Understanding
Namo Amituofo (Amitabha Buddha) and the Western Pure Land
Amitabha Buddha's Journey
from a King to a Buddha
Amitabha Buddha wasn’t always a Buddha—he was once a human being, just like us!
His journey began as King Shirao, a ruler who lived a long time ago. After hearing the teachings of a wise Buddha named Lokeśvararāja Buddha, King Shirao realised something important:
The human body doesn’t last forever, but our spirit lives on after we pass away. We never truly die.
He understood that living an ordinary life wouldn’t lead his spirit anywhere meaningful. Inspired by this realisation, King Shirao decided to leave his throne and become a monk. As a monk, he took the name Bhikshu Dharmakara, dedicating his life to spiritual growth and helping others.
He studied and carefully planned every detail of his Pure Land to ensure it would be a place where anyone could find eternal peace and happiness.
What is the Western Pure Land?
As Bhikshu Dharmakara, he made a promise to create a special place called the Western Pure Land. This is a spiritual realm—a serene and peaceful environment where people can focus on their own spiritual journey and escape suffering, and eventually becoming a Buddha just like Amitabha Buddha!
To create this Pure Land, Bhikshu Dharmakara spent countless years learning about the most perfect realms in the universe, called Buddha Lands. He has detailed his blueprint of a perfect Buddha Land as part of his forty-eight great vows.
What Makes Amitabha Buddha Special?
Amitabha Buddha (known as Amituofo in Chinese) is now a fully awakened Buddha. The name “Amitabha” means Infinite Light and Infinite Life. Buddhists often chant “Namo Amituofo” as a way to respect him and for self-purification.
Bhikshu Dharmakara dedicated his life to fulfilling forty-eight extraordinary vows, including creating the Western Pure Land and welcoming anyone who wishes to join it. He vowed not to become a Buddha until his mission was complete—and he succeeded! He is now Amitabha Buddha.
Now, Amitabha Buddha guides people and spirits across the universe, helping them enter the Western Pure Land to live a life filled with light, joy, and spiritual growth.
