An inspiring and practical commentary on three sutras at the center of East Asian Buddhist faith.The three Pure Land Sutras are a body of Mahayana scriptures that for centuries have played an important part in the spiritual life of East Asian Buddhists. These texts describe Sukhavati, the archetypal "land of bliss" presided over by Amitabha or Amitayus, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Eternal Life. Ratnaguna explores the practices that enable the practitioner to be reborn in this ideal world, and outlines how this can be understood in both a literal and metaphoric sense. So "rebirth in Sukhavati" can take place in this very life, and dwelling there can be understood as a description of the Enlightened Mind. He also explores faith-imagination as the faculty that perceives reality.These Buddhist texts - both ancient and perennial-put forward a path of faith and grace, as well as effort and practice. Using a practical and imaginative approach, Ratnaguna explores their main themes and the 16 meditations outlined by the Buddha. This book will appeal to both practicing Buddhists-whether from the East Asian Pure Land traditions or not-and anyone interested in Buddhism from a practical point of view.Includes new translations of the three Pure Land sutras by Sraddhapa.

Chapter 1: The State of HappinessThe Shorter Sukhavati SutraChapter 2. Embraced by All the BuddhasThe Shorter Sukhavati SutraChapter 3. The Mythic History of SukhavatiThe Longer SV SutraChapter 4. The Meaning of the MythThe Longer SV SutraChapter 5. The Inhabitants of Sukhavati - the Ideal SanghaThe Longer SV Sutra.Chapter 6. A story of Betrayal and FidelityThe Amitayur-dhyana SutraChapter 7. Meditating on the Land of BlissThe Amitayur-dhyana SutraChapter 8. Death, Birth, Self Power and Other Power.The Amitayur-dhyana Sutra