Why all vows are connected to the Primal Vow

2016's SPECIAL ISSUE on Chinese Buddhism in different cultures and contexts!

The so-called sectarianism of Buddhism in Japan has enabled Pure Land Buddhism to develop as a quasi-independent tradition within Buddhism. One of the central figures of Pure Land Buddhist thought and

Interview with financier Andrew Fung on his Pure Land faith

Many within Buddhism itself criticize the concept of ‘other-power’ (他力) or Buddha power, asserting that it is over-emphasized in Pure Land Buddhism. They might say, “How can one be reborn in the Pure

Why “Even only ten times”?   Many Buddhist practitioners find the 18th Vow of Amitabha Buddha – the Primal Vow that guarantees salvation to every being that recites his name merely ten times – a lud

In this three-part series, Pure Land columnist Alan Kwan examines the three most important vows of Amitabha Buddha’s forty-eight vows, which constitute Amitabha’s plan for saving sentient beings. Thes

Editor's note: “Teachings of Amitabha Buddha” is an inspiring column about the vital spiritual matters of Pure Land Buddhism – from its history, philosophy, and practice to its scriptures and their ex

The first article in Alan Kwan's Pure Land column!

Behind the simple invocation of “Namo Amitabha Buddha” (nianfo) awaits the keys to Amitabha Buddha’s Land of Bliss (Sukhavati). According to Master Shandao (613 - 681), the recitation of this sextet o