Amitāyus-vipaśyana-sūtra

Buddhist text

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July 19, 2026

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The Amitāyur-dhyāna-sūtra, or "Discourse Concerning Meditation on Amitāyus," is a foundational text in Pure Land Buddhism. It is one of three key scriptures that describe the celestial Pure Land of Amitāyus, the Buddha of Infinite Life, who is also known as Amitābha, the Buddha of Infinite Light.1

This sutra outlines 16 meditation practices designed to help individuals achieve rebirth in this Pure Land. It emphasizes that even those who have committed wicked deeds can attain this paradise by invoking Amitāyus's name. The text also references bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who postpone their own final bliss to aid in the salvation of others. The Amitāyur-dhyāna-sūtra was translated into Chinese in 424 CE and has influenced Buddhist thought and practice, particularly in East Asia.12

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Pure Land Buddhism
…on three Sanskrit scriptures: the Amitāyus-vipaśyana-sūtra (“Discourse Concerning Meditation on Amitāyus”) and the “larger” and “smaller” Pure Land sutras (Sukhāvatī-vyūha-sūtras [“Description of the Western Paradise Sutras”]). These texts relate the story of the monk Dharmakara, the future Amitayus, or Amitabha, who made a series of vows that were meant to…
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…on three Sanskrit scriptures: the Amitāyus-vipaśyana-sūtra (“Discourse Concerning Meditation on Amitāyus”) and the “larger” and “smaller” Pure Land sutras (Sukhāvatī-vyūha-sūtras [“Description of the Western Paradise Sutras”]). These texts relate the story of the monk Dharmakara, the future Amitayus, or Amitabha, who made a series of vows that were meant to…
Read More