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 | 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 |
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 |