Amitābha Sutra Commentary and Subcommentary: Matters and Meanings (阿彌陀經疏鈔事義)

About 阿彌陀經疏鈔事義

Ming · by 袾宏述

9,446 · about 31 min

The "Commentary and Exegesis on the Amitābha Sutra" by the eminent Ming dynasty monk Master Lianchi, Zhuhong, is an essential text of the Pure Land school. Composed during the late Ming Buddhist revival, this work addresses the intellectual context of integrating Chan and Pure Land teachings, providing detailed commentary and exegetical explanations on the Amitābha Sutra. It systematically expounds the doctrines of the Pure Land and the practice of reciting the Buddha's name. Its content encompasses the division of the sutra's sections, doctrinal classification, analysis of terms and historical references, blending Huayan and Pure Land thought to illuminate the ease and supreme excellence of attaining rebirth through Buddha-recitation. This commentary is revered as one of the core exegetical works of the Pure Land school, exerting a profound influence on later Pure Land faith and practice. It remains an indispensable and authoritative text for the study of Chinese Buddhist Pure Land thought.