Pure Land Buddhism is a major Mahāyāna tradition whose heart lies in devotion to Amitābha Buddha and the aspiration for rebirth in his Pure Land, Sukhāvatī, often described as the Western Paradise. This Pure Land is portrayed as a blissful realm created through Amitābha’s vows, free from the obstacles and sufferings that make deep practice difficult in this world, and filled with conditions that naturally support progress toward enlightenment. The tradition draws on the Pure Land sūtras and especially on Amitābha’s vows, which promise rebirth in this realm to those who call upon his name with sincere faith. In this vision, rebirth in Sukhāvatī is not the final goal but a decisive turning point, an environment where enlightenment becomes assured and easily attainable.

At the core of Pure Land practice stands the recitation of Amitābha’s name—known as *nianfo* in Chinese and *nembutsu* in Japanese—often expressed in the formula “Namo Amitābha Buddha” or “Namu Amida Butsu.” This recitation is not merely a mechanical chant but an expression of faith, entrusting, and aspiration: faith in Amitābha’s compassionate vow-power, entrusting oneself to that power rather than relying solely on one’s own limited capacities, and consciously aspiring to be reborn in the Pure Land. Some strands of the tradition stress that the depth of trust and sincerity is more important than the sheer number of recitations, and even see the very act of reciting as Amitābha’s compassion working through the practitioner. The path thus becomes a dynamic relationship of gratitude, reliance, and devotion.

In contrast to many other Buddhist approaches that emphasize “self-power” through rigorous meditation, ethical discipline, philosophical study, or complex ritual, Pure Land Buddhism highlights “other-power,” the salvific activity of Amitābha. While it does not deny the value of personal effort, it regards such effort as insufficient for most beings in a spiritually degenerate age, and therefore presents reliance on Amitābha’s vows as the most realistic and compassionate means of liberation. Other traditions often aim at realizing awakening directly in this life, whereas Pure Land generally adopts a two-step soteriological strategy: first, rebirth in Sukhāvatī, and then, within that ideal environment, the swift attainment of Buddhahood.

This orientation makes Pure Land practice remarkably accessible and lay-centered. The central discipline—reciting Amitābha’s name with faith—is simple, does not require monastic training, and can be undertaken by those with little time, education, or physical strength for demanding contemplative practices. As a result, Pure Land communities have historically been composed largely of lay followers, and the tradition has developed a strongly devotional character, emphasizing faith, gratitude, and heartfelt surrender more than analytical meditation or intricate doctrinal inquiry. In this way, Pure Land Buddhism offers a path in which profound spiritual aspiration is joined to a practice that is deliberately kept within reach of ordinary people.