“If, when I
attain Buddhahood, sentient beings in the lands of the ten directions, who
awaken aspiration for Enlightenment, do various meritorious deeds and sincerely
desire to be born in my land, should not, at their death, see me appear before
them surrounded by a multitude of sages, may I not attain perfect
Enlightenment.”[1]
(19th
Vow)
“If, when I
attain Buddhahood, sentient beings in the lands of the ten directions who,
having heard my Name, concentrate their thoughts on my land, plant roots of
virtue, and sincerely transfer their merits towards my land with a desire to be
born there, should not eventually fulfil their aspiration, may I not
attain perfect Enlightenment.”[2]
Generally speaking, Buddhist practices taught by Shakyamuni can be
classified into two groups: