Amida Buddha
Salvation through the grace of Amida Buddha, central to Pure Land Buddhism (Jōdo Shinshū), is achieved entirely through “Other-Power” (tariki) rather than self-effort (jiriki). By entrusting in Amida’s Primal Vow and reciting the Nembutsu (“Nam O Amida Butsu”) with gratitude, individuals are assured of rebirth in the Pure Land and subsequent enlightenment.
Core Components of Amida’s Salvation
The Primal Vow (Hongan): Amida Buddha vowed that all beings who sincerely call his name, trusting in his compassion, will be saved and reborn in the Pure Land.
Other-Power (Tariki): Unlike paths focusing on self-cultivation, this way relies on the infinite merit and grace of Amida to overcome karmic bondage, not on human efforts.
Entrusting Heart (Shinjin): True faith is not a mental effort but a gift from Amida, which occurs when one stops relying on their own abilities and entrusts themselves completely to his grace.
The Nembutsu (Namu Amida Butsu): Reciting the name of Amida is not a formula to gain merit, but an expression of gratitude for the salvation already guaranteed.
Transformation: Upon receiving shinjin, the practitioner is transformed by gratitude, living with peace of mind and, upon death, immediately achieves enlightenment in the Pure Land.
Key Aspects of the Practice
Non-Discrimination: Amida’s compassion is directed to all, specifically focusing on the sinful or weak (“bonbu”) who cannot achieve enlightenment alone.
Gratitude: The practice of reciting the Nembutsu is done to express gratitude to Amida’s saving grace rather than to ask for favor.
Immediate Assurance: The moment one feels and acts upon this sincere trust, their future birth in the Pure Land is assured. The path emphasizes that through Amida’s power, even those who feel incapable of achieving enlightenment can be saved.
Amitābha (Sanskrit pronunciation: (ɐmɪˈtaːbʱɐ), “Measureless” or “Limitless” Light), also known as Amituofo in Chinese, Amida Butsu in Japanese, Amita-bul in Korean, A Di Đà Phật in Vietnamese, and Öpakmé in Tibetan, is one of the main Buddhas of Mahayana Buddhism and the most widely venerated Buddhist figure in East Asian Buddhism. Amitābha is also known by the name Amitāyus (“Measureless Life”). Amitābha is the main figure in two influential Indian Buddhist Mahayana Scriptures: the Sutra of Measureless Life and the Amitābha Sūtra. According to the Sutra of Measureless Life, Amitābha established a pure land of perfect peace and happiness, called Sukhāvatī (“Blissful”), where beings who mindfully remember him with faith may be reborn and then quickly attain enlightenment. The pure land is the result of a set of vows Amitābha made long ago. As his name means Limitless Light, Amitābha’s light is said to radiate throughout the cosmos and shine on all beings. Because of this, Amitābha is often depicted radiating light, a symbol for his wisdom. As per the name Amitāyus, this Buddha is also associated with infinite life, since his lifespan is said to be immeasurable. Amitābha’s measureless life is seen as being related to his infinite compassion.
Amitābha devotion is particularly prominent in East Asian Buddhism, where the practice of mindfulness of Amitābha Buddha (known as nianfo in Chinese, nembutsu in Japanese) is seen as a path to liberation open to everyone. Amitābha is also the principal Buddha in Pure Land Buddhism, which is a tradition focused on attaining birth in the pure land by relying on the power of Amitābha (also known as “Other Power”) and faithfully reciting Amitabha’s name. Amitābha is also a major Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism, where he is associated with pure land practices, as well as phowa (the transference of consciousness at the time of death). The names Amitāyus and Amitābha (in various Chinese transliterations and translations) are used interchangeably in East Asian Buddhism. In Tibetan Buddhism however, Amitāyus is distinguished from Amitābha, and they are depicted differently in Himalayan art. Amitāyus is also known as a Buddha of long life in Tibetan Buddhism. In East Asian Buddhism, Amitābha is most often depicted as part of a triad with the two bodhisattvas Avalokiteśvara and Mahāsthāmaprāpta. In Tibetan Buddhism, the triad includes Avalokiteśvara and Vajrapani (or Padmasambhava) instead.
