Rebirth in Amitabha Buddha’s Pure Land is grounded above all in faith and entrusting. One develops a deep, sincere confidence in Amitabha’s vows—especially the promise that those who call upon his name with genuine trust and longing will be received into his realm. This faith is not merely intellectual assent, but a heartfelt reliance on Amitabha’s compassionate “other-power,” recognizing the limitations of one’s own capacities. Along with this trust arises a clear aspiration: the wish to be born in the Pure Land in order to advance toward enlightenment and ultimately benefit all beings.

The central practice that embodies this faith and aspiration is nembutsu (nianfo): the recitation, aloud or silently, of Amitabha’s name, such as “Namo Amituofo” or “Namu Amida Butsu.” This recitation is undertaken with mindfulness, devotion, and single-minded focus, often cultivated throughout life and especially at the time of death. Some traditions also encourage visualization of Amitabha and the Pure Land, or contemplative recollection of his qualities, as further ways of turning the mind steadily toward him. In this way, the practitioner’s heart and consciousness become attuned to the Buddha whose vow is to welcome them.

Ethical conduct and merit-making form an important supporting framework for this devotional core. Practitioners are encouraged to perform good deeds, honor parents and teachers, observe moral precepts, and cultivate generosity and compassion. The wholesome karma generated by such actions is then consciously dedicated—or transferred—toward rebirth in the Pure Land. While the salvific power is understood to rest ultimately in Amitabha’s vow, these virtuous activities help purify obstacles and harmonize one’s life with the very qualities of the Pure Land itself.

Different Pure Land lineages place varying emphasis on these elements, yet they converge on a shared vision. Some stress the primacy of faith and entrusting, seeing nembutsu as the natural expression of a heart already embraced by Amitabha’s vow. Others highlight continuous recitation and the fulfillment of specific conditions, such as taking refuge in the Three Jewels, believing in karmic causation, and generating the aspiration for awakening. Taken together, these teachings portray rebirth in the Pure Land not as a reward mechanically earned, but as the fruit of a living relationship of trust, devotion, ethical living, and the dedicated wish to awaken for the sake of all beings.