Our Approach
Key Aspects
As Amida Buddhists our focus is on achieving rebirth in Amida's Pure Land of peace and bliss, where enlightenment is said to be easily attainable. Our tradition emphasizes faith and devotion to Amida Buddha, although different schools interpret the requirements for rebirth in the Pure Land variously, with some stressing the importance of reciting Amida's name, while others focus on developing sincere faith or gratitude. Amida Buddhism seeks to accommodate all these perspectives, as we support each other in other faith and practice.
Key Aspects of our approach include:
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Amida is revered as the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life, presiding over the Western Pure Land. Followers of Amida Buddha are called Pure Land Buddhists, Amida Buddhists or Amidists.
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The Pure Land, is believed to be a realm where the Dharma is perfectly preserved and conditions are ideal for attaining enlightenment.
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The primary practice involves chanting aloud or silently reciting the name of Amida Buddha - also known as Buddha Mindfulness or Buddha Remembrance. This is typically "Namo Amida Butsu" (nembutsu) in Japanese; “Namo Amitoufo (Nianfo) in Chinese; “Namu Amita Bul” (Yeombul) in Korean; Namo Amitabha (Buddhasmrti) in Sanskrit.
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The tradition is based on three main sutras: the Larger Sukhāvatīvyūha Sūtra (The Larger Pure Land Sutra), the Amitayurdhyana Sutra (The Visualisation or Contemplation Sutra), and the Shorter Sukhāvatīvyūha Sūtra (The Shorter Pure Land Sutra or the Amida Sutra).
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Pure Land Buddhism / Amida Buddhism teaches that in our current age, it is difficult to achieve enlightenment through self-effort practices. Instead, practitioners rely on Amida's compassion and vows to gain rebirth in the Pure Land. This approach is often called "other-power" as opposed to "self-power".
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Description …
Amida Buddhism also emphasises the vulnerable and fallible nature of ordinary human beings, the centrality of Buddha Mindfulness of Buddha Remembrance (calling on Amida Buddha with gratitude and aspiration for rebirth into the Pure Land, also known as Nembutsu, Nianfo, Yeombul or Buddhasmrti) and the necessity of connecting with a wise and loving power that is greater than ourselves. You will also find here guidance on establishing a daily practice, information about the structure and range of our international sangha, access to our courses and details of our online services and events.
