Introduction
The World of Eternal Life
Every person must face the end of this life. The World of Eternal Life begins with the question of where life ultimately leads. It presents modern interpretations of the Three Pure Land Sūtras and the Chapter on the Practices and Vows of Samantabhadra from the Avataṃsaka Sūtra. The eternal sacred realm, sincere faith and far-reaching vows are interwoven themes, affirming the reality of eternal life and its place as life’s ultimate destination.
Following descriptions of the eternal world, declarations of sacred vows and teachings on the path to rebirth there, the book explores how sincere faith responds to sacred grace. Prayer and sustained practice give life direction. Whether living in dedicated retreat or within family and society, readers are invited to express their longing for eternal life through respect for elders, self-restraint, ethical conduct, kindness and help for those in difficulty.
Samantabhadra’s Practices and Vows extends faith into reverence, repentance, rejoicing in others’ goodness, sharing the teaching and serving all beings. The personal pursuit of eternal life is joined to care for others. For readers reflecting on Pure Land faith and life’s destination, this volume offers a path from understanding that destination to renewing conduct and making a commitment to help others.
For readers wishing to understand the Pure Land scriptures, reflect on life and death, and express faith and aspiration through everyday conduct.
Scriptures
Scriptures in this volume
The Amitābha Sūtra
Explore life’s destination, sincere faith and sustained practice through the description of the Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Read this volume’s excerptThe Sūtra on the Contemplation of Amitāyus
Follow its questions and teachings to understand the relationship between aspiration for the Pure Land and practice in this life.
Read this volume’s excerptThe Mahāyāna Sūtra of Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Equality and Awakening
Study Dharmākara’s sacred vows and the unfolding of the eternal world, reflecting on faith, aspiration and life’s direction.
Read this volume’s excerptThe Chapter on the Practices and Vows of Samantabhadra from the Avataṃsaka Sūtra
Move from reverence, repentance and rejoicing to sharing the teaching and a commitment to the good of all.
Read this volume’s excerptQuestions
Questions to bring to your reading
Why bring the Pure Land Sūtras and Samantabhadra’s Practices and Vows together?
This volume connects the destination described in the Pure Land scriptures with the far-reaching vows and actions of Samantabhadra. Understanding the direction of faith leads into reflection on ethical self-cultivation and care for others.
Where can a new reader begin?
The shorter Amitābha Sūtra offers a useful starting point. Then continue with the Contemplation Sūtra, the Infinite Life Sūtra and Samantabhadra’s Practices and Vows. This is a suggested entry into reading, not a substitute for each scripture’s own complete progression.
From the books · Free excerpts
Read a passage and discover the approach
The Amitābha Sūtra · Chapter 3, verses 3–4
“Śāriputra, why is that world called ‘Sukhāvatī’?”
“In that world, its beings suffer no afflictions—only boundless joy exists; hence it is named ‘Sukhāvatī’.”
Excerpt source · The World of Eternal Life · The Amitābha Sūtra · Chapter 3, verses 3–4
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