The Three Pure Land Sutras: Revised Edition (BDK English Tripitaka) Hardcover – May 31, 2006

This beautiful, substantially produced hardbound book is a most precious literature for those who believe in and practice Pure Land Buddhism, as well as folks who are more generally interested in the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, in the transcendental wealth of his Sutras.Unlike so many often confusing editions of Sutra literatures, the carefully wrought translations in this book are entirely accessible to any interested readers with an average grasp of English.I am grateful for this volume, as both an actual Object of Devotion, as well a the source of the invaluable Pure Land teachings.ETA: having completed a first reading of the entire book, I am even more impressed with the profound content, so incredibly well-translated in this edition. You don't have to be a Pure Land devotee to benefit from this book.Namu Amita Butsu!

This is just the Sūtrā it’s self but it is hard to read without commentary because you can get lost easily while reading.for those of you that want the commentary versionI recommend “Commentary on the larger Sūtrā of infinite life” by Jōshō Adrian cirlea.

BDK never dissapoints with their translations. Keeping as closely to the original as they can. This book is a treasured volume in my library. A perfect translation for any Westerner practicing or looking into Pure Land Buddhism.

Very happy with this book,,,,Namo Amida Butsu :)

Being myself a practitioner of the tibetan Buddhism I have no doubt in my mind that at least some parts of these Sutras were truely spoken by the historical Buddha Shakyamuni in some point of his life. Because these Sutras are also the base of the tibetan Vajrayana training of Phowa (transference of the counsciousness in the moment of death), there is any doubt in the Vajrayana tradition that Buddha Amitabha, Sukhavati and Phowa training are a real phenomena. Having said this I wish to express that unfortunatley this was a reading that I didn`t enjoy nor found it useful.This Sutras are overloded with abstract in fantasious descriptions and makes the whole body of the texts like a fairy tail disconected of our common daily reality.I found some parts of the first Sutra the most interesting of all, since describes the origin story (a kind legendary) of the Buddha Amitaba and his vows in order to establish a Pure Land for the benefit of all beings.The second Sutra is the most complicated of all, where lord Buddha presents several execercise of visualization of Sukavathi in order to reborn there, but this visualizations are so detailed and fantasious that I found it completly unrealistic to put into practice.The third text it`s a very concise descriptions of the Buddhas and their Pure Lands in the ten direction.All three Sutras are made of pure metaphysical components and the three forewords doesn`t refere almost any information about the historical origins of these texts. The Outline to the three Sutras it`s nothing more than a general description of each one.I believe for these Sutras become really useful they should be acompanied by a detailed explanations of some Master of this Pure Land tradition. Moreover I don`t see in any way that what is decribed in these texts help whatsoever in truely achiving the transference of the counciousness at the moment of death.

Perfect for the aspiring Pureland English speaking Buddhist, a must. Amitafo

Excellent and beautiful translations and presentations! Recommended! Ignore the previous review - this IS essential Buddhism and the real dharma that Shakyamuni Buddha came to teach.

Wow, this thing took three weeks to get to me, but boy, was it worth the wait! Not only are all three of the Pure Land Sutas translated (and not in the silly "English Free" form, a way of paraphrasing instead of translating word-for-word), there is a section on the history and philosophy of Pure Land Buddhism. I suggest you buy "River of Fire, River of Water" to introduce yourself to Pure Land Buddhism before you buy this, and then go for the gusto, man!Thanks!