This program is over. Hope you didn't miss it! Browse other programs we offer Pure Land Buddhism: An Easier Path to Nirvana? Evening Lecture/Seminar Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. ET Code: 1H0643 Location: This program is part of ourSmithsonian Associates Streaming series. Select your Tickets $20 Member $25 Non-Member Materials for this program Pure Land Buddhism | Handout Resize text Buddha Amitabha (Amita) and the Eight Great Bodhisattvas, hanging scroll, mid-late 14th century (Freer Gallery of Art) Pure Land Buddhism, the most popular of the Buddhist traditions in the East, remains surprisingly unknown in the West. The practice’s core principles center on the belief that prayer and contemplation on the celestial Buddha Amitabha can lead to rebirth in a pure land—a realm free from suffering that is an ideal steppingstone on the path to Nirvana. What sets it apart from other forms of Buddhism is that ordinary people can achieve Buddhahood no matter how long it may take, without the danger of backsliding, which is what makes it so appealing to many. However, a closer look at its thought and practice reveals that Pure Land Buddhism is much more challenging than it seems. Charles B. Jones, professor of religion at the Catholic University of America, traces the practice’s history and shares some of the features and goals of this prevalent form of Buddhism. Jones’ book Pure Land: History, Tradition and Practice is available for sale. Book Sale Information Purchase your copy of Pure Land: History, Tradition, and Practice by Charles B. Jones here. SPECIAL NOTE: Politics and Prose is offering a 10% discount to Smithsonian Associates ticket-holders. To claim your discount, enter the code SPECIAL10 (no space between letters and numbers) in the “Coupon discount” section on Politics and Prose's check-out page. Patron Information If you register multiple individuals, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses so they can receive a Zoom link email. Please note that if there is a change in program schedule or a cancellation, we will notify you via email, and it will be your responsibility to notify other registrants in your group. Unless otherwise noted, registration for streaming programs typically closes two hours prior to the start time on the date of the program. Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org. Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of the program. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of the program, please email Customer Service for assistance. View Common FAQs about our Streaming Programs on Zoom.