Comparing the Paths

Comparing the Paths

Due to the differences between Ch'an Buddhism and Pure Land Buddhism as well as those between Traditional Pure Land Buddhism and Shin Pure Land Buddhism, some confusion and misinterpretation is bound to occur. The following are simplified charts comparing these paths in general terms. The intent is to help clear up any confusion which may occur, particularly when trying to understand the combined practice of Nien-Fo Ch'an. The charts may also help to clarify the important differences between Pure Land Buddhism as it originally evolved in China and the style of Pure Land Buddhism which developed in Japan. For additional information please refer to the Pure Land Buddhism page.

	Ch'an/Zen	Traditional Pure Land
Major Emphasis	Developing the eye of Wisdom.	Abiding in the Heart of Compassion.
Personal Turning Point	Raising the Great Doubt.	The experience of Serene Trust.
Major Practices	T'so-Ch'an (J. Zazen), Kung-An (J. Koan), Silent Illumination (J. Shikan-taza) Hua-T'ou, Walking Practice, Chanting Practice.	Meditation (recitation, visualization etc.), Sutra Reading, Veneration, Transference of Merit.
Elements of Faith	Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Ancestors, Teachers.	Amitabha, Amitabha's Vows.
Types of Vows	To save all sentient beings, to end delusions, to master the teachings, to follow the Way and 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 and to abide by the Precepts.
Object of Meditative Concentration	One's own true nature.	Amitabha Buddha.

Ch'an/Zen	Traditional Pure Land
Refines Wisdom.	Opens the Compassionate Heart.
The direct realization of Emptiness and the aspiration for Enlightenment allows true Compassion to grow.	Realization of oneness with boundless Compassion opens the Eye of Wisdom..
Focuses concentration, calming the agitated mind.	Calms the agitated mind, fostering concentration.

Traditional Pure Land	Shin Pure Land
A cooperative relationship exists between the practitioner and Amitabha Buddha; the practitioner tries to become one with the Purified Mind.	A person is totally reliant on the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha; Enlightenment is not dependent in any way on one's own efforts.
There are a number of practices and variants, including recitation, visualization, Sutra reading, etc.	Saying of the name (nembutsu) is all that is necessary; the nembutsu is not considered a "practice" as such.
Based on the tripod of Faith, the Aspiration for Rebirth (Vow) and Practice.	Based on Faith in Amida Buddha's Primal Vow.
The Pure Land is considered to be Amitabha's merit-created realm of rebirth where cultivation may be done free of hindrances; it is also considered the Realm of the Purified Mind which manifests itself everywhere.	The Pure Land is considered to be Amida Buddha's Paradise made manifest by the Primal Vow.