Comparing the Paths

“There are two aspects with regard to faith in the Buddha’s words. One is faith in the Principle, the other is faith in the Phenomenal. Faith in the Principle means to believe that one’s mind is the Pure Land and one’s Nature is Amitabha Buddha. Faith in the Phenomenal means to believe that the Pure Land is in the Western Region, and Buddha Amitabha exists there. From the aspect of Principle, the aspect of the Phenomenal is manifested; it is like the Ocean-seal’s being able to manifest myriad phenomena. From the aspect of the Phenomenal the aspect of the Principle is manifested, for the myriad phenomena are inseparable from the Ocean-seal. These two aspects of faith are both one and two, yet neither one nor two. To have faith in this manner is called true faith.”

-Yung-Chueh Yun-Shien

The differences between Chan Buddhism and Pure Land Buddhism are bound to produce some confusion and misinterpretation. By comparing and contrasting these paths, we may come to a better understanding of how they relate to each other.

Chan/Zen and 5 Elements Pure Land

                               Chan/Zen                     5 Elements Pure Land                    
Major Emphasis Developing the Eye of WisdomAbiding in the Heart of Compassion
Personal Turning Point Raising the Great Doubt
Experiencing Serene Trust

Major Practices 		Zuochan (J. Zazen),

Gongan (J. Koan)

Silent Illumination (J. Shikan-taza)

Huatou

Walking and Chanting Practice		Sutra Reading, Recitation

Atonement & Veneration

Visualization, Unified Practice

Transference of Merit

Elements of Faith 		Buddhas and Bodhisattvas

Ancestors and Teachers		Amitabha buddha

Amitabha’s Vows

Compassion of All Buddhas

Types of Vows 		To save all sentient beings

To end delusions

To master the teachings

To follow the Way

To abide by the Precepts		To be reborn into the Pure Land

To save all sentient beings

To see Amitabha Buddha at the moment of death

To abide by the Precepts
Object of Meditative Concentration One’s True NatureAmitabha Buddha

How the Two Paths Complement Each Other

Chan/Zen 5 Elements Pure Land
Refines WisdomOpens the Heart of Compassion
The direct realization of Emptiness and the aspiration for Enlightenment allows true Compassion to grow.The realization of oneness with Boundless Compassion opens the Eye of Wisdom
Focuses concentration, which helps to calm the agitated mind.Calms the agitated mind, which helps one's concentration.