PURE LAND

The Sanskrit term is "Sukhavati." It has the meaning of supreme happiness and thus has been often translated as "Utmost Bliss." The Pure Land Sutras physically describe it as a fabulous world adorned with beautiful palaces, lakes, cool breezes, lotuses etc., and bedecked with jewels and precious stones including gold. In the Shin Tradition, in English, it is most often referred to as the "Pure Land." Each Buddha has a Pure Land but, many times in speaking of the "Pure Land" it is Amida Buddha's Pure Land that is being referred to. It is a realm established by Amida Buddha through fulfilling every necessary requirement for the enlightenment of all beings. Amida Buddha welcomes all forms of life to this Pure Land. It is a realm that becomes a reality as the fulfillment of Amida's Vows, but at the same time it is the realm of great compassionate activity which is working for the sake of the ultimate fulfillment of every life form. Although Supreme Nirvana has no form, just as the Supreme Buddha has no set form, this Pure Land is Nirvana expressed in a form or shape. Here, we can get a glimpse of the Wisdom & Compassion of Amida Buddha. Amida Buddha provides this Pure Land for those who require some form or shape to begin to grasp the inconceivable, vast and limitless realm of Supreme Nirvana and Enlightenment. In Shin Buddhism, the Pure Land ceases to be some ideal world to be born into after death to further polish oneself in one's quest for enlightenment. According to Shinran, a person born in the Pure Land of Amida Buddha instantaneously gains/attains Supreme Enlightenment equal to that of Amida Buddha.