What is Pure Land Buddhism?

What is Pure Land Buddhism?

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight August 19, 2022 Duration: 28:32

Bright on Buddhism Episode 38 - What is Pure Land Buddhism? How does it differ from other schools of Buddhism? How do those differences play out in ritual and practice?

Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978-0-948006-50-0; Flanagan, Owen (2011-08-12). The Bodhisattva's Brain: Buddhism Naturalized. MIT Press. p. 107. ISBN 978-0-262-29723-3.; Williams, Paul, Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations, Routledge, 2008.; Robert E. Buswell Jr.; Donald S. Lopez Jr. (2013). The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism. Princeton University Press. pp. 708, 721–723, 827–828. ISBN 978-1-4008-4805-8.; Paul Williams, “Trust, Self-Abandonment, and Devotion: the cults of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas,” in Mahāyāna Buddhism, the Doctrinal Foundations (Routledge, 2008); Fujita, Kōtatsu. “Pure Land Buddhism in India.” In The Pure Land Tradition: History and Development. Translated by Taitetsu Unno. Edited by James Foard,  Michael Solomon, and Richard K. Payne. Berkeley: Regents of the University of California, 1996.; “Recollection of the Buddha,” in Chapter Seven of the Visuddhimagga: The Path of  Purification. Trans.  Bhikkhu Ñanamoli. (Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society, 2010); Harrison, Paul. “Buddhānusmṛti.” In Encyclopedia of Buddhism. Vol. 1. Edited by Robert E. Buswell Jr., (New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2004), p. 93.; Gomez, Luis O. “Pure Lands,” In Encyclopedia of Buddhism. Vol. 2. Edited by Robert E. Buswell Jr., (New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2004), pp. 703-706.; Nattier, Jan. “The Realm of Aksobhya: A Missing Piece in the History of Pure Land Buddhism.” Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies 23.1 (2000): 71-102.; Schopen, Gregory. “Sukhāvatī as a Generalized Religious Goal in Sanskrit Mahāyāna Sūtra Literature.” Indo-Iranian Journal 19 (1977): 177-210.; Gomez, Luis.  “Amitābha.” In Encyclopedia of Buddhism. Vol. 1. Edited by Robert E. Buswell Jr., (New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2004), pp.  14-15.; Gomez, Luis, “Faith.” In Encyclopedia of Buddhism. Vol. 2. Edited by Robert E. Buswell Jr., (New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2004), pp. 277-279.; Gomez, Luis O. Land of Bliss, "Chinese Versions,"  The Paradise of the Buddha of Measureless Light,  (Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1996), pp. 125-222.; Nattier, Jan. “The Indian Roots of Pure Land Buddhism: Insights from the Oldest Chinese Versions of the Sukhâvatîvyûha,” Pacific World: Journal of the Institute of Buddhist Studies, Third Series, Number 5 (Fall 2003): 179-200.

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Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host


Nicholas Bright Haight brings his academic background and personal curiosity to each episode of Bright On Buddhism. As a scholar of East Asian Buddhism currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Religion, with a specialization in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture, Nick approaches these conversations with both depth and accessibility. The discussions unfold in a relaxed, question-and-answer style, making often complex philosophical and historical ideas feel approachable and immediately relevant. You’ll hear explorations that draw from his specific research areas, like Japanese Buddhist historical responses to cultural shifts, while also addressing the broader, timeless questions at the heart of the tradition. This isn’t a formal lecture series, but rather a thoughtful dialogue meant for anyone with an interest in how these ancient teachings intersect with modern life. The Bright On Buddhism podcast creates a space where scholarly insight meets casual conversation, demystifying topics without losing their profound essence. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or just beginning to explore spirituality and religion, these episodes offer a grounded and informative perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 252

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