Luminous Dharma

Pure land

One of the easiest and most effective approaches to Dharma practice for many, the Pure Land methods are both simple and incredibly deep. Please read below to learn more about this wonderful Dharma door.

Faith, vows and practice

Pure Land method has 3 aspects: faith, vows and practice.

  • We cultivate faith and confidence in the Buddhist sutras, Amitābha Buddha and the 48 vows he made to help aid and liberate sentient beings.
  • We vow and set the intention to practice for the purpose of stepping out of the round of birth and death, fully awakening for the benefit of all beings.
  • We practice by inclining the mind toward Amitābha Buddha. The primary method of practice is through recitation of his name to repeatedly call him to mind.

Recitation methods

Below is a collection of various methods that can be used for Pure Land recitation practice. This group of methods is drawn from various sources, and links to resources for learning more about them are at the bottom of the page.

In each method, recitation of the Amitābha Buddha’s name is done in a clear and distinct manner while maintaining a sincere intention or wish to connect with Amitābha Buddha. “Amituofo”, “Amitābhāya Tathāgatāya“, “Amitābha Buddha” or “Amitābha” can be used for recitation.

  1. Reflecting the Name
    • The ear catches the sound as the mouth recites, or the mind catches the sound if the recitation is performed silently. Each syllable is heard and care is taken to make sure that each is clear and distinct, recitation after recitation. Gradually the practitioner forgets everything inside and out, with only the Buddha’s name remaining.
  2. Counting recitation
    • Using a set of rosary beads (or thumb clicker), as the Buddha’s name is recited, the hand fingers one rosary bead, eventually leading to one-pointedness of mind. Set an aspiration to recite 1000, 10,000, or more times per day, keeping track of the number.
  3. Recitation linked to breath
    • Recite the Buddha’s name once for each inhalation and each exhalation, aloud or silently.
  4. Continuous recitation
    • Recite the Buddha’s name in a continuous loop, one syllable closely following the next. The method “crowds out” other thoughts.
  5. Turning the light inwards recitation
    • Begin by reciting the Buddha’s name repeatedly until the experience grows more stable and unified.
    • Then begin to recite the Buddha’s name repeatedly, while also observing “Who is reciting the Buddha’s name?” or “What is it that knows that recitation is happening?”. As the practice gains momentum, recite more and more slowly, and notice from what the recitation comes from, and what it ceases into.
  6. Bowing or prostration recitation
    • Bow or prostrate as the Buddha’s name is recited. Recitation can be before or during each bow or prostration. The method is good for destroying the karma of drowsiness.
  7. Decimal recording recitation
    • Using rosary beads, recite the Buddha’s name 10 times. Break each unit of 10 recitations up to naturally harmonize with the breath so that the breathing does not become strained. For each unit of 10, finger one rosary bead. This method is effective for concentrating the mind and helping to practice while wandering and busy thoughts are present.
  8. Two rounds of five recitation method
    1. In an cycle, recite the Buddha’s name 5 times in a higher tone, inhale and then recite the Buddha’s name 5 times in a lower tone.
  9. Lotus blossom recitation
    • With each recitation visualize a colored lotus and its fragrance, in a cycle as follows.
      • Blue
      • Yellow
      • Red
      • White
      • Blue
      • Yellow
      • Red
      • White…
  10. Recitation amidst brilliant light
    • Recite the Buddha’s name while visualizing being in the middle of an immense, brilliant zone of light.
  11. Recitation in rounds
    • Recite the Buddha’s name in a cycle over the course of the exhalation, reciting silently during the inhalation.
    • Ideally each breath cycle should take ~10 seconds or longer to complete.
  12. Ten recitation method
    • Upon waking, chant “Namo Amitābha Buddha” or “Amituofo” with a calm and focused mind, 10 times. Repeat this process 8 more times throughout the day, on one of these two schedules.
      • Chant upon waking up, before and after breakfast, before work, before and after lunch, before and after dinner, and before retiring.
      • Chant upon waking up, before breakfast, before and after our morning’s work, before lunch, before and after our afternoon’s work, before dinner, and before retiring.

How to practice

Below is an example of how to practice with the Pure Land method. Instructions for setting up a personal practice can also be taken directly from the 3 Pure Land sutras and drawn from the understanding of Mahāyāna Buddhism in general.

  • Whenever practicing, while walking, standing, sitting, laying down or throughout daily activity, continuously chant the name of Amitābha Buddha.
    • Chanting can be done out-loud, quietly, or only within the mind. Use circumstances and intuition in the moment as your guide and which is best.
    • A mala (string of beads) or thumb clicker can be used if desired, counting each recitation. You may also wish to have a recorded loop of chanting or a group of people to chant along with.
  • When a session of practice concludes, set a sincere wish for the end of this life:
    • At the time of death, may I see Amitābha Buddha, and be reborn in the Western Pure Land. There I will be free from the round of birth and death, from the difficulties of this world and this body, and will have a Buddha and non-regressive spiritual practitioners as friends and teachers. I will then continue practice with the aim of full enlightenment and be able to benefit all beings.
  • Dedicate the merits of practice to all beings and the Pure Land of Amitābha Buddha:
    • May the merits and virtues accrued from this work adorn the Buddha’s Pure Land, repay the Four Kindnesses above, and relieve the sufferings of those in the Three Paths below. May those who see or hear of this, bring forth the heart of understanding and compassion and, at the end of this life, be born together in the Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Links to Pure Land Dharma resources

Namo Amitābhāya Tathāgatāya

Luminous Dharma