Pure Land and Zen Buddhism Comparison

Pure Land and Zen Buddhism

o   Pure Land Buddhism

§  Pure land Buddhism offers a path to enlightenment for those who are unable to endure long rituals or meditation, so they rather wish to be reborn into “the pure land” where enlightenment is easier to accomplish. By doing so the recite the name of Amitabha Buddha, which does not help them into the pure land but rather expresses their gratitude towards Buddha. Amitabha means immeasurable light but he is also known as Amitayus meaning immeasurable life. This is significant within the religion because those who believe in pure land Buddhism also believe that this form of Buddha will have mercy on them and deliver them to a better life. Faith in Amitabha Buddha is not the accomplishment of the believer but is rather a gift from Amitabha Buddha.

§  History:  The suffering of the world moved the king influencing him to give up his power. He then converted to the life of a monk named Dharmakara. Dharmakara was influenced by the original Buddha and then decided he would embody Buddha himself to create a land free of limitations and restraints. He eventually achieved enlightenment transforming him into Amitabha Buddha and established his Buddha-land of Sukhavti which people aim to be reborn into.

o  Zen Buddhism:

§  Zen Buddhism is the attempt to understand the sole meaning of life. It requires an immense amount of discipline and leads to ultimate freedom. Zen is an experience and is not a concept that can be described in words to fully understand you first have to experience it. It is believed that all people are Buddha, and that everyone just has to discover the truth for him or herself. Enlightenment is said to be inside oneself, it is impossible to find these truths in scriptures and rituals like other religions. The first step to finding Zen is controlling our minds through meditation and giving up logical reasoning. Self-knowledge is one of the key components to finding your inner Buddha.

§  History: The Indian monk Bodhidharma brought Zen Buddhism to China in the 6th century CE. It was called Ch'an in China. After it was brought to China it spread rapidly to other countries such as China, Japan, and Mongolia

Pure Land Buddhism	Zen Buddhism
Ultimate goal- to find enlightenment through rebirth in the “Pure Land” (Sukhavti) Origination- started when a king gave up power and wanted to follow the path of original Buddha DO NOT BELIEVE IN MEDITATION	Ultimate goal- to understand the meaning of life Origination- an Indian monk brought the religion to china and it rapidly spread from there (mostly to Japan and Tibet) Everyone is Buddha- just need to find the truths of life IMMENSE DISCIPLINE THROUGH MEDITATION

Similarities- Both believe in forms Buddha, both believe in reincarnation, both on path to enlightenment, both religions are popular in regions of China, Nepal/Tibet, and Japan

the"Pure Land"

Zen Buddhists