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Dr. Andrew M Henry (a scholar of religious studies) speaks about the history of Pureland Buddhism.

Namo Amitabha Buddha

There are 84,000 Dharma paths in Buddhism. Those who can develop faith in the Pure Land way have truly obtained “great benefit.” Why is that?
Because Pure Land can be practiced and Buddhahood achieved without leaving secular life. All we need to do is have faith in Amitabha’s deliverance and recite his name. It’s simple and easy. People from all circles and social strata, good or evil, rich or poor, educated or illiterate, are able to recite Amitabha’s name, whether at home or amid social activities. In this way, all Amitabha reciters can attain Buddhahood, completing their Dharma learning.

Whoever sincerely and joyfully entrusts to Amitabha’s deliverance through the exclusive practice of Name recitation “Namo Amitabha Buddha,” then Amitabha, in accord with his Fundamental Vow, will immediately embrace the aspirant and, when her life ends, receive her to be reborn in the Land of Bliss.

Having said that, it doesn’t mean that those aspirants who rely on the 18th Vow do not practice the basic Buddhist precepts in their daily life. They just do not dedicate such practices toward rebirth in the Land of Bliss. They clearly understand that, for rebirth in the Pure Land, they simply rely on Amitabha’s true merits and virtues which are contained in his six-syllable Name: “Na-Mo-A-Mi-Tuo-Fo.” Thus, the Name is perfect and all-sufficient. Nothing else is required.

Alan Kwan - Pure Land: An “Easy Path” of Practice?