Pure Land Practice and the Question of Literacy

Beyond the Veil of Intellectual Pursuit

In our contemporary society, which prioritises high academic qualifications and technological advancement while often neglecting character education, this is a question that invites deep reflection. Within the Buddha’s teachings and Pure Land education, we have never instructed the public that one must be literate to learn the Buddha’s teachings or to chant the Buddha’s name. Instead, we teach everyone that in the process of learning the Buddha’s teachings, one must break through the appearance of the mind, the appearance of words, and the appearance of speech.

Do not become attached to the written text or verbal explanations when reading or listening to the sutras. Refrain from stirring up thoughts, moving the mind, making discriminations, or holding onto attachments. Do not think about or analyse the principles within the words and speech; do not seek explanations. When you let go of these, you will naturally understand clearly. This way of learning is in sync with your true self.

The Unadorned Path to the Infinite

The practice of chanting the Buddha’s name in the Pure Land school involves reciting the six-character holy name of Namo Amituofo from beginning to end. Even for the six characters of Namo Amituofo, there is no requirement that one must be literate to recite them. Therefore, simply put, Pure Land practice does not require literacy; one only needs to be able to recite this six-character holy name of Namo Amituofo.

If the Buddha-name is maintained 24/7 without interruption, one can reach a state of Dharma joy, achieve Buddha-Recitation Samadhi and meditative concentration, and remove stains and defilements. One can attain a pure body and mind, a stable spirit, and see their true nature.

The Radiant Journey Home

At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, once a practitioner has seen their true nature, they can, like Practitioner Su, freely travel to and from the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Alternatively, if one can maintain a sincere mind at the moment of death—even for a single thought or up to ten thoughts—one will be led by Namo Amituofo to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

In the past, many elderly practitioners, though illiterate, were completely devoted to chanting the holy name of Amitabha. They chanted until their faces radiated compassion, their hearts were open, and they were filled with Dharma joy, smiling at everyone they met. These were the true practitioners of the Buddha’s name. Before they passed away, their chanting never ceased. They displayed auspicious signs, and the room was filled with the fragrance of lotus flowers. Everyone who witnessed this knew that these elders had been led by Namo Amituofo to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo