On the Three Causal Vows for Birth in the Pure Land in the Wuliangshou jing

Abstract

In this paper, I discuss the significance of the three vows in the Wuliangshou jing 無量寿経, which are identified to be causes for sentient beings’ birth in Amitābha’s Pure Land. In order to save everyone equally, according to the sutra, Amitābha Buddha transfers his Name, which contains every virtue necessary for sentient beings’ salvation. Those who received his Name, therefore, will rejoice in their salvation by Amitābha simply by entrusting his working. On the other hand, according to the passages of the Eighteenth Vow, those who cannot rejoice in their salvation by Amitābha cannot be saved. In order to guide all sentient beings, including those who cannot rejoice in his salvation, Amitābha prepares a skillful means by transforming them to be able to rejoice in their salvation in his Pure Land, which is the role given to the Nineteenth and Twentieth Vows.