The Contemplation Sutra

The "Contemplation Sutra," also known as the "Amitayurdhyana Sutra," is a key text in Pure Land Buddhism. It details the process of attaining rebirth in the Pure Land through the power of Amitabha Buddha's vows and emphasises the practice of visualisations and recitations.

Key themes include:

1. Thirteen Contemplations: The sutra outlines thirteen visualisations, starting with the contemplation of the setting sun and leading to envisioning the Pure Land and Amitabha Buddha. These contemplations are designed to help practitioners focus their minds and aspire for rebirth in the Pure Land.

2. Rebirth through Other-Power: The sutra emphasizes reliance on Amitabha Buddha's Fundamental Vow rather than one's own efforts. It teaches that even those with heavy karmic offences can be reborn in the Pure Land through faith and recitation of Amitabha's name.

3. Meditative and Non-Meditative Virtues: It discusses the practice of both meditative virtues (such as visualizations) and non-meditative virtues (like ethical conduct) to achieve rebirth in the Pure Land.

4. Inclusivity: The sutra is intended for ordinary people, highlighting that anyone, regardless of their karmic background, can attain rebirth in the Pure Land through Amitabha's compassion and vows.

Shandao’s Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra

Shandao's "Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra" is a significant work in Pure Land Buddhism that has become a foundational text for the tradition, especially in Japan. This commentary provides a distinctive interpretation of the Contemplation Sutra, emphasising several key points:

1. Nature of Buddhas and Ordinary People: Shandao stresses the difference between the enlightened nature of Buddhas and the unenlightened nature of ordinary beings. This distinction highlights the compassionate role of Amitabha Buddha in guiding beings toward enlightenment.

2. Verbal Nembutsu: Shandao prioritises the verbal recitation of Amitabha Buddha's name (nembutsu/nianfo) over contemplative practices. This approach makes the practice accessible to all, regardless of one's meditative abilities.

3. Substantial Existence of the Pure Land: He asserts that the Pure Land is not merely a mental construct but a real, substantial place where beings can be reborn.

4. Nine Ranks of Rebirth: Shandao offers a unique view of the nine ranks of rebirth, suggesting that they demonstrate Amitabha Buddha's compassion, which extends to all beings, regardless of their spiritual achievements.