Pure Land books or documentaries

Takuan

Hello all,

Can anyone recommend books or documentaries on Pure Land Buddhism? I'll be taking a class on it this upcoming semester and want to have a little knowledge on the subject before it starts.

Patr

Look up ' Hui Neng' on the net.
Pure land patriarch.
Think there are articles written by him posted. A definitive view on pure land.

Takuan

I thought he was he 6th patriarch of ch'an/zen. I'll definetly look up anything he may have said about Pure Land, thanks Patr!

Patr

Pure land's focus and essence is faith based. Its mainly for people who are new to Buddhism and has not developed the necessary knowledge of the Buddhist Dharma, or who has only elementary knowledge.

Example being a person who has done a lifetime of wrongs and disbelief in Buddhism, suddenly undergoes a transformation, usually near death. If they put their utmost trust in the Buddha Amitabha, then upon death, they will be born into 'Pure Land realm'.

Provided a chance to learn about the Dharma there, instead of one of the lower realms.

Sort of a halfway house, not the ultimate destination.

Silouan

It is a completely valid Dharma practice that requires every bit of attention and a virtuous life. It is not just for beginners or those on their death bed, but it is universal and open to all walks of life. The fruit of the practice is the realization that the Pure Land, like Samsara and dreams, is in the mind.

Takuan

I agree that Pure Land is more devotional than most forms of dharma, but while my knowledge is limited, I don't think it's appropriate to call it a "half way house". I also know that Dogen, the founder of Japanese Soto Zen, praised pure land practice, and most Ch'an/Zen temples chant the nembutsu.

Silouan

I'm glad you mentioned that @Takuan, and I would also add that it is very much integrated in some Tibetan traditions too.

BhanteLucky

Pure Land Buddhism... someone told me it comes from a blending of an earlier form of Buddhism with the Zoroastrian Sun God religion, from Iran?

Silouan

Elements of Zoroarstrian influence is also found in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. I’m very much interested in the works of Joseph Campbell and comparative mythology, and it is very fascinating to see the commonalities found and shared by the mythologies of the world and the religions that were founded upon them. The ultimate mystery or truth is shared by all.

Takuan

I've actually just come across a book that goes into great detail regarding Pureland practice from a Jodo Shinshu perspective, "River of Fire, River of Water" by Taitetsu Unno.