548 · about 2 min
Master Dao'an's Chant in Praise of Buddha and Chant on Entering the Mountains is an important Buddhist text composed by the eminent Eastern Jin dynasty monk Dao'an. This work emerged during the early period of Buddhism's introduction to China, reflecting the initial exploration and practice of Pure Land thought among monks of that time. The content is primarily divided into two parts: the Chant in Praise of Buddha advocates the practice of reciting the Buddha's name, emphasizing devout mindfulness of Amitabha Buddha, while the Chant on Entering the Mountains expresses the aspiration for secluded mountain cultivation and the determination to seek the Way. The entire text is written in the style of a hymn, with concise language and profound imagery. As a precious early document of Pure Land thought in Chinese Buddhist history, it not only reflects Master Dao'an's personal cultivation philosophy but also provides a significant ideological source for the later development of the Pure Land school, holding an important historical position within the Chinese Buddhist canon.