Comparing the Paths between Ch'an Buddhism and Pure Land Buddhism
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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 |
5 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 |