A question on Pure Land Buddhism and Zazen

[Jundo]

What you have to understand about Pure Land Buddhism is that it is a Method for liberation in the same way zazen is a method. In order for the method to be performed correctly one has to entrust fully in Amitabha (immeasurable light) Buddha’s vow for all beings who wishes to be reborn in his realm of sukhavati (sukha being the opposite of dukkha) without a hint of doubt. This realm is ideal for transcending dukkha. If you can’t do that the method won’t work and you should find a more suitable method for you. Like zazen.

My sense is much the same as the folks who find a space in their hearts to practice their Christianity or Judaism and Soto Zen together. There is a way, if the heart is vast enough.

But that is not my way, so I just bow to such folks, and their path different from my own. I can understand generally the feeling as they feel, but truly Zazen and Soto Practice is enough. We are no longer living in the day of folks being so "illiterate and uneducated" (although, reading the news these days, I often have my doubts on that! ), or lacking the luxury of time and resources, that the way of Shikantaza, and the wholeness and liberating power of this Path, cannot be fully explained, understood and mastered. This is why, here in this Sangha, we focus on Shikantaza and Dogen's ways, and not those other ways.

To each their own beautiful way.

Gassho, Jundo
STLah

Sorry to run long.

[bakera3312]

Homage to all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas

Tony,

SAT

[bakera3312]

Same here for me and my path.

I like Amida, and the sutras but I look to his story as a means to improve my own compassion rather than a real pureland.

Tony,

PS: Sorry tried to reply to two different people.