Part 2:
The Spread of Pure Land Teachings
and the Infinite Life Sutra
Each time I recite the sacred name of 'Namo Amituofo' with a pure heart, sudden insight arises, and my mind becomes clear and bright. If even someone as limited in understanding as myself can experience this, then with proper guidance, those seeking to learn the Pure Land path will have an even greater chance to receive its benefits and achieve success in their practice.
At the time, Buddhist texts were not widely available and were difficult to circulate among the people, making them all the more rare and precious. Though I was fortunate to receive support in my search for sutras, there were times when I struggled to find Pure Land texts and commentaries, often searching in vain. Some scriptures were damaged or unclear, some existed in multiple versions, and others contained repetitions or slight variations, making it difficult to determine the most reliable edition.
Determined to resolve this, I secluded myself in deep study, dedicating myself to compiling a version of the Infinite Life Sutra that could be recited by all—one that was clear, understandable, free from overly complex wording, and flowed seamlessly in meaning.
Thus, I gathered five original translations—from the Han, Tang, Wu, Wei, and Song dynasties—along with related commentaries. After carefully studying them, I refined and compiled the text, followed by years of proofreading and revisions.
The final version was completed after more than a decade, titled “The Buddha Speaks of the Infinite Life Sutra of Adornment, Purity, Equality and Enlightenment.”
I entrusted my student, Lay Buddhist Huang Nianzu, with writing annotations and overseeing its dissemination. Today, across China and Taiwan, this text has become an essential daily recitation for many Pure Land practitioners.
The scriptures describe Amitabha Buddha’s cultivation in his past lives, the forty-eight great vows, and the Pure Land he established based on these vows. It describes the extraordinary magnificence of the Western Pure Land and offers guidance on appropriate and inappropriate conduct in this chaotic world.
For Pure Land practitioners, this text serves as a lifelong guide, inspiring faith, practice, and unwavering diligence. Through steadfast devotion, one can attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land and attain enlightenment.