Pure Land is a theology designed to help believers attain Sukhavati (or the Buddha land) in only one lifetime. Sukhavati is Located Billions of Buddha lands away in the western direction from the world. The Buddha who presides over Sukhavati is named Amitabha, meaning immeasurable light. Amitabha created this theology in order to help all mortal beings to Buddha hood.

Utilizing meditation and mantras, the faithful will reach a stage of non-retrogression and make the constant cycle of birth and re-birth unnecessary. Upon reaching Sukhavati the newly enlightened soul can choose to return to the world realm and take up the duties of Bodhisattva.

The term Pure Land was first used by T an Lua around 540 CE. Developed in China, there is not any evidence of Pure Land doctrine in India before 700 CE.

An important element of Pure Land is the existence of multiple Buddhas. There are indications that this theory was first discussed after the Sakyamuni Buddha's death in 486 CE. This notion is important to the development of Pure Land theology because if Sakyamuni Buddha is not the only Buddha, then others can attain Buddha hood as well.

If a believer recites the name of the Buddha, namely the Amitabha incarnation, they will reach enlightenment. Apparently this form of worship became well liked among the secular population because of its comparative ease to visualization and other meditation techniques. Power is gained by the recitation of the Buddha's name and that will balance against the bad karma from other lives. The sincerity of the chant is an important element of the Pure Land doctrine, mere pronunciation of the name alone will not hasten a follower to enlightenment.

Even with these practices, the Pure Land school also emphasizes the importance of the Bodhisattva. No individual can attain Buddha hood without the instruction of an enlightened teacher. The teacher describes the Pure Land as well as the many aspects of the Buddha. The student is expected to receive this instruction and practice singular devotion and contemplation.
 
 

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