The Parinirvana of the Arhat and the Rebirth of the Bodhisattva in the Pure Land in the Da Amituo jing

Abstract

In the Da Amituo jing, there are two types of practitioners. One follows the path of the arhat (sravaka), and the other is the path of the bodhisattva. These two are written about at several parts of this sutra, and the arhat is not described as an inferior being. This is unusual among Mahayana sutras.
The parinirvana of the arhat (T. 12, pp. 307-308) and the rebirth of the bodhisattva in the Pure Land (T. 12, pp. 309-311) are explained separately at different places in the sutra. There seems to be no relation between these two parts. However, both parts are presented in response to Ajita's question. And, taking into consideration the unique stance of the Da Amituo jing in which the arhat and bodhisattva are often spoken of as a pair, I think these two parts are closely related.