Pure Land Buddhism (Jingtuzong)

Pure Land Buddhism is a sect of Mahayana Buddhism which derives its name from the paradise in the West over which Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light, presides. Pure Land Sect first became prominentwhen a monastery was set up by Hui Yuan on the top of Mt. Lushan in 402. Then itspread throughout China quickly, and currently it is one of the most dominant sects of Buddhism in Asia.
Pure Land Buddhism is based upon the Pure Landsutras first brought to china by Shi Dao'an during the Jin Dynasty(265-420).Drawing on a long Mahayana tradition, this sect emphasizes faith as the means for gaining rebirth in the land of bliss. The main idea behind this sect is that Nirvana is sometimes hard to obtain by ourselves, so we need help from the Buddha. Instead of solitary meditative work toward enlightenment, the Pure Land Buddhism teaches that devotion to Amitabha will lead us to the Pure Land from which Nirvana will be easier to attain. A special practice of Pure Land Buddhism is that a devotee should devoutly chant the name of Amitabha to reinforce a proper and sincere state of mind in order to be reborn in Amitabha's Pure land in the West.