The Meaning of Amitabha Buddha

The cultivation method that we practice is mindfully reciting the name of Amitabha Buddha. What is the meaning of Amitabha Buddha? Amitabha means infinite, and Buddha means wisdom and awakening. Therefore, Amitabha Buddha means infinite wisdom and infinite awakening. This is a good thought. Infinite wisdom and awakening is Buddha-nature. In the case of phenomena, it is Dharma-nature.

When we chant Amitabha Buddha, we are chanting Dharma-nature. Wisdom and awakening reside in everything in the universe. Wisdom and awakening are innate in everything in the universe. Wisdom and awakening pervades the whole universe. This Dharma door of mindfully reciting the Buddha-name is absolutely perfect. This is the state described in the Avatamsaka Sutra.

“Mindfully chanting ‘Amituofo’ encompasses the Threefold Learning, the three kinds of wisdom, and all other methods.” This method is absolutely perfect.

~ Based on Ven. Master Chin Kung's 2003 lecture series on the Amitabha Sutra

 

Comments

[John B]

Does this mean that we can chant "Amitabha Buddha" for infinite awakening and wisdom in this life, instead of wanting to be reborn in the Pure Land when we die? This is my inclination as I am drawn to a Chan/Zen type of path but still wish to purify my mind by chanting Amitabha Buddha's name.

[Venerable Wuling]

John,

Our goal always remains rebirth in the Pure Land. We strive to attain infinite awakening and wisdom in this life, but realize we will only truly attain them in the Pure Land. For only there will we have the time and conditions necessary to achieve our goal of supreme enlightenment.