What the sūtra is about
The sūtra opens with the Buddha in Jeta's Grove near Śrāvastī, surrounded by his disciples. He describes the land of Sukhāvatī in the west, where Amitābha Buddha is teaching, and encourages listeners to aspire to be born there by keeping the Buddha's name in mind single-heartedly. Then the Buddhas of the six directions praise and confirm the teaching.
Being short, it is often chanted in the daily practice of those who follow the recitation of the Buddha's name, together with reciting «Namo Amitābha Buddha».
Translation and transliteration
Many temples chant the sūtra in Sino-Vietnamese transliteration. The Inti Dharma library holds the Vietnamese translation only, so you understand each line as you read. There is no transliteration, recording or download yet.
The three Pure Land sūtras and commentaries
The Amitābha Sūtra is often called the shorter of the three Pure Land sūtras. The other two are in the library as well: the Sūtra of Immeasurable Life (two scrolls), on the vows and land of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life, and the Sūtra on the Contemplation of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life, which sets out the contemplations. The library also holds Chinese commentaries such as Zhuhong's Amitābha Sūtra Commentary and the Tongzan commentary.
Chanting the sūtra at home
Open the text, press «Chant» and choose the slow speed the first time so you can keep up. After the sūtra many people recite «Namo Amitābha Buddha»: the Buddha recitation page has a repeating voice and a counter on your device. Close with a few quiet minutes and a dedication of merit.
