Comparing the Paths
The differences between Ch'an Buddhism and Pure Land Buddhism are bound to produce some confusion and misinterpretation. The following are simplified charts comparing and contrasting these paths.
Ch'an/Zen and 5 Elements Pure Land
Ch'an/Zen | 5 Elements Pure Land | |
Major Emphasis | Developing the eye of Wisdom | Abiding in the Heart of Compassion |
Personal Turning Point | Raising the Great Doubt | Experiencing Serene Trust |
Major Practices | T'so-Ch'an (J. Zazen), Kung-An (J. Koan) Silent Illumination (J. Shikan-taza) Hua-T'ou 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 | Rebirth 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 Nature | Amitabha Buddha |
How the Two Paths Complement Each Other
Ch'an/Zen | 5Â Elements Pure Land |
Refines Wisdom | Opens 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 |