Pure Land Buddhism

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'''Pure Land Buddhism''' is the  [[Buddhism#Buddhism in the East|Mahayana Buddhist]] equivalent of [[born again]] [[Christianity]]. One of the most popular Buddhist philosophies in east Asia, Pure Land Buddhism boils down to "I believe in the right thing, therefore I get to go to paradise when I die". First appearing in [[China]] either around 402 CE and founded by {{wpl|Hui-yuan}} after building {{wpl|Donglin Temple}} at Mount Lu or later introduced by {{wpl|Tan-luan||.}} Pure Land Buddhism is also found in [[South Korea|Korea]], [[Vietnam]], and [[Tibet]], but is especially popular in [[Japan]]. 

==Philosophy==

Pure Land Buddhism was an important part of Mahayana philosophy. In Japan, Pure Land schools have largely become distinct from Mahayana Buddhism and bear little resemblance to traditional Buddhist thought. The central tenet of Pure Land thought is that obtaining enlightenment the [[Buddhism#The Eightfold Path|traditional way]] has become too difficult, and therefore Buddhists need 
to cheat
 supernatural assistance to achieve [[Nirvana]].

Pure Land Buddhism in general is focused on the adoration of the Buddha Amitabha.<ref group="note">Also known as Amitofo in Mandarin Chinese or Amida Butsu in Japanese</ref> Pure Land Buddhism mythology states that Amitabha was a Bodhisattva who vowed to put off enlightenment until they could create a [[Heaven|realm outside of time]] that would guarantee eventual Buddhahood to any entity born there. The existence of the Pure Land sect is seen as [[circular reasoning|proof]] that Amitabha was successful at creating such a realm.

The basic belief that unites the different Pure Land schools is that by practicing the "Mindfulness of Amitabha Buddha" one can be reborn into the Pure Land. This mindfulness most commonly takes the form of chanting the name of Amitabha Buddha a set number of times per day.<ref group ="note">This practice is sometimes called ''nianfo'', after the Chinese term for the practice which literally means "Thinking of the Buddha"</ref> [[File:Longmen-hidden-stream-temple-cave-amitabha.jpg|thumb|200px|As religious art, like copying sutras, gained karma, rich and poor alike would often commission expensive Buddha statues, such as those filling the {{wpl|Longmen Grottoes}}; the mercury gilding and lack of ventilation created quite the religious atmosphere as well. <ref> [http://www.chinadiscovery.com/henan/luoyang/luoyang-longmen-grottoes.html ''China Discovery''] </ref> ]]

Critics of Pure Land Buddhism<ref group="note">Mostly Theravada Buddhists and other Mahayana Buddhists</ref> generally claim that it is not Buddhism at all, as many of its practices and beliefs are unrelated, or even contradictory to the core teachings of the religion. Among Pure Land circles, there isn't much talk about the historical Buddha himself, or even Buddhist concepts such as enlightenment, nirvana, and rebirth. Pure Land Buddhism promotes its own forms of monotheistic worship,<ref group="note">Amitabha is viewed as a deity and is worshiped by followers.</ref> an afterlife, and salvation. It's the closest to Christianity out of all schools of Buddhism.

==In Japan and the West==
In Japan, Pure Land Buddhism has changed to the extent that Japanese Pure Land sects are commonly considered outside of Mahayana orthodoxy. Most particularly, the philosophically similar but historically unrelated [[Soka Gakkai]], a spin-off of Nichiren Buddhism, has become somewhat notorious for its aggressive proselytization and overall creepy cult vibe. Religious syncreticism is quite common in Japan, and one common syncretic belief among some Japanese Buddhists is the combination of Pure Land teachings and [[Zen]].

Pure Land Buddhism in the West primarily exists amongst immigrant communities. 
==Notes==
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==References==
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[[category:Eastern religions]]
[[Category:Buddhism]]
[[Category:Philosophy]]

Categories: Eastern religions, Buddhism, Philosophy