Can you distinguish between a Zen Buddhist and Pure Land Buddhist Images?

1. Can you distinguish between a Zen Buddhist and Pure Land Buddhist Images? Try your knowledge here and see what you learned! Mr. Ciferni Social Studies 8 Madison Junior School

2. Buddhist Shrine built into the wall of a Japanese home

3. Pure Land Buddhism • Centers on the worship of Buddha (Amidism) • Followers of this sect of Buddhism believe that a god (Amitabha) would save all beings by granting them rebirth • Branch of Mahayana Buddhism • Salvation could be achieved by absolute faith. If one was considered a believer he would enter paradise upon death.

4. Pure Land Buddhism • It is widely believed that Nirvana has become very difficult to obtain through meditative practices (Zen Buddhism). • Only through the devotion of the Amitabha Buddha can one be reborn in the Pure Land (heavenly place). • Widely practiced in both China and Japan.

5. Followers of Pure Land Buddhism • Popular among commoners and monks • Also popular among the outcasts of society including those who were often denied spiritual services.

6. Zen Buddhism • Began when a Japanese monk came into contact with an Indian Philosopher, Bodhidhama. • Zen Buddhism focuses on how to reach enlightenment through meditation.

7. Image of the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan

8. Directions: • Get out a blank piece of paper and number 1-10. • After each slide write down whether or not you think the image is reflective of Zen or Pure Land Buddhism. • After deciding which form of Buddhism is reflected please write down a sentence or two explaining your response.

9. Zen or Pure Land Image (Slide 1)

10. Slide 1 Answer: • This illustration reflects an image of an Amitabha which is a Buddha of unlimited light. This image reflects PURE LAND BUDDHISM. As the Amitabha represents a way of salvation that followers can seek outside themselves.

11. Slide 2

12. Slide 2 Answer: • This illustration was reflective of Zen Buddhism. You can see the natural elements as depicted here outside Daisen-In Temple in Kyoto. Notice the bonsai tree located within the rock garden structure.

13. Slide 3

14. Slide 3 Answer: Pure Land Buddhism • This picture was taken at Uji Byodo Temple otherwise known as Phoenix Hall. • You will notice there are 52 Bodhisattvas surrounding the main statue of Buddha. Remember Bodhisattvas are Buddhists who are worthy of Nirvana who postpone it to help others. In this illustration the Bodhisattvas surround the main Buddha as a way of reaching out to help followers achieve Nirvana.

15. Slide 4

16. Slide 4 Answer: Zen Buddhism • The previous illustration is called “Taikai” or “Great Sea”. It features plain composition of two sand moons representing the natural elements of the sun and the moon with the ocean waves spread throughout.

17. Slide 5

18. Slide 6

19. Slide 7

20. Slide 8

21. Slide 9

22. Slide 10

23. Resources: • http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.buddhist-images.co.uk/buddhajpgs/amitabha_june.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.buddhist-images.co.uk/&