Much more than this: The Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha

Lately I’ve been continuing my read of Lafcadio Hearn’s diary during his life in Japan, called Kokoro, written in the 1890′s around the time of the First Sino-Japanese War. Hearn’s classical 19th century writing, combined with his insights into a country emerging from the feudal period into rapid industrialization are quite a good read, and from his writings, you can feel his sincere admiration for Japan and its people.

One story I liked in particular, shows his depth of understanding with regard to Pure Land Buddhism, with a description only a writer of his era could so beautifully portray. In this story he is at the zoo, watching a peacock exhibit, when he overhears a Japanese family next to him:

…then the boy looked at the flowers, and the foundations,and the sunned sea with its white sails, and the mauve-colored mountains beyond all, and exclaimed: “Father, do you think there is any place more beautiful than this in the whole world?”

The father smiled deliciously, and seemed about to answer; but before he could speak the child cried out, and leaped, and clapped his little hands for delight, because the peacock had suddenly outspread the splendor of its tail. And all hastened to the aviary. So I never heard the reply to that pretty question.

But afterwards I thought that it might have been answered thus:

“My boy, very beautiful this is. But the world is full of beauty; and there may be gardens more beautiful than this.

“But the fairest of gardens is not in our world. It is the Garden of Amida [Buddha], in the Paradise of the West.”

“And whosoever does no wrong what time he lives may after death dwell in that Garden.”

“There the divine Kujaku, bird of heaven, sings of the Seven Steps and the Five Powers, spread its tail as a sun.

“There lakes of jewel-water are, and in them lotus-flowers of a loveliness for which there is not any name. And from these flowers proceed continually rays of rainbow light, and spirits of Buddhas newly-born.

“And the water, murmuring among the lotus-buds, speaks to the souls in them of Infinite Memory and Infinite Vision, and of the Four Infinite Feelings.

“And in that place there is no differences between gods and men, save that under the splendor of Amida even the gods must bend; and all sing the hymn of praise beginning, ‘O Thou of Immeasurable Light!’

“But the Voice of the River Celestial chants forever, like the chanting of thousands in unison: ‘Even this is not high; there is still a Higher! This is not real; this is not Peace!”

The last two lines really are the best part I feel. Hearn understood the symbolism of the Pure Land, and its role as a refuge to all beings, but even more than this he understood the significance of Amida and that Higher Peace of Nirvana which Amida offers to all who dwell in his land. Hearn elsewhere in the book displays a curious interest in Pure Land Buddhism as well in his praises of the Higashi Hongwanji temple in Kyoto and among other sources, as well as a general admiration of Buddhism and its outlook toward life and the mind.

Interesting that words from a fellow traveler 115 years ago could be so inspiring now. :)

Namo Amida Butsu


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2 Comments on “Much more than this: The Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha”

  1. Cat says:

    I have been reading Hearn’s “Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan” which is a memoir-ish of his first trip to Japan. Filled with visits to temples and shrines and insightful comments from a fresh but receptive eye. Haven’t read Kokoro yet, but it’s on my list!

  2. Doug says:

    Hi Cat and welcome to the JLR! Glad to meet another Hearn reader. :) I have a few other books of his either on Amazon wishlist or purchased, which I hope to read. I think this is one of them. Hearn definitely is a good writer, and I enjoy his discoveries, just as you do. :)


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