Buddhism as an Education

The path to Enlightenment



Namo Amitabha



The name Amitabha (Amituofo) alone contains all of Buddhism as well as all laws throughout the universe. Therefore, to chant this name is to chant all sutras. During the reign of Emperor Qianlong, there was a famous monk Ciyun Guan-ding. Among his many works is the Directory to the Visualization Sutra, which tells us that when we seek escape from disasters we can resort to reciting sutras, chanting mantras or drawing divination slips. However, if a person has committed grave wrongdoings then the only thing that will work is to recite “Namo Amituofo”. From this, we understand that this is the best method to follow when facing disaster. Many people do not know this so they resort to other methods. Therefore, a person who is ill may recite the Medicine Master Sutra and when faced with disaster may recite the “Universal Door Chapter". This person does not know that the merits and virtues of Buddha Name Recitation make it the number one method.

A SHORT INTRODUCTION TO AMITABHA BUDDHA

In the sacred Buddhist texts of China, the Sutra of Buddha of Infinite Life relates Amitabha Buddha.

On a certain occasion, Sakyamuni Buddha (the Buddha of our present age) was on Vulture Peak, surrounded by his disciples.  Ananda, the Buddha's personal attendant, noticed the radiant beauty of Buddha and inquired what was the cause of the Buddha's joy. Sakyamuni relates the following story:

In an infinite time in the past, Bhiksu Dharmakara observed the misery of all sentient beings, and moved by compassion, he vowed to establish a pure and perfect land where all could be liberated from their suffering.  He then made forty-eight Vows in which he promised to establish this land or else he would not attain enlightenment.

The Sutra declares that Bhiksu Dharmakara practiced for many eons until he accomplished all his vows.  Since he has achieved his aims, he is considered to be the Buddha of that land-THE BUDDHA OF INFINITE LIGHT AND LIFE.
 
 

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Namo Amitabha

Life’s most awesome event is death, and death comes to all without regard to wealth, beauty, intelligence or fame. Death is inevitable, but how you die—terrified and confused, or with confidence and spiritual mastery—is within your control.