I. Japan
1) Like the Jesus Prayer in the Christian Orthodox tradition, Pure Land Buddhists believe that through the repeated chanting of the nembutsu, one can achieve salvation.
++Interesting and moving documentary film about the Jesus prayer++
2) Great online article about Pure Land Buddhism and art.
3) DT Suzuki in his book, Buddha of Infinite Light, has an excellent explanation of jiriki (自力, one's own strength) versus tariki (他力 meaning "other power", "outside help") are two terms in Japanese Buddhist schools that classify how one becomes spiritually enlightened. Jiriki is commonly practiced in Zen Buddhism. In Pure Land Buddhism, tariki often refers to the power of Amitābha Buddha.
4) Other Books: Genshin's Ōjōyōshū and the Construction of Pure Land Discourse in Heian Japan, by Robert F. Rhodes & Pure Land Buddhist Painting, by Joji Okazaki
Amida pulling a reluctant believer to heaven
阿弥陀鉤召図. Amitabha pulling in a reluctant devotee to the Pure Land. Heian period Japan (794–1185).
本図裏面には、平安時代末に高野山を中心に密教図像の収集、書写に努めた玄証(1146~1222頃)の墨書がある。玄証の花押や墨書を有する図像は、高野山月上院を経て京都・高山寺に多く伝来し、指定品を含めた二十点ほどの現存作例を数える。本図も鎌倉時代以降、高山寺に伝来した可能性が高く、これらの玄証所縁の図像中でも特に優れたものである。
本図は、平安時代に遡る大型の白描図像として、またその画題の特殊性から、仏教絵画史上のみならず、国宝「鳥獣人物戯画」等の我が国における白描戯画の成立を考える上でも、文化史上貴重な位置を占める作例といえる。
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