Buddhism Of Wisdom And Faith

This Pure Land treatise is, to our knowledge, the first and only compendium of Pure Land teaching and thought currently available in a Western language. In the tradition of the Avatamsaka Sutra (which D.T. Suzuki described as the epitome of Buddhist thought, sentiment and experience), the author sometimes shifts from one plane of meaning to another, at times down-to-earth, at times metaphysical, so as to reach readers at every level and to sever attachment to his very words. It is in this light that certain paradoxes already familiar to students of Zen (illusory but not non-existent, recitation with no thought of recitation, etc.) should be viewed and understood. While the primary focus of this treatise is Pure Land theory and practice, more than half of the book is devoted to questions of concern to all Buddhist schools. Therefore, we suggest the following approach to reading the text, according to the background of the reader: Zen School: Chap. VII to IX first. Tantrism: Chap. VI to X first. Pure La,nd: Chap. I-V first. The bereaved: Chap. X. All others: Note on Pure Land and Epilogue. The reader might also familiarize himself with a number of key concepts explained in the Glossary (Amitabha, Awakening vs. Enlightenment, Buddha Recitation, Merit and Virtue, Noumenon/phenomena,1 Pure Land, etc.). Whatever his approach, he will be forever enriched. Once reborn in the Pure La,nd, like the proverbial seeker of the Way, he will not only discover the treasure trove (Great Awakening), but also, in time, partake at will of its priceless gems (attain Enlightenment) -- for the common benefit of all sentient beings. (Van Hien Study Group I New York, Vesak '94)

An inspiring commentary on the three sutras at the centre of East Asian Buddhist faith. The three Pure Land Sutras are a body of Mahayana scriptures that for centuries have played an important part in the spiritual life of East Asian Buddhists. These texts describe Sukhavati, the archetypal 'land of bliss' presided over by Amitabha or Amitayus, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Eternal Life. This book is a beautiful exploration of the imaginative world portrayed in the Pure Land Sutras. Includes new translations of the sutras by Sraddhapa.

'The Gospel of Buddha' is an 1894 book by Paul Carus. It is modeled on the New Testament and tells the story of Buddha through parables. It was an important tool in introducing Buddhism to the west and is used as a teaching tool by some Asian sects. The work was assembled from existing English translations of Buddhists texts, with significant amendments and reworkings. His selection of texts favored Buddhism as a philosophy without any supernatural elements.

In this luminous presentation, the Dalai Lama lays out the Middle Way - the way of the intelligent person who approaches all matters, including matters of faith and devotion, with the highest spirit of critical inquiry and does so without fall...