Afflictions are conditions or causes of pain and suffering that af­fect. Common afflictions are thoughts of gain or loss, of controlling others, criticism, worries, regrets, resentments, etc. Afflic­tions feel perfectly normal to us because we have had them for innumerable lifetimes.

Our major afflic­tions are greed, anger, igno­rance, arrogance, and doubt. Afflictions arise because of our selfishness. As Pure Land practitioners, we chant “Amituofo” to re­strain afflic­tions so we can eradicate our unwholesome karmic consequences, give rise to merits and virtues, and uncover our innate wisdom.