The Contemplation Sutra Of Amitabha Buddha - Part 1 Of 10

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• published: 15 Sep 2009
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This is Part 1 of 10 videos reciting the Contemplation Sutra on how to visualize the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha, delivered by Shakyamuni Buddha. The figure on the screen is the mandala for this sutra. It has four sections, showing prominent features described or referred to in the Contemplation Sutra. The arrangement in four sections follows Shan-tao's four-fascicle commentary on the sutra. [A] The wide area in the center is the Pure Land with glorious manifestations. [B] The panel on the left side, containing eleven pictures, describes the scene where the sutra was delivered and the story behind the sutra in accordance with Shan-tao's Prefatory Part. The pictures from the bottom upwards show how Devadatta won the favor of Ajatashatru, how his father King Bimbisara was imprisoned, how Queen Vaidehi was confined in a room, how she was delivered from the suffering by the Buddha's preaching, and so on. [C] The panel on the right side, containing thirteen scenes, is the section on Meditative Good. We read from the top downwards, beginning with contemplation of the setting sun. As our contemplation advances, we visualize Amida and the two attending bodhisattvas. [D] The panel at the bottom describes, from right to left, the nine ranks of those born in the Pure Land. Shan-tao calls this section "Non-meditative Good". In the middle of this section the story about the Taima Mandala is inscribed. Source: http://www12.canvas.ne.jp/horai/con-ex.htm Contents: Preface King Bimbisara Imprisoned by His Son Queen Vaidehi's Imprisonment Shakyamuni's Visit to Vaidehi