Approaching Buddhism by Reading the Buddhist Sutras
Alan Kwan
28 October 2024
Meeting Shakyamuni Buddha and being introduced to Amitabha Buddha through delving deep into the Buddhist canon
The aim of Pure Land teaching is rebirth in Amitabha Buddha’s Land of Bliss, and the method to attain rebirth is recitation of Amitabha’s Name, as said by Shakyamuni Buddha. Is it the teaching of Shakyamuni or Amitabha, or both? What are the similarities and differences between the two teachings in Pure Land Buddhism? Lots of doubts and confusion? Better clarify it because it involves the Buddha’s original intent of appearing in the world to deliver us for attaining perfect Enlightenment and ultimate liberation.
Is Pure Land the Teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha or Amitabha Buddha, or Both?
Alan Kwan
24 September 2024
Alan Kwan addresses a core question in the Pure Land tradition: who is transmitting the doctrine of salvation in Amitabha’s Name?
Queen Vaidehi’s Sight of Two Buddhas Emitting Light in the Contemplation Sutra
Alan Kwan
26 August 2024
In a core story of the Pure Land canon, Queen Vaidehi perceived two buddhas emitting divine light that provided insight into the Pure Land
Additional Benefits of Attaining Rebirth Through Amitabha-Recitation: the Perseverance of No-Birth by “Seeing” the Buddha
Alan Kwan
18 July 2024
An exploration of what it means to “see” Amitabha Buddha, and how to see him directly through complete entrusting
Does the Contemplation Sutra Teach Us to Attain Rebirth through Contemplation of Meditative Virtues?
Alan Kwan
24 June 2024
Alan Kwan clarifies the deeper meaning of the Contemplation Sutra: that meditative virtues remain secondary to chanting the Name
Those with Faith in the Name Should Aspire to Rebirth in the Land of Bliss
Alan Kwan
27 May 2024
Alan Kwan examines why Shakyamuni Buddha advised beings to be reborn in Amitabha’s paradise a full three times
Shakyamuni Buddha’s Benefits of Being Reborn in the Land of Bliss
Alan Kwan
22 April 2024
Shakyamuni Buddha outlines the real benefits of attaining rebirth, with real merit and virtues, in the Land of Bliss
Shakyamuni Buddha’s Counsel to be Reborn in the Land of Bliss
Alan Kwan
22 March 2024
The Pure Land Buddhist tradition is affirmed by Shakyamuni Buddha’s encouragement to strive for rebirth in the Land of Bliss
What Prevents Us from Following and Practicing the Buddhist Teachings?
Alan Kwan
27 February 2024
What prevents us from following and practicing any of Shakyamuni Buddha’s 84,000 expedient teachings and following Amitabha?
A Wake-Up Call to all Buddhists
Alan Kwan
23 January 2024
Remorse and shame are completely appropriate feelings in light of our karmic debts, but they connect us deeper to the Buddhas
How Can Buddhas Deliver All Sentient Beings, Including Us, to Buddhahood?
Alan Kwan
14 December 2023
Examining the methods by which enlightened beings make us ordinary delusional creatures into buddhas
Why are Two Buddhas Needed to Deliver All Sentient Beings?
Alan Kwan
20 November 2023
Why the Pure Land teachings bring both Shakyamuni Buddha and Amitabha Buddha into a cosmic plan for our liberation