A Fistful of Sand

Pure Land Buddhism is often misunderstood as a devotional practice focused on faith and rebirth in a celestial paradise. However, at its deepest levels, Pure Land is one of the most advanced expressions of Buddhist thought, aligning with non-duality, Buddha-nature, and the direct realization of awakening. This article explores how Pure Land Buddhism transcends conventional religious paradigms, why it is an advanced tradition, and how Hongaku Mikkyō Jōdo represents an even further refinement of its teachings. The Depth of Pure Land Buddhism Pure Land Buddhism originates in the Mahayana tradition, where the concept of Other-Power ( tariki ) plays a central role. Unlike self-powered approaches ( jiriki ), which emphasize rigorous meditative discipline, Pure Land shifts the emphasis to complete reliance on Amida Buddha’s vow. This is often mistaken for passivity, but in reality, it embodies a profound realization of the inseparability of self and other, effort and grace, practice and enlig...

  One of the most pervasive misconceptions in spiritual practice is the belief that enlightenment or liberation is about becoming a perfected version of oneself. This belief, deeply ingrained in human psychology, is at odds with the core Buddhist insight that the self is an illusion. Even within advanced traditions such as Pure Land Buddhism and Vajrayāna, there is a tendency to interpret spiritual attainment as the evolution of an individual into a higher or more enlightened being. This article explores how this misconception arises and how it can be resolved through a deeper understanding of non-duality. The Ego as an Illusion From a Buddhist perspective, the ego is not an enduring entity but a construct, a fabrication — a temporary aggregation of thoughts, emotions, memories, and conditioned patterns. However, because it feels real, we instinctively try to preserve and enhance it. This manifests even in spiritual practice, where instead of deconstructing the self, many practitio...

  In the vast landscape of Buddhist practice, the figure of Amitābha Buddha stands as a central beacon of light, compassion, and wisdom. In both Hongaku Jōdo as a Mikkyo lineage and Vajrayana Buddhism, the practice of Amitābha as the root guru is not just a means for personal enlightenment, but a path toward deep inner peace and harmony—the very qualities that are essential for the cultivation of world peace. This article explores how Guru Amitābha leads to profound inner transformation and how this inner transformation can ripple outward to promote peace and harmony on a global scale. Amitābha as the Embodiment of Inner Peace At the heart of Amitābha’s practice is the recognition of his boundless compassion and infinite wisdom, qualities that naturally cultivate peace within the mind. Amitābha, often visualized as bathed in a radiance of golde...