Shandao’s Interpretations on the Power of Amitābhā’s Original Vow

Abstract

Shandao 善導 is known for his emphasis on the power of Amitābhā’s original vow. Previous studies have revealed that Shandao widened the meaning of the power of Amitābhā’s original vow by interpreting that it has additional potency to eliminate sins.

In this paper we argue that, in addition to the above, Shandao likewise included in that power the possibilities of meeting good teachers 善知識, being welcomed by Amitābhā to the Pure Land 来迎, and seeing Buddha. Through this widening of his understanding about the power of Amitābhā’s original vow, Shandao constructed a system of rebirth in the Pure Land.

Furthermore, by comparing his Dharma-Gate of Contemplation 観念法門 and Banzhou zan 般舟讃,we can see that the idea of the power of Amitābhā’s original vow developed from that of the three powers of the vow 三念願力.