The Pure Lands are an integral aspect of Indian Mahayana, Tibetan and East Asian Buddhisms rarely taught in the West. For most of us, they represent our greatest opportunity after death. These two weekends on exoteric (sutra) and esoteric (tantra) Pure Lands are designed to provide everything you need to know about the Pure Land tradition.

We will talk about the role of the pure land teachings in the popular imagination of masses of laypeople throughout Asia, and define the many types of pure lands, their entry requirements, and why Amitabha’s Pure Land of Sukhavati is so unique. Why should we take rebirth there, and how can we better develop the bodhisattva vow by going there? What is it like being in a Pure Land, and how can I help those left behind by going to one? What constitutes Pure Land practice? 

 The central tenets of self-power vs. other-power, and the role of faith and devotion are explored. The power of merit is presented, and how the transfer of merit works with transforming karma. What are the causes for rebirth into a Pure Land, and how can the transfer of Amitabha’s merit bring me into his Pure Land?

How is Sukhavati different from heaven, and Amitabha from God — how do we relate to Pure Lands, both theistically and non-theistically? We will also present and discuss a number of pure land art works from various cultures throughout Asia.

Death and the Art of Dying: The Pure Lands with Dr. Andrew Holecek and Robert A.F. Thurman Friday, February 26th – Sunday, February 28th, Presented by Tibet House US Menla Online!