It would take a lot of good merit for this 'fruit' to ripen. Not to mention to understand the truth that Buddha has shown us. That would take even more 'merit'. And also not to mention to realize the truth (understanding and realization are 2 different 'phenomenon'. Most of us can understand but few can realize the truth which is why we are still attached to worldly conditions). That would take even more 'merit'. In the Diamond sutra Chapter 6, Buddha has said: "Without a doubt, Subhuti. Even 500 years after the Enlightenment of this Buddha there will be some who are virtuous and wise, and while practicing compassion and charity, will believe in the words and phrases of this Sutra and will awaken their minds purely. After they come to hear these teachings, they will be inspired with belief. This is because when some people hear these words, they will have understood intuitively that these words are the truth." The Buddha continue: "But you must also remember, Subhuti, that such persons have long ago planted the seeds of goodness and merit that lead to this realization. They have planted the seeds of good deeds and charity not simply before one Buddhist temple, or two temples, or five, but before hundreds of thousands of Buddhas and temples. So when a person who hears the words and phrases of this Sutra is ready for it to happen, a pure faith and clarity can awaken within their minds." (Hear at 6:20 in this audio Diamond Sutra th-cam.com/video/HK9u7Jz-vNA/w-d-xo.html or diamond-sutra.com/read-the-diamond-sutra-here/diamond-sutra-chapter-6/ for text version) Buddha-lands (not just Amitabha Buddha-land but also other Buddhas' Buddha-land) has been mentioned numerous time by the Buddha, even in the Diamond Sutra. Furthermore, to refrain from false speech is one of the 5 fundamental major precepts pillars that support the Dharma. This is fundamental and is not likely that Buddha will lie about the presence of Buddha-lands. That I have full faith in the Buddha. (I use the word 'presence' and not the word 'exist' because existence is illusory. 'Exist' and/or 'Existence' only bear meaning relative to the concept of 'self'. Without the 'self', nothing exist, but everything is still present. Just like there is no enlightened beings (in other words, Buddha don't exist), but enlightenment is still present. If one were still to grasp onto the existence and form of a Buddha (and in this context, the existence of a Buddha-land), one has still not discarded "all arbitrary notions of the existence of a personal self, of other people, or of a universal self." The Diamond Sutra is crystal clear on this. For people who have not yet grasp the subtle meaning of this, they may find the Diamond Sutra as very self-contradictory but it is not. So for those who do not yet believe what Buddha said, it is their ignorance. Their 'merit' are not enough for it to ripen yet. They deserve our compassion and patient guidance and not our defensive debunk. When you look at Buddhas and/or Bodhisattvas portrait or statue, you always see a gentle smile on their face regardless of situations and conditions. That gentle smile is their compassion and patience. Last point to share is this: even the truth and the dharma cannot be clinged upon. If we clinged on strongly to the truth, then when one day when we reached 'the other shore' we would not be able to let go of the boat that brought us there. Even the boat has to be let go. And only when the boat is let go then we are free to reach the inner shore on the other side. Good blessing to you. Hope to meet you on the 'other shore'. If you happen to reach there first, do help me out a bit. :) Om Mani Padme Hum.
I totally agreed with you , I witnessed saw Amitabha Buddha during my grandpa’s left the world , Amitabha Buddha came and send down the lotus flower to bring him up to Amitabha ‘s hand, Amitabha Buddha was so huge like two storeys tall with bright light and musical appeared in front of my grandpa. I was only 27 years old
I hv faith in Amitabha Buddha. What's u experience the time ur grandpa's left so amazing. I ard make a vow to seek reborn in d bliss land of Amitabha Buddha. Bcoz I wanna end birth n death to end samsara it's Suffering world. Namo Amitoufo 🙏 🙏 🙏
I hv faith in Amitabha Buddha n faith in myself coz actually our Buddha nature is Amitabha Buddha. I ard make a vow to seek rebirth in pure land. Amitoufo 🙏 🙏 🙏
I think in the west, the secularization of Buddhism has really killed the faith aspect of Amitabha practice. I rely on Amitabha in Vajrayana, it requires faith and regular practice. I wish we emphasized faith more here in the west :/
(1) Buddha Shakyamuni taught about Buddha Amitabha, (2) When you transfer the positive karma generated by the Buddha Mantra to suffering people or animals, you can observe healing miracles and more, (3) when you study the Amitabha Sutras, you are supported and protected by all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, you can experience that very clearly.
Hi, I am from India and there are few aspects that I find are taken for granted and in absolute manner. And I would like to discuss them in detail. 1. There is never a BELEIF in Dharma.... Dharma itself is coherently related to Karma. There is a reason why these two words rhyme. If Dharma is an idea then Karma is the consequent actions of that idea. A belief is needed when an idea (Dharma) cannot be witnessed as an actionable outcome (Karma). Only blind people believe that sky is blue. Others who can see are witness to this fact, would never say, "I believe sky is blue" but rather they will just simply say as witness, "Sky is blue". This is what Chetna (witnessing consciousness) is. 2. Sukhavati (pure land) does not require Skandha to experience it. Hence, it is Chetna (witnessing consciousness) which directly experiences Sukhavati. Hence, this experience of Sukhavati is spontaneous and happens without any filter of perception, views or discrimination. This is the reason why Sukhavati is called "pavitra bhoomi" (literally meaning Pure land) because it can be experienced unclouded by any filter. 3. Chetna (witnessing consciousness) does not need a material form to realize itself and Sukhavati. Hence, Sukhavati is beyond both mental and physical projections. Therefore it is said that Sukhavati does not exist in the Saha world. Anything which acquires this quality of going beyond mental and physical projections becomes something of infinite existence for human mind and body. This is the reason why Amitabha Buddha is called "Amit-abha" meaning "Amit"=infinite/never decreasing, and "abha"= light. The Buddhahood of Bodhisattava Dharmakara is of infinite knowledge because it attains this quality/place/state/ projection where Chetna goes beyond the realm and limits where mental (mind) and physical (body) projections can go. That is where Chetna just experiences things just as they are. When you see things just like a witness and nothing else, then even a small leaf becomes a thing of immense detail, beauty, curiosity and soothing to you. No matter how much you witness and even invest yourself into it for many eons, you will still not know it fully. It will continue to sooth your Chetna. This is why everything in Sukhavati is full of beauty, soothing-ness and highly detailed. This why all Buddha come there because it is place for them to be "just themselves" and to just witness themselves and in turn become most of themselves. 4. Once can experience the same charm of Sukhavati if one does exactly what Amitabha Buddha did on path to his Buddhahood. (but it can be a time taking process!!) Thankfully, the karmic consequence of the Buddhahood of the Bodhisattava Dharmakara is Sukhavati. And it is this instrument of Sukhavati which is of great use for sentient beings as the experience of Sukhavati itself is like experiencing Buddhahood in much simpler manner. 5. Bodhisattava Dharmakara was a unique Bodhisattava because he focused all his Dhayana (Chan), all his energy in deep Samadhi to help realize Sukhavati.This is not usually what a Bodhisattava would do. Hence, he started indirectly performing the karma of a boddhisattava (as mentioned in Acharya Shantideva's Bodhicharya-avatara) only after he became a Buddha. Hence, the light of Amitabha is not just the light of a Buddha but also of a Bodhisattava and this is the reason why Sukhavati is for all sentient beings. In simple words, it is not just the many eons of Samadhi and Dhayana of Bodhisattava that became Sukhavati but what he would function as Bodhisattava for those eons, became the function of Sukhavati. Hence, one can also say that Sukhavati is the Bodhisattava-roop (Bodhisattava form) combined with eons of Sadhna-Shakti (meditative power) of Amitabha Buddha. Hence, Sukhavati and Amitabha Buddha are related respectively just as a Bodhisattava and his Buddhahood with only one difference. A Bodhisattava may come to you but it is you who has to go to the Sukhavati. 6. About hell... Hell is a result of karmic consequence. It is something that we make for ourselves by our karma. When Bodhisattava Kshitigarbha talks about hells, it is important to understand and note that he is TALKING about them. He does not intend to send/punish anyone there. These are the hells that people make for themselves by their actions (karma). A hell is not when you are captive because you are tied in shackles or locked in a prison. A hell is when you are captive even when there are no shackles and no prison. This hell is where Chetna experiences such shackles. The words used in Kshitigarbha sutra create terrible pictures what a sentient being with body and mind can understand. This is because Kshitigarbha is a Bodhisattava, and being a Bodhisattava, he would talk in this manner, which can be a help to as many sentient beings as possible. The fear and dread are familiar to a Bodhisattava as Shakyamuni Buddha himself stated in the Bhaya-Bherava Sutta in Majjhim-nikaya of the Tripitaka. Hence, using these familiarity, Kshitigarbha talks about them for wayward karma. So, it does not necessarily mean that there is a cauldron of boiling oil in some hell where you will be deep fried for some bad karma. A karma is not good or bad, but it can only be wayward to lead you to a place where you are captive even without shackles. 7. The Tathagarbha school of Baudh Dharma used to once deeply study the workings of Sukhavati in ancient India. We are trying to revive some of the lost traditions here in India. I hope this helps you. I would like to know your views/counter views on this and how much do you find this in line with traditions of pure land buddhism there in China Aum Amitabha Hrih Namo Buddhayah
I think that's the big problem with secular buddhism. Usually the people who investigate about buddhism are investigating because they have a predisposition and are open minded to buddhism. Also most of them know that buddhism belive in rebirth and karma, but once they meet this secular buddhism they think it's a way to fill this empty feeling without being like... non scientific... but secular buddhism is not buddhism because it is not the dharma of the buddha and is a wrong view. Even if the people who practice it maybe can apply some teaching such as meditation and improve their life quality, they will suffer karmic consequences in the future and will suffer a lot if they propagate this kind of buddhism. Because it's slandering the dharma.
Just because one does not believe in rebirth I don't think it will add much bad karma...And Buddhism itself in general does not try to impose any belief to you as far as I know... And you need not be Secular to not believe in Amitabha... Theravadins probably don't either. But I agree that talking bad about another belief system is not nice.... Especially without doing any reading of the sutras...
@@thesarasohrabiI think the bad karma is not for not beliving in rebirth, but for creating a new sistem of belifs, transform them to secular and saying that that sistem is the real teaching of the buddha and all were metaphors. Also it's even worst if you did not even read the sutras
@@thesarasohrabi so not beliving in amitabha buddha for theravadins I don't think it will carry bad karma. Unless they talk bad about mahayana belifs and don't respect them
however if they tell others that amitabha budha does not exist... i don't know maybe that would carry bad karma, but I think it also depens on their intention... if a theravadin lay ask a theravadin monk for amitabha budha is logical that he will tell him that for their school is apocryphal and idk... that is more complicated
@@anaelito-fk6eb Hmm but do Secular Buddhists do that? I mean tell that that is the real teaching? Does it add any new idea? I thought it was more like, Standard Buddhism - Anything involving things that cannot be verified such as Rebirth, Gods etc...
I have in the past been told by some Buddhists that Amitabha Buddha and the Pureland are not real, but I never paid attention to them, because I knew they were real. I have no doubt, but I don't know how to talk to these people. So, I just ignore what they say and keep believing in Amitabha Buddha and saying his name. Namo Amituofo 🙏♥️🌈☸️📿
Thank you for your channel. Your practical wisdom is a rarity today in Buddhist teaching. It was refreshing finding you. My experience w/ Pure Land was not based on faith. My point of conviction came when I understood Amitabha's 18th vow. When I realized that a Buddha cannot lie, my concern for escaping the wheel was over. The fear of retribution was replaced w/ immense gratitude. Faith can falter when adversity is high enough & bitterness sets in w/ its looming doubt/unbelief, at least it did for me when I left my other religion after many decades, together in finding out that it was not based on truth. I give honor to you for it is due.
I have respect for all Buddhism teachings. Even though I follow Nichiren Buddhism but I like to incorporate namo amida butsu. I use NAM MYOHO RENGE KO for my myself, and Namo Amida Butsu for my afterlife.
So true of what you have said. My faith in our father namo amitabha and namo shakyamuni Buddha and all the great lords from above is so powerful. The faith and believes that I have in them is unconditional. My whole families got the COVID-19 and I was the only one who got tested negative, even though I was in close contact with them. They coughed all over me, all day and all night. The love and compassionate heart that my father gave me is so great. They gave me the cosmic energy and my seven layer of glass sealed. I’m so great for it. I love all my father. 🙏🙏🙏❤️😊🥰🌷💐🌺🌹🌸🌻
Great to see your unshakeable faith. Yes we will always be under the protection of Amituofo Guanyin and all with this kind of deep faith 🙏🙏🙏ps. Hope your family will get well and start chanting Amituofo too 🙏🙏🙏Amituofo
Thank you for your compassionate word. Well three of them is getting better, but my nephew just got the Covid-19 also, but I pray for them as much as I could. And I didn’t even wear a mask at all when I was with them at home. They didn’t wear it either. Because I believed that all my fathers will always protect and guide me where ever I’m at. 🙏🙏🙏
I try to teach them to chant namo amitoufo in Mandarin Chinese, but it’s so hard, because they are from Laos. They believed more in our father shakyamuni bhudda. But our father shakyamuni bhudda show me the great western pure land of the ultimate bliss, when I was praying to him last three years ago. I’ve asked for this to be my last life here on earth, because I don’t want to come back to samsara again. 🙏🙏🙏
Dear Penny, I'm rejoiced upon reading your wonderful experiences. That's such great miracles right there. Thank you so much for the great sharing. May all your entire family stayed safe, and for those who are effected by covid shall soon 'healed', keep on reciting Amitabha Buddha's name and transfer the merits to all your ill family members. Best of luck to you and your family. Namo Amituofo!
It's enough to believe that many beings want to help other beings and that these beings are Buddhas since beings exist there is a great one Amitabha who wants to help
Thank you very much. Since I started chanting the Amithaba recitation and nianfo I found your videos . The best the clearest simple and transparent . I can’t be more confident after listening to you. Namo Amituofo .🙏
Anyone who calls on the name of Amitofu with true heart and believes will immediately see the light of Amitofu! It’s so bright and powerful! You can feel it! My heart dwells in the pure land already. So beautiful! So wonderful.
But did Buddha not talk about Amitabha Buddha as a skillful means, to communicate that the universal compassionate life force beyond our comprehension is always working towards our ultimate enlightenment. I feel so sad that I appear unable to believe that Amitabha Buddha is Real and not a Metaphor 😢🙏🏼
WOW! Such a great explanation. I'm from a part of America with no Buddhist temples especially Pure Land. So I do my research on the internet, TH-cam, and books. Yet, I have never found anyone using a apologetic method to explain their practice. Thank You... Namo 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for sharing. Our 24 year old cat was dying and I have one of those electronic devices that have various chants of Amitabha on them. I had this playing in the background for the last few days before he passed. So if anyone in the Pure Land suddenly sees a grey cat manifesting to become enlightened, it's probably Theodore. Namo Amitabha Buddha.
Tibetan book of the dead covers Amitabha Buddha and his pureland as a place to request birth when you are in the death bardo so it's not just the pureland school that recognizes Amitabha Buddha as real.
@@PureLandBuddhism and I definitely do in life as well. I studied that book to make sure I don't get lost or confused in the death bardo but I will be seeing you in the pureland as well sister. Namo Amida Butsu
@@kaliyugawanderer5343 yes just seek rebirth at the time of death and there will not be any Bardo period for people who attain rebirth at the time of death. See u in the Pure Land 🙏Amituofo
It can go either way. It is a matter of perception. Let them choose for themselves. Whether they believe in a literal and separate Amitabha or that it is an emanation of a reflection of the witness-consciousness of a budda is a matter of interpretation, faith and witness perception. This is a really good channel. Your words are calming just listening to you.
Thank you for all your dharma talks. I am old and retired. Do you have suggestions for best Pure Land teachers and places to practice in the US? Amituofo.
Sakyamuni Buddha was a historical figure. There is evidence for his existence in history. Amitaba is not a historical figure. It's like believing in Jesus Christ....faith based. The reaction of this person is similar to how Christians behave when you say Jesus never existed . Christians call it heaven and you call it Pure Land. Lastly karma is not punitive and to be afraid of. It is your destiny to be lived.
all jewish, greek and roman accounts present a picture of a middle aged rabbi called joshua leading a group of followers that kicked up a stir and then he got executed, jesus is joshua in greek, he was a historical figure just not how christians think he was (he was a lot older)
Having faith in Christ may not necessarily lead one to be reborn in the heaven realm. The Buddha told us it's actually quite difficult to be reborn in the heaven realm, one has to practice the ten good deeds and plus meditation (the higher the level of heavens, the more meditative state one requires). To seek rebirth to the heaven realm is purely a self-power method, even if one believes in Christ one doesn't practice the ten good deeds one still cannot be born in the heaven. Also the heaven realm is only one of the six realms of reincarnation. So it's not eternal yet, heavenly beings at the time of death will still subject to the cycle of reincarnation, one is not free from all suffering in life yet. Amituofo
You mentioned the only things that are necessary are deep faith, vow and practice. I'm new to Pure Land Buddhism. Please tell me what vow yoy are referring to. Thank you.
Amituofo 🙏 Here, vow refers to the Buddhist vow to take refuge in and follow the dharma, and live skillfully. In Pure Land Buddhism, this is so we can be reborn in Amitabha's Pure Land to achieve enlightenment there. This is why vow is listed with deep faith and practice, as the three are core to Buddhist practice and belief. Hopefully this helps. Feel free to browse the links in the description for more information. Namo Amituofo 🙏✨
How exactly do we ascertain the "west" direction... Earth is spherical, so west could be anywhere.... Does it not depend on how you are standing what your "west" is?
I am interested in Pure Land Buddhism. I want to understand its relationship to the historical Buddha. As far as I am aware Shakyamuni Buddha did not teach anything about Amitabha or the Pure Land, but it seems that Pure Land Buddhism makes it much easier to attain Nirvana than the Pali canon. Why?
It is not quite different. In the Mahayana Sutras, the basic fundamental teachings are there as seen in the Nikayas, for example. However, certain emphasis is given on certain subjects. Emptiness of self, for example, is emphasized and investigated deeper than in the Pali Canon. the Jhanas, mindfulness trainings, four noble truths, noble eightfold path, and so on are all mentioned in the Sutras. The states of the four Jhanas are briefly touched on in the Pure Land Sutras. In the Pali Canon, seed forms of what is seen in Pure Land and other Mahayana schools is present. Practice of mindfulness through recollection of the Buddha as well as the Dharma and Sangha is spoken of in the Pali scriptures. Stages of enlightenment as presented in the Pali Canon is mentioned in the Pure Land Sutras. Pure realms where almost enlightened beings can go after death as to finish their practice is mentioned in the Pali Canon. In regards to the Pure Land Sutras, it states that the Pure Land is not another heaven to enjoy. If anything such a view is wrong as heavenly births are full of useless pleasure and its happiness comes to an end. To go to the Pure land is to be born in a place where practice is easier and awakening is instant as such awakening is hard in this world. It is said in the Sutra (Larger Amitabha Sutra) that one experiences the peace of the arahant in the Pure Land. It is a means to achieve liberation if one can not in this lifetime. The three poisons are unknown in that land as well as any idea of covetousness even towards the body. Whether it is mentioned directly in the Pali scriptures is of no use beside from a Theravadin view. In terms of EBTs (Early Buddhist Scriptures), the earliest Buddhist written manuscripts we have are from the Mahayana. The Perfection of Wisdom of 8000 lines dates to 184 BCE and 46 BCE. The Pali Canon was put together in 1st century BCE throughout first century CE as well which is the same time the Mahayana scriptures arose. Early Buddhism was an oral tradition. Certain schools had certain doctrinal focus. We see what we call Mahayana in the Mahasanghika school which was formally established in 383BCE after the second Buddhist council. The Theravada comes from the Sthaviravadins which were the counterpart of the Mahasangikha. The two split after the second council and further schools came afterward. I theorize that the two had different views because of what they were taught from the Buddha. The Sthaviravadins orally recited what is now known as the Nikayas. Who is to say that the early Mahayanist did not also orally transmit their Sutras? Sure, we can see that when they were written, certain literary emphasis is shown (as it was the beginning of written transmittion in India which was valuable) and copying the Sutras is seen as valuable which does impose some future literary emphasis, but I do not think we can say that they are brand new compositions someone made up entirely. We have manuscripts, mention, and imagery of Mahayana thought from North India and South India by the turning of the Common Era which I do not think is possible if the Sutras were written then as new literary compositions and then spread further . It was already widespread. Mentions of Amitabha Buddha or Bodhisattvas in the Pure Land in particular are found in several early Sutras dating to the same time or very soon after the Pali Canon like the Prajnaparamita Sutras, Lotus Sutra, etc. Surely sectarian emphasis is placed in the Mahayana Sutras but the same can be seen in Theravada scriptures (more so its practitioners') as they split from the second council. I do not see how differing views from shortly after the Buddha can in itself make one more legitimate then the other when there us evidence of both ways of thought coming about from the time of the Buddha himself. I am however not a scholar on the subject so take my introspection with no extreme authoritativeness. This all is not important however when it comes to direct practice. The Buddha, no matter your sect, wanted to lessen worldly and unskillful ways and to increase wholesome ways and skillful practices that lead to the cessation of self, fermentation, lust, and greed. His goal was to lessen internal ignorance and fever which gives rise to craving, dissatisfaction, etc. If one focuses the mind and recites Amitabha, and by doing so their passions, ego, unskillful ways, and so on decrease, I do not see why it should be a problem. Pure Land Masters often equate, in the Absolute sense, Amitabha to nirvana--the unconditioned--the deathless. The Pure Land is dwelling in Niravana (Nibbana) in which this very land becomes without stain in the pure and awakened mind. But indeed, this is hard to realize. Who has the authority to say the Pure Land where we can go to realize awakening does not exist? Millions of testimonies show otherwise. Physical proof of not-deteriorating bodies exists. Visions and direct enlightenment upon Nianfo practice exists. Some of the greatest Buddhist masters, which are far more surpassed than you or I, recited the name of Amitabha and suggested doing so. Master Xuyun, Master Guang qin, etc. all did so and they were by no means ordinary. They had for sure attained Arahantship--modern day Arahants, or perhaps Bodhisattvas. You can research their lives if you wish. So, it comes down to this: does the practice help lessen unskillful and unwholesome ways and does it rather increase wisdom, the end of passions, the end of self, and realization of the unborn, the deathless nirvana? It has shown time and time again, and in my personal experience, to do such (by lessening suffering and increasing calmness, non-desire, purity, compassion, and non-attachment). Who then should say it is useless or should be thrown aside due to historical embellishments or sectarian attachment? Should I listen to scholars and intellectuals (who can be biased anyways), or masters who have overcome Mara, and death itself? Masters who had meditative strength of the Buddha himself, Masters who had overcome self, all ignorance, and who indeed attained the unconditioned as well as influenced thousands to do the same (Xuyun for example)...Should I again exclusively trust science, which is just taking off, or put some contemplation into rebirth cases in which the bodies of the [ordinary and lay] devotees did not rot, become cold, and which instead were warm, in tact, and spread otherworldly fragrances? This we can see in videos, but more so in our own lives if you have been around these communities like Jiawen. To you is your sect, and to others theirs Clinging to views indeed increases hatred and fever The cessation of clinging indeed brings peace and bliss Letting go of attachment and self May we realize the deathless Do not cling even to the Buddha[s] Let go of the self and realize Infinite Life and Light This is truly Amitabha This is truly the Pure Land Amituofo!
i recite amituofo for my meditation object. it is just a good and it works. mind creates everything. if you believe it real, then it is real if you don't then it is certainly don't. people has less experience in life , they only use their limit way to deal with it. As human has sense of survival system... if they don't know, they don't doubt. as it is their limit... often they are influence by others, they don't practice or experience it. if you belive in karma. then pureland exists. you don't work you don't get pay. .. this is karma. I think people should keep an open mind and investigate into it. I don't doubt it, i just studying it .. i just don't listen to others only.
Dear Lady, I am from Croatia and all this is new for me... would be so kind to explain to me, clearly, real pronunciation, Chinese version of meditation... sorry, you speak very fast, so, please be patient to me... what is Your advice for me... I am 66, alone and I don't see any sense, thank You for videos and effort, respectfully, Emil, Split, Croatia
Hello please practice Nianfo (recite the name of Amitabha Buddha) with faith and vow, and seek rebirth to Amitabha Buddha's Pure Land. Can also join our 24hrs Nianfo Zoom room if you know how. Ps. Apologise if I speak too fast think my new videos are slower. Amituofo
All Buddhist manuscripts were written by people and not Sakyamuni himself. Sakyamuni wrote nothing. Many of the Pali Suttas were compiled in the same era as the Mahayana Sutras.
I find the stories of reciters having a good death, seeing Amituofo, etc, some of which are contemporary, more convincing than any sutras, as I don't know the provenance of any of these sutras. If Shakyamuni B really said the words found in the PL Sutras, I would not dare to disbelieve.
Your conviction of the genuineness of the rebirth accounts shows that you have some faith in Amituofo. Please work on strengthening this and practice Nianfo with increasing faith and strong vows to be reborn in Sukhavati. Also, the Pure Land Sutras were spoken by Shakyamuni himself, be rest assured. Amituofo 🙏
You know, even monastics had friends growing up, and their friends also had frustrations about what they can achieve in Life :)) It's scary-bad to insult your childhood friends just because a TH-cam algorithm is chucking garbage. Does that make sense? :)
5 skhandas are impermanent and not self. Any Buddha is not 5 skhandas. Also Amitabha has many names not all speak Sanskrit oe Chinese. Do not search Buddha in form and mind which are impermanent. Amitabha is watching us every breath we take. Try to be reborn there, call his energy but do not make accusations ... Amitabha is love, light without boundery... Do not put bounderies... It is anger not love
Be very careful when using the old, "Why would the Buddha leave luxury, etc just to lie to us..." argument. This is a very bad argument. Islam uses the same argument for the verity of Muhammad's message. Rather have people understand that to encounter and resonate with the Dharma at all is indicative of walking this path before. It is only through meditation and practice that we will realize the truth of it and continue the journey. Namo Amituofo!
I'm very sorry, Jiawen. As much as I respect you, I simply cannot with your views. They are too conservative for me. I cannot subscribe to this. 🙏 Namo Amitofo anyway. 🙏
I was liking your videos but in this one you sound like a fundamentalist, and that is a in it's essence blind faith, something the historical buddha rejected, himself proclaiming to put everything to the test to see if it is true or not
I bow to the immensely compassionate Amitabha Buddha. May all beings awaken to his grace and love for all beings. Namo Amituofo.
I believe in Amitabha Buddha and that he will guide me to the Pure Land when the time has come. Every single day before I go to sleep, I recite his mantra and this strengthens my faith. Thank you! Namo Amitabha Buddha
I started saying Namo Amitabha Buddha just a few days ago and in only a few days I got a newer nicer hotel room, I got more privacy, I got all these nice comforting things and space for me to practice meditating. I'm making huge progress in meditating and taming my mind so I think its just all to help me keep practicing undisturbed
(Warning: lengthy text ahead) Well said, Jiawen. I totally agree with you. But I also like to share my opinion with you:
To come into contact with Buddhism is itself a 'miracle'. It would take a lot of good merit for this 'fruit' to ripen. Not to mention to understand the truth that Buddha has shown us. That would take even more 'merit'. And also not to mention to realize the truth (understanding and realization are 2 different 'phenomenon'. Most of us can understand but few can realize the truth which is why we are still attached to worldly conditions). That would take even more 'merit'.
In the Diamond sutra Chapter 6, Buddha has said: "Without a doubt, Subhuti. Even 500 years after the Enlightenment of this Buddha there will be some who are virtuous and wise, and while practicing compassion and charity, will believe in the words and phrases of this Sutra and will awaken their minds purely. After they come to hear these teachings, they will be inspired with belief. This is because when some people hear these words, they will have understood intuitively that these words are the truth."
The Buddha continue: "But you must also remember, Subhuti, that such persons have long ago planted the seeds of goodness and merit that lead to this realization. They have planted the seeds of good deeds and charity not simply before one Buddhist temple, or two temples, or five, but before hundreds of thousands of Buddhas and temples. So when a person who hears the words and phrases of this Sutra is ready for it to happen, a pure faith and clarity can awaken within their minds." (Hear at 6:20 in this audio Diamond Sutra th-cam.com/video/HK9u7Jz-vNA/w-d-xo.html or diamond-sutra.com/read-the-diamond-sutra-here/diamond-sutra-chapter-6/ for text version)
Buddha-lands (not just Amitabha Buddha-land but also other Buddhas' Buddha-land) has been mentioned numerous time by the Buddha, even in the Diamond Sutra. Furthermore, to refrain from false speech is one of the 5 fundamental major precepts pillars that support the Dharma. This is fundamental and is not likely that Buddha will lie about the presence of Buddha-lands. That I have full faith in the Buddha. (I use the word 'presence' and not the word 'exist' because existence is illusory. 'Exist' and/or 'Existence' only bear meaning relative to the concept of 'self'. Without the 'self', nothing exist, but everything is still present. Just like there is no enlightened beings (in other words, Buddha don't exist), but enlightenment is still present. If one were still to grasp onto the existence and form of a Buddha (and in this context, the existence of a Buddha-land), one has still not discarded "all arbitrary notions of the existence of a personal self, of other people, or of a universal self." The Diamond Sutra is crystal clear on this. For people who have not yet grasp the subtle meaning of this, they may find the Diamond Sutra as very self-contradictory but it is not.
So for those who do not yet believe what Buddha said, it is their ignorance. Their 'merit' are not enough for it to ripen yet. They deserve our compassion and patient guidance and not our defensive debunk. When you look at Buddhas and/or Bodhisattvas portrait or statue, you always see a gentle smile on their face regardless of situations and conditions. That gentle smile is their compassion and patience.
Last point to share is this: even the truth and the dharma cannot be clinged upon. If we clinged on strongly to the truth, then when one day when we reached 'the other shore' we would not be able to let go of the boat that brought us there. Even the boat has to be let go. And only when the boat is let go then we are free to reach the inner shore on the other side.
Good blessing to you. Hope to meet you on the 'other shore'. If you happen to reach there first, do help me out a bit. :)
Om Mani Padme Hum.
Well said and yes we will all reach the other shore when we seek rebirth in the Pure Land in this lifetime 🙂🙏Amituofo
I totally agreed with you , I witnessed saw Amitabha Buddha during my grandpa’s left the world , Amitabha Buddha came and send down the lotus flower to bring him up to Amitabha ‘s hand, Amitabha Buddha was so huge like two storeys tall with bright light and musical appeared in front of my grandpa. I was only 27 years old
WOW... What is Amitabha Buddha like?
AMAZING! I really believe you cause I know Amitabha Buddha is real and protecting me!
I hv faith in Amitabha Buddha. What's u experience the time ur grandpa's left so amazing. I ard make a vow to seek reborn in d bliss land of Amitabha Buddha. Bcoz I wanna end birth n death to end samsara it's Suffering world. Namo Amitoufo 🙏 🙏 🙏
I hv faith in Amitabha Buddha n faith in myself coz actually our Buddha nature is Amitabha Buddha. I ard make a vow to seek rebirth in pure land. Amitoufo 🙏 🙏 🙏
please don't tell a lie. No one can see Buddha or God in this real world. We only believe that they exist
Namo Amitabha Buddha 🙏❤️☀️
Thanks Jiawen
I think in the west, the secularization of Buddhism has really killed the faith aspect of Amitabha practice. I rely on Amitabha in Vajrayana, it requires faith and regular practice. I wish we emphasized faith more here in the west :/
(1) Buddha Shakyamuni taught about Buddha Amitabha, (2) When you transfer the positive karma generated by the Buddha Mantra to suffering people or animals, you can observe healing miracles and more, (3) when you study the Amitabha Sutras, you are supported and protected by all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, you can experience that very clearly.
Thank you so much for sharing.Namo Amituofo!
🙏🙏🙏
Amituofo!! thank you for a new video!!
Hi, I am from India and there are few aspects that I find are taken for granted and in absolute manner. And I would like to discuss them in detail.
1. There is never a BELEIF in Dharma.... Dharma itself is coherently related to Karma. There is a reason why these two words rhyme. If Dharma is an idea then Karma is the consequent actions of that idea. A belief is needed when an idea (Dharma) cannot be witnessed as an actionable outcome (Karma). Only blind people believe that sky is blue. Others who can see are witness to this fact, would never say, "I believe sky is blue" but rather they will just simply say as witness, "Sky is blue". This is what Chetna (witnessing consciousness) is.
2. Sukhavati (pure land) does not require Skandha to experience it. Hence, it is Chetna (witnessing consciousness) which directly experiences Sukhavati. Hence, this experience of Sukhavati is spontaneous and happens without any filter of perception, views or discrimination. This is the reason why Sukhavati is called "pavitra bhoomi" (literally meaning Pure land) because it can be experienced unclouded by any filter.
3. Chetna (witnessing consciousness) does not need a material form to realize itself and Sukhavati. Hence, Sukhavati is beyond both mental and physical projections. Therefore it is said that Sukhavati does not exist in the Saha world. Anything which acquires this quality of going beyond mental and physical projections becomes something of infinite existence for human mind and body. This is the reason why Amitabha Buddha is called "Amit-abha" meaning "Amit"=infinite/never decreasing, and "abha"= light. The Buddhahood of Bodhisattava Dharmakara is of infinite knowledge because it attains this quality/place/state/ projection where Chetna goes beyond the realm and limits where mental (mind) and physical (body) projections can go. That is where Chetna just experiences things just as they are. When you see things just like a witness and nothing else, then even a small leaf becomes a thing of immense detail, beauty, curiosity and soothing to you. No matter how much you witness and even invest yourself into it for many eons, you will still not know it fully. It will continue to sooth your Chetna. This is why everything in Sukhavati is full of beauty, soothing-ness and highly detailed. This why all Buddha come there because it is place for them to be "just themselves" and to just witness themselves and in turn become most of themselves.
4. Once can experience the same charm of Sukhavati if one does exactly what Amitabha Buddha did on path to his Buddhahood. (but it can be a time taking process!!) Thankfully, the karmic consequence of the Buddhahood of the Bodhisattava Dharmakara is Sukhavati. And it is this instrument of Sukhavati which is of great use for sentient beings as the experience of Sukhavati itself is like experiencing Buddhahood in much simpler manner.
5. Bodhisattava Dharmakara was a unique Bodhisattava because he focused all his Dhayana (Chan), all his energy in deep Samadhi to help realize Sukhavati.This is not usually what a Bodhisattava would do. Hence, he started indirectly performing the karma of a boddhisattava (as mentioned in Acharya Shantideva's Bodhicharya-avatara) only after he became a Buddha. Hence, the light of Amitabha is not just the light of a Buddha but also of a Bodhisattava and this is the reason why Sukhavati is for all sentient beings. In simple words, it is not just the many eons of Samadhi and Dhayana of Bodhisattava that became Sukhavati but what he would function as Bodhisattava for those eons, became the function of Sukhavati. Hence, one can also say that Sukhavati is the Bodhisattava-roop (Bodhisattava form) combined with eons of Sadhna-Shakti (meditative power) of Amitabha Buddha. Hence, Sukhavati and Amitabha Buddha are related respectively just as a Bodhisattava and his Buddhahood with only one difference. A Bodhisattava may come to you but it is you who has to go to the Sukhavati.
6. About hell... Hell is a result of karmic consequence. It is something that we make for ourselves by our karma. When Bodhisattava Kshitigarbha talks about hells, it is important to understand and note that he is TALKING about them. He does not intend to send/punish anyone there. These are the hells that people make for themselves by their actions (karma). A hell is not when you are captive because you are tied in shackles or locked in a prison. A hell is when you are captive even when there are no shackles and no prison. This hell is where Chetna experiences such shackles. The words used in Kshitigarbha sutra create terrible pictures what a sentient being with body and mind can understand. This is because Kshitigarbha is a Bodhisattava, and being a Bodhisattava, he would talk in this manner, which can be a help to as many sentient beings as possible. The fear and dread are familiar to a Bodhisattava as Shakyamuni Buddha himself stated in the Bhaya-Bherava Sutta in Majjhim-nikaya of the Tripitaka. Hence, using these familiarity, Kshitigarbha talks about them for wayward karma. So, it does not necessarily mean that there is a cauldron of boiling oil in some hell where you will be deep fried for some bad karma. A karma is not good or bad, but it can only be wayward to lead you to a place where you are captive even without shackles.
7. The Tathagarbha school of Baudh Dharma used to once deeply study the workings of Sukhavati in ancient India. We are trying to revive some of the lost traditions here in India. I hope this helps you. I would like to know your views/counter views on this and how much do you find this in line with traditions of pure land buddhism there in China
Aum Amitabha Hrih
Namo Buddhayah
Thanks for sharing this, I really believe in Amitabha Buddha
I think that's the big problem with secular buddhism. Usually the people who investigate about buddhism are investigating because they have a predisposition and are open minded to buddhism. Also most of them know that buddhism belive in rebirth and karma, but once they meet this secular buddhism they think it's a way to fill this empty feeling without being like... non scientific... but secular buddhism is not buddhism because it is not the dharma of the buddha and is a wrong view. Even if the people who practice it maybe can apply some teaching such as meditation and improve their life quality, they will suffer karmic consequences in the future and will suffer a lot if they propagate this kind of buddhism. Because it's slandering the dharma.
Just because one does not believe in rebirth I don't think it will add much bad karma...And Buddhism itself in general does not try to impose any belief to you as far as I know... And you need not be Secular to not believe in Amitabha... Theravadins probably don't either. But I agree that talking bad about another belief system is not nice.... Especially without doing any reading of the sutras...
@@thesarasohrabiI think the bad karma is not for not beliving in rebirth, but for creating a new sistem of belifs, transform them to secular and saying that that sistem is the real teaching of the buddha and all were metaphors. Also it's even worst if you did not even read the sutras
@@thesarasohrabi so not beliving in amitabha buddha for theravadins I don't think it will carry bad karma. Unless they talk bad about mahayana belifs and don't respect them
however if they tell others that amitabha budha does not exist... i don't know maybe that would carry bad karma, but I think it also depens on their intention... if a theravadin lay ask a theravadin monk for amitabha budha is logical that he will tell him that for their school is apocryphal and idk... that is more complicated
@@anaelito-fk6eb Hmm but do Secular Buddhists do that? I mean tell that that is the real teaching? Does it add any new idea? I thought it was more like, Standard Buddhism - Anything involving things that cannot be verified such as Rebirth, Gods etc...
I have in the past been told by some Buddhists that Amitabha Buddha and the Pureland are not real, but I never paid attention to them, because I knew they were real. I have no doubt, but I don't know how to talk to these people. So, I just ignore what they say and keep believing in Amitabha Buddha and saying his name. Namo Amituofo 🙏♥️🌈☸️📿
keep the faith!
Om ami deva hri.🙏🙏🙏
Great video! Namo Amitabha!
Thank you for your channel. Your practical wisdom is a rarity today in Buddhist teaching. It was refreshing finding you. My experience w/ Pure Land was not based on faith. My point of conviction came when I understood Amitabha's 18th vow. When I realized that a Buddha cannot lie, my concern for escaping the wheel was over. The fear of retribution was replaced w/ immense gratitude. Faith can falter when adversity is high enough & bitterness sets in w/ its looming doubt/unbelief, at least it did for me when I left my other religion after many decades, together in finding out that it was not based on truth. I give honor to you for it is due.
Thank you so much for this! I love your channel! Namo Amitabha Buddha!
I have respect for all Buddhism teachings. Even though I follow Nichiren Buddhism but I like to incorporate namo amida butsu. I use NAM MYOHO RENGE KO for my myself, and Namo Amida Butsu for my afterlife.
So true of what you have said. My faith in our father namo amitabha and namo shakyamuni Buddha and all the great lords from above is so powerful. The faith and believes that I have in them is unconditional. My whole families got the COVID-19 and I was the only one who got tested negative, even though I was in close contact with them. They coughed all over me, all day and all night. The love and compassionate heart that my father gave me is so great. They gave me the cosmic energy and my seven layer of glass sealed. I’m so great for it. I love all my father. 🙏🙏🙏❤️😊🥰🌷💐🌺🌹🌸🌻
Great to see your unshakeable faith. Yes we will always be under the protection of Amituofo Guanyin and all with this kind of deep faith 🙏🙏🙏ps. Hope your family will get well and start chanting Amituofo too 🙏🙏🙏Amituofo
Thank you for your compassionate word. Well three of them is getting better, but my nephew just got the Covid-19 also, but I pray for them as much as I could. And I didn’t even wear a mask at all when I was with them at home. They didn’t wear it either. Because I believed that all my fathers will always protect and guide
me where ever I’m at. 🙏🙏🙏
@@pennychannoy8279 yes and tell them to chant Amituofo and Guanyin to get well soon 🙂🙏🙏🙏Amituofo
I try to teach them to chant namo amitoufo in Mandarin Chinese, but it’s so hard, because they are from Laos. They believed more in our father shakyamuni bhudda. But our father shakyamuni bhudda show me the great western pure land of the ultimate bliss, when I was praying to him last three years ago. I’ve asked for this to be my last life here on earth, because I don’t want to come back to samsara again. 🙏🙏🙏
Dear Penny, I'm rejoiced upon reading your wonderful experiences.
That's such great miracles right there.
Thank you so much for the great sharing.
May all your entire family stayed safe, and for those who are effected by covid shall soon 'healed', keep on reciting Amitabha Buddha's name and transfer the merits to all your ill family members.
Best of luck to you and your family.
Namo Amituofo!
It's enough to believe that many beings want to help other beings and that these beings are Buddhas since beings exist there is a great one Amitabha who wants to help
Thank you very much. Since I started chanting the Amithaba recitation and nianfo I found your videos . The best the clearest simple and transparent . I can’t be more confident after listening to you. Namo Amituofo .🙏
Anyone who calls on the name of Amitofu with true heart and believes will immediately see the light of Amitofu! It’s so bright and powerful! You can feel it! My heart dwells in the pure land already. So beautiful! So wonderful.
But did Buddha not talk about Amitabha Buddha as a skillful means, to communicate that the universal compassionate life force beyond our comprehension is always working towards our ultimate enlightenment.
I feel so sad that I appear unable to believe that Amitabha Buddha is Real and not a Metaphor 😢🙏🏼
nam mo a di da phat! Thank you very much!
A MI ĐÀ PHẬT
I seen Amitanha Buddha and also went to the Pure Land myself in 1987. So it is all more real than real.
Wow 😮 thats very enlightening.... I been wondering this question for almost 4 years
This question is a wrong question.
The correct question is "How will the teachings help me become a better person ?"
Thanks for the video.. Amitabha.
Thank you for your video ☸
Namo Amitabha Buddha !
WOW! Such a great explanation. I'm from a part of America with no Buddhist temples especially Pure Land. So I do my research on the internet, TH-cam, and books. Yet, I have never found anyone using a apologetic method to explain their practice. Thank You... Namo 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for sharing. Our 24 year old cat was dying and I have one of those electronic devices that have various chants of Amitabha on them. I had this playing in the background for the last few days before he passed. So if anyone in the Pure Land suddenly sees a grey cat manifesting to become enlightened, it's probably Theodore. Namo Amitabha Buddha.
Greetings . Your statue is breathtaking. Where did you receive it ?
China :) Amituofo
I love your videos!! Please keep up the great job. Namo Amitabha Buddha!!!
Namo Amitabha Buddha
You're amazing 👏
Namo Amitabha….thanks for gretings me in my dreams
Hello! I am looking into Buddhism and I am trying to see if Pure Land Buddhism is for me, but your videos are really helpful!
Tibetan book of the dead covers Amitabha Buddha and his pureland as a place to request birth when you are in the death bardo so it's not just the pureland school that recognizes Amitabha Buddha as real.
Yes in Pure Land Buddhism we seek rebirth before death, at the moment of death, not wait til the Bardo. Amituofo 🙏 and Amituofo is definitely real.
@@PureLandBuddhism and I definitely do in life as well. I studied that book to make sure I don't get lost or confused in the death bardo but I will be seeing you in the pureland as well sister.
Namo Amida Butsu
@@kaliyugawanderer5343 yes just seek rebirth at the time of death and there will not be any Bardo period for people who attain rebirth at the time of death. See u in the Pure Land 🙏Amituofo
If illusiory world is real ..The pure land is more real..🙏❤️😇
Namo Amitabha Buddha 🙏
Bless you sweetheart !!!
Please give me a cc subtitle.
Namo amituofo
Namo Amitabha Buddha, Namo Amituofo !!!
Thank you so much for your videos. Besides gaining wisdom from them my faith has become stronger more and more. Namo Amitabha Buddha ❤🙏❤
amitabha buddha told everyone believe in him
namo amitoufo
It can go either way. It is a matter of perception. Let them choose for themselves. Whether they believe in a literal and separate Amitabha or that it is an emanation of a reflection of the witness-consciousness of a budda is a matter of interpretation, faith and witness perception.
This is a really good channel. Your words are calming just listening to you.
THANKS YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE INFORMATION 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 AMITOFO
Thank you for all your dharma talks. I am old and retired. Do you have suggestions for best Pure Land teachers and places to practice in the US? Amituofo.
Thank you x
what to prove that Shakymuni talked about pure land and Amitabha? please show me the prove, thank you
Do u live in china
Sakyamuni Buddha was a historical figure. There is evidence for his existence in history. Amitaba is not a historical figure. It's like believing in Jesus Christ....faith based. The reaction of this person is similar to how Christians behave when you say Jesus never existed . Christians call it heaven and you call it Pure Land. Lastly karma is not punitive and to be afraid of. It is your destiny to be lived.
all jewish, greek and roman accounts present a picture of a middle aged rabbi called joshua leading a group of followers that kicked up a stir and then he got executed, jesus is joshua in greek, he was a historical figure just not how christians think he was (he was a lot older)
Interesting, what are you thoughts on having faith in Christ to go to heaven? Are these people wrong?
Having faith in Christ may not necessarily lead one to be reborn in the heaven realm. The Buddha told us it's actually quite difficult to be reborn in the heaven realm, one has to practice the ten good deeds and plus meditation (the higher the level of heavens, the more meditative state one requires). To seek rebirth to the heaven realm is purely a self-power method, even if one believes in Christ one doesn't practice the ten good deeds one still cannot be born in the heaven.
Also the heaven realm is only one of the six realms of reincarnation. So it's not eternal yet, heavenly beings at the time of death will still subject to the cycle of reincarnation, one is not free from all suffering in life yet. Amituofo
I would love it if you did a video about daily shrine practice, I do follow a service in a book I have but often wonder if im doing it wrong
Hello you can join our daily Nianfo Sessions in Zoom, that's our daily shrine practice. Amituofo 🙂🙏
You mentioned the only things that are necessary are deep faith, vow and practice. I'm new to Pure Land Buddhism. Please tell me what vow yoy are referring to. Thank you.
Amituofo 🙏 Here, vow refers to the Buddhist vow to take refuge in and follow the dharma, and live skillfully. In Pure Land Buddhism, this is so we can be reborn in Amitabha's Pure Land to achieve enlightenment there. This is why vow is listed with deep faith and practice, as the three are core to Buddhist practice and belief. Hopefully this helps. Feel free to browse the links in the description for more information. Namo Amituofo 🙏✨
i also witnessed
Amitabh in 70ees movies was young.
Now Amitabh is Buddha
How exactly do we ascertain the "west" direction... Earth is spherical, so west could be anywhere.... Does it not depend on how you are standing what your "west" is?
west from india
為什麼沒有中文字幕?
以后会有中文视频
I am interested in Pure Land Buddhism. I want to understand its relationship to the historical Buddha. As far as I am aware Shakyamuni Buddha did not teach anything about Amitabha or the Pure Land, but it seems that Pure Land Buddhism makes it much easier to attain Nirvana than the Pali canon. Why?
Please go through the videos in this list by following the order - Pure Land Buddhism 101: th-cam.com/play/PL-RSgVFbZXSwWXMSOkjPPlhM1FNWHSWV3.html .
It is not quite different. In the Mahayana Sutras, the basic fundamental teachings are there as seen in the Nikayas, for example. However, certain emphasis is given on certain subjects. Emptiness of self, for example, is emphasized and investigated deeper than in the Pali Canon. the Jhanas, mindfulness trainings, four noble truths, noble eightfold path, and so on are all mentioned in the Sutras. The states of the four Jhanas are briefly touched on in the Pure Land Sutras. In the Pali Canon, seed forms of what is seen in Pure Land and other Mahayana schools is present. Practice of mindfulness through recollection of the Buddha as well as the Dharma and Sangha is spoken of in the Pali scriptures. Stages of enlightenment as presented in the Pali Canon is mentioned in the Pure Land Sutras. Pure realms where almost enlightened beings can go after death as to finish their practice is mentioned in the Pali Canon. In regards to the Pure Land Sutras, it states that the Pure Land is not another heaven to enjoy. If anything such a view is wrong as heavenly births are full of useless pleasure and its happiness comes to an end. To go to the Pure land is to be born in a place where practice is easier and awakening is instant as such awakening is hard in this world. It is said in the Sutra (Larger Amitabha Sutra) that one experiences the peace of the arahant in the Pure Land. It is a means to achieve liberation if one can not in this lifetime. The three poisons are unknown in that land as well as any idea of covetousness even towards the body. Whether it is mentioned directly in the Pali scriptures is of no use beside from a Theravadin view. In terms of EBTs (Early Buddhist Scriptures), the earliest Buddhist written manuscripts we have are from the Mahayana. The Perfection of Wisdom of 8000 lines dates to 184 BCE and 46 BCE. The Pali Canon was put together in 1st century BCE throughout first century CE as well which is the same time the Mahayana scriptures arose. Early Buddhism was an oral tradition. Certain schools had certain doctrinal focus. We see what we call Mahayana in the Mahasanghika school which was formally established in 383BCE after the second Buddhist council. The Theravada comes from the Sthaviravadins which were the counterpart of the Mahasangikha. The two split after the second council and further schools came afterward. I theorize that the two had different views because of what they were taught from the Buddha. The Sthaviravadins orally recited what is now known as the Nikayas. Who is to say that the early Mahayanist did not also orally transmit their Sutras? Sure, we can see that when they were written, certain literary emphasis is shown (as it was the beginning of written transmittion in India which was valuable) and copying the Sutras is seen as valuable which does impose some future literary emphasis, but I do not think we can say that they are brand new compositions someone made up entirely. We have manuscripts, mention, and imagery of Mahayana thought from North India and South India by the turning of the Common Era which I do not think is possible if the Sutras were written then as new literary compositions and then spread further . It was already widespread. Mentions of Amitabha Buddha or Bodhisattvas in the Pure Land in particular are found in several early Sutras dating to the same time or very soon after the Pali Canon like the Prajnaparamita Sutras, Lotus Sutra, etc. Surely sectarian emphasis is placed in the Mahayana Sutras but the same can be seen in Theravada scriptures (more so its practitioners') as they split from the second council. I do not see how differing views from shortly after the Buddha can in itself make one more legitimate then the other when there us evidence of both ways of thought coming about from the time of the Buddha himself. I am however not a scholar on the subject so take my introspection with no extreme authoritativeness. This all is not important however when it comes to direct practice. The Buddha, no matter your sect, wanted to lessen worldly and unskillful ways and to increase wholesome ways and skillful practices that lead to the cessation of self, fermentation, lust, and greed. His goal was to lessen internal ignorance and fever which gives rise to craving, dissatisfaction, etc. If one focuses the mind and recites Amitabha, and by doing so their passions, ego, unskillful ways, and so on decrease, I do not see why it should be a problem. Pure Land Masters often equate, in the Absolute sense, Amitabha to nirvana--the unconditioned--the deathless. The Pure Land is dwelling in Niravana (Nibbana) in which this very land becomes without stain in the pure and awakened mind. But indeed, this is hard to realize. Who has the authority to say the Pure Land where we can go to realize awakening does not exist? Millions of testimonies show otherwise. Physical proof of not-deteriorating bodies exists. Visions and direct enlightenment upon Nianfo practice exists. Some of the greatest Buddhist masters, which are far more surpassed than you or I, recited the name of Amitabha and suggested doing so. Master Xuyun, Master Guang qin, etc. all did so and they were by no means ordinary. They had for sure attained Arahantship--modern day Arahants, or perhaps Bodhisattvas. You can research their lives if you wish. So, it comes down to this: does the practice help lessen unskillful and unwholesome ways and does it rather increase wisdom, the end of passions, the end of self, and realization of the unborn, the deathless nirvana? It has shown time and time again, and in my personal experience, to do such (by lessening suffering and increasing calmness, non-desire, purity, compassion, and non-attachment). Who then should say it is useless or should be thrown aside due to historical embellishments or sectarian attachment? Should I listen to scholars and intellectuals (who can be biased anyways), or masters who have overcome Mara, and death itself? Masters who had meditative strength of the Buddha himself, Masters who had overcome self, all ignorance, and who indeed attained the unconditioned as well as influenced thousands to do the same (Xuyun for example)...Should I again exclusively trust science, which is just taking off, or put some contemplation into rebirth cases in which the bodies of the [ordinary and lay] devotees did not rot, become cold, and which instead were warm, in tact, and spread otherworldly fragrances? This we can see in videos, but more so in our own lives if you have been around these communities like Jiawen.
To you is your sect, and to others theirs
Clinging to views indeed increases hatred and fever
The cessation of clinging indeed brings peace and bliss
Letting go of attachment and self
May we realize the deathless
Do not cling even to the Buddha[s]
Let go of the self
and realize Infinite Life and Light
This is truly Amitabha
This is truly the Pure Land
Amituofo!
i recite amituofo for my meditation object. it is just a good and it works. mind creates everything. if you believe it real, then it is real if you don't then it is certainly don't. people has less experience in life , they only use their limit way to deal with it. As human has sense of survival system... if they don't know, they don't doubt. as it is their limit... often they are influence by others, they don't practice or experience it. if you belive in karma. then pureland exists. you don't work you don't get pay. .. this is karma. I think people should keep an open mind and investigate into it. I don't doubt it, i just studying it .. i just don't listen to others only.
i remember reading a manga called 'i am a hero', and in one scene, the guy was praying "namu amida butsu", is this amitabha buddha?
yes. It’s Namo Amituofo but in Japanese
🙏🙏🙏
Dear Lady, I am from Croatia and all this is new for me... would be so kind to explain to me, clearly, real pronunciation, Chinese version of meditation... sorry, you speak very fast, so, please be patient to me... what is Your advice for me... I am 66, alone and I don't see any sense, thank You for videos and effort, respectfully, Emil, Split, Croatia
Hello please practice Nianfo (recite the name of Amitabha Buddha) with faith and vow, and seek rebirth to Amitabha Buddha's Pure Land. Can also join our 24hrs Nianfo Zoom room if you know how.
Ps. Apologise if I speak too fast think my new videos are slower. Amituofo
@@PureLandBuddhism thank you,namo Amida butsu
Thank you 🙏
It's not the Sakyamuni who said about Amitabha, it's Mahayana Sutta did. And Mahayana Sutta is written by people not Sakyamuni him selves
All Buddhist manuscripts were written by people and not Sakyamuni himself. Sakyamuni wrote nothing. Many of the Pali Suttas were compiled in the same era as the Mahayana Sutras.
i witness with my eyes that Amitabh is Buddha
Namo Amituofo 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 Amitabha
Amitabh is really Buddha
🙏🙏🙏
I find the stories of reciters having a good death, seeing Amituofo, etc, some of which are contemporary, more convincing than any sutras, as I don't know the provenance of any of these sutras. If Shakyamuni B really said the words found in the PL Sutras, I would not dare to disbelieve.
Your conviction of the genuineness of the rebirth accounts shows that you have some faith in Amituofo. Please work on strengthening this and practice Nianfo with increasing faith and strong vows to be reborn in Sukhavati.
Also, the Pure Land Sutras were spoken by Shakyamuni himself, be rest assured.
Amituofo 🙏
You know, even monastics had friends growing up, and their friends also had frustrations about what they can achieve in Life :)) It's scary-bad to insult your childhood friends just because a TH-cam algorithm is chucking garbage. Does that make sense? :)
Of course Amitabha Buddha is real.
5 skhandas are impermanent and not self. Any Buddha is not 5 skhandas. Also Amitabha has many names not all speak Sanskrit oe Chinese. Do not search Buddha in form and mind which are impermanent.
Amitabha is watching us every breath we take.
Try to be reborn there, call his energy but do not make accusations ...
Amitabha is love, light without boundery... Do not put bounderies... It is anger not love
Interesting to come across Mahayana Fundamentalism!
Namo Amida Bu
Shakyamuni Buddha did not talk about the Pure land. Those Sutras are NOT Authentic. Those were made up by Chinese monks later on.
Pure land started in India and later spread to China and Japan
Be very careful when using the old, "Why would the Buddha leave luxury, etc just to lie to us..." argument. This is a very bad argument.
Islam uses the same argument for the verity of Muhammad's message.
Rather have people understand that to encounter and resonate with the Dharma at all is indicative of walking this path before. It is only through meditation and practice that we will realize the truth of it and continue the journey.
Namo Amituofo!
Amitaba knows he isn’t real.
나모아미따불 ()
I'm very sorry, Jiawen.
As much as I respect you, I simply cannot with your views. They are too conservative for me. I cannot subscribe to this. 🙏
Namo Amitofo anyway. 🙏
I was liking your videos but in this one you sound like a fundamentalist, and that is a in it's essence blind faith, something the historical buddha rejected, himself proclaiming to put everything to the test to see if it is true or not
It is almost like christianity...believe on the name of Jesus Christ and you will be saved.