Download Pure Land Questions - The Ecclesbourne School Online

‘Pure Land is a short cut to
nibbana (nirvana).’ Discuss.
‘Pure Land Buddhism is so far
removed from the teachings of
the Buddha that it cannot really
be regarded as Buddhism at
all.’ Discuss.
• To what extent are the
goals of Zen and Pure
Land similar?
• To what extent is Pure
Land a distinctive form
of Mahayana
Buddhism?
• Assess the importance
of Pure Land
Buddhism for those
seeking Nibbana
(Nirvana).
• ‘Pure Land Buddhism
is just a way to
encourage people to
practise Buddhism.’
Discuss.
Answer – maybe!
•
For the first objective – AO1
•
You will need to show awareness of the main features of Pure Land
Buddhism, and understanding of the status of the Pure Lands. You could
also show awareness of the concept of upaya. Perhaps mention that
Mahayana Buddhism relies on upaya to explain how its teachings differ
from that of the Buddha. An awareness of the origins of Pure Land, and
differences between Pure Land schools would be relevant.
•
For the second objective - AO2
•
You could argue that Pure Land is taught as a form of upaya to encourage
people who may find other forms of Buddhism difficult to practise. The ease
of the Pure Land practices could be cited as appropriate for a particular time
and place, or group of people, to encourage them to start the path. The
Pure Lands could be seen as an interim aim, again to encourage people
and you could discuss whether this is any different from any Buddhist
tradition if the underlying belief is that people must seek their own way.
Perhaps there could also be a reference to whether for some Buddhists the
Pure Lands are the ultimate aim, and whether this then means that the
methods can no longer be seen as upaya.