More on Amitofuo

  In the Buddhist class today, we discussed the Pure Land and its various forms and aspects. I believe the central meaning of Pure Land is : the real Pure Land is beyond words, beyond thought--and even beyond location. Calling something a Pure Land is an expedient means that serves to help sentient beings to realize that Pure Land is the state of our minds when it is truly tranquil and when it has let go of all vexations.

   I am convinced that really understanding the Pure Land and Amitofuo requires a lifetime relationship with Buddhism. It cannot happen simply through recitation, no matter how sincere one is. This is because the chanting of Amitofuo points to something that is empty; it simply cannot be grasped. And so, in essence, we must keep reciting the name with sincerity on each word until we are taken to a place where there is simply nothing to grasp. It requires a kind of formlessness that is not capable of being grasped or understood in the traditional sense. To even associate it with some form is to confine awareness to a created or contrived principle. While these contrivances are necessary, we somehow need to keep going deeper into the recitation until we ask, "who is reciting the Buddha's name"? Who is the real "subject" (those who recite) and the chanted? Are they different, or one, or neither different nor one?  As confusing as this may seem to some, I am convinced that this is the way to understand Buddhism and its core essence.