Chapter 13. Bodhisattvas in the West Pure Land(I), Yang Ning’s Lectures on <the Immeasurable Life Sutra>

1. Innumerable Bodhisattvas in Worlds in the Ten Directions Assemble in the Pure Land, Pay Homage and Make Offerings to Amitabha Buddha, Hearken to His Dharma Teachings The Buddha told Ananda, “Amitayus Buddha’s awesome spirit is boundless. None of the innumerable, countless inconceivable Buddha-Tathagatas in worlds in the ten directions fails to praise Him. Innumerable, … Read more

Chapter 12. The Methods for Sentient Beings from Worlds in Ten Directions to Get Reborn in the Pure Land, Yang Ning’s Lectures on <the Immeasurable life Sutra>

The Buddha told Ananda, “Those who are reborn in that land all belong in the group of sentient beings that definitely progress on the right path to bodhi. Why? Because in that Buddha Land, there is neither the group that definitely is not on the bodhi path nor the group that is indecisive about its … Read more

Chapter 10. A Brief Introduction of the West Pure Land (I), Yang Ning’s Lectures on <the Immeasurable Life Sutra>

I.The land of the Pure Land has no limits. Three evil paths do not exist in His Land. The temperature is neither cold nor hot, but constantly pleasant and comfortable. His land does not have the four seasons of spring, autumn, winter and summer. “His Buddha Land naturally has the seven treasures. Its ground is … Read more

Chapter 9. Bhiksu Dharmakara Formed Successfully the West Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, Yang Ning’s Lectures on <the Immeasurable Life Sutra>

The Buddha said, “Ananda, the bhiksu Dharmakara made these great vows before that Buddha, amid multitudes of celestial maras, Brahma gods, and the eight classes of Dharma protectors, such as gods and dragons. Having made his vows, he intently worked on the adornment of his Buddha Land so that it should be open and vast, … Read more

Chapter 8. Bhikshu Dharmakara’s 48 Great Vows to Formulate the West Pure Land(II), Yang Ning’s Lectures on <the Immeasurable Life Sutra>

The Twenty-second Vow After I become a Buddha, if Bodhisattvas from other Buddha Lands who are reborn in my land should eventually fail to be in the holy position of waiting to attain Buddhahood in their next life, excepted are Bodhisattvas who choose not to be in that position because of their original vows, I … Read more

Chapter 7. Bhikshu Dharmakara’s 48 Great Vows to Formulate the West Pure Land(I), Yang Ning’s Lectures on <the Immeasurable Life Sutra>

The bhiksu Dharmakara collected the pure actions taken to adorn those 210 koti wonderful Buddha Lands. Having trained himself in this way, he went to that Buddha. He made obeisance at that Buddha’s feet and circled Him three times. Standing properly with his palms joined, he said to that Buddha, “World-Honored One, I have collected … Read more

Chapter 6. Dharmakara on the Cause Ground – His Resolve to Form a Splendid Buddha Land, Yang Ning’s Lectures on <the Immeasurable Life Sutra>

“At that time there was a king who heard that a Buddha was expounding the Dharma. With joy in his heart, he immediately activated the anuttara-samyak-sambodhi mind. He abandoned his kingdom and throne and became a Sramana named Dharmakara. Exceptionally intelligent and valiant, he was outstanding in the world. He went to World Sovereign King … Read more

Chapter 5. The Causation for Buddha’s Sermon, Yang Ning’s Lectures on <the Immeasurable Life Sutra>

At that time the World-Honored One looked vigorous and joyful; His appearance pure, radiant, and majestic. The venerable Ananda, at the Buddha’s unspoken holy command, rose from his seat, bared his right shoulder, and fell on both knees. With palms joined, he said to the Buddha, “World-Honored One, You look vigorous and joyful today, Your … Read more

Chapter 4. Bodhisattvas in This World of Saha, Yang Ning’s Lectures on <the Immeasurable Life Sutra>

They all cultivate the virtues of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva-Mahasattva. Equipped with immeasurable Bodhisattva action vows, they stand firm in all virtuous ways. They visit worlds in the ten directions, skillfully carrying out suitable missions. They enter into the store of the Buddha Dharma, arrive on the shore of nirvana, and demonstrate attainment of samyak-sambodhi in innumerable … Read more