Meditative Pure Land Buddhism: The 5 Elements School

The eminent Chinese Pure Land teacher Shandao (613-681 CE) utilized the 5 Elements Contemplation (earth, water, fire, air, space) to prepare one’s mind for the practice of visualizing the Pure Land. This elemental organization also applies to the overall practice of Pure Land Buddhism. The Pure Land path is one of the most versatile of all Buddhist paths because it can accommodate people of any capacity or life situation, making it ideal for people who are living in an increasingly complex technological world.

Practicing 5 Elements Pure Land can be as simple as choosing one Element as the main focus of one’s practice, or one may combine the Elements into a wide variety of forms that are both accessible and deeply meaningful. 5 Elements Pure Land is ultimately supported by the Tripod of Practice, Aspiration and Faith, so whatever forms of practice are selected will be beneficial.

The water element represents the practice of Buddha-Recitation. This vocalized meditative practice is the concentrated and heartfelt repetitive recitation of the Buddha Amitabha’s name, which may be done in a normal voice, sub-vocally or silently. It may take the form of “Namo Amitabha Buddha” (Homage to the Buddha of Boundless Compassion and Wisdom), “Namo Amitabha” or simply “Amitabha!” Many people use a mala (Buddhist beads) to assist them with their Buddha-Recitation practice. A mala may be carried in one’s hand or worn on the wrist.

Water is used to describe Buddha-Recitation because like water, recitation practice flows from our mind and heart like waves continually washing ashore. In this fashion, Buddha-Recitation ultimately “wears down” our illusions and defilements and enables us to become one with Boundless Compassion and Wisdom.

The element of fire represents the practice of Visualization Meditation. By using the power of one’s mind, one can see clearly and in great detail whatever image or images one wishes to call up. In 5 Elements Pure Land this includes Amitabha Buddha, the Bodhisattvas Avalokitesvara (Regarder of the Cries of the World) and Mahasthamaprapta (The One Who Has Attained Great Strength), and the Pure Land of Bliss itself. Visualization Meditation is a most powerful practice that produces the deep, one-pointed of concentration known as Samadhi. The practice of Visualization in the Pure Land School is outlined in the Visualization Sutra. The method of Pure Land Visualization is outlined in the Visualization Meditation section.