The Pure Land of Amida reveals in its Light all the Buddha-lands - short explanation of the 31st Vow of Amida-

last revised and updated September 21st 2019

“If, when I attain Buddhahood, my land should not be resplendent, revealing in its light all the immeasurable, innumerable and inconceivable Buddha-lands, like images reflected in a clear mirror, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.”[1] 

the 31st Vow

This Vow is linked with the 12thVow where Dharmakara, the actual Amida Buddha, promises that His light as a Buddha will be infinite, capable to illuminate all the Buddha-lands[2]. Thus, the 31^st Vow shows the unity between Amida as an Enlightened Person and His Pure Land, which is His own manifestation. The Light of Amida is also the Light of His Pure Land.

Upon birth in the Land of Amida, all the lands of the Buddhas, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, are revealed to us and we understand the specific characteristics of each one of them. The things that are now inconceivable for our unenlightened minds will be known when we attain Buddhahood in the Pure Land. “Like images reflected in a clear mirror” means that in the Pure Land there is no obstruction caused by karmic evil and blind passions. Everything is seen and revealed in its true nature and the ultimate nature (Dharmakaya as suchness) of all the Buddhas and Buddha-lands is the same, even if their manifestations and conditions are different. After becoming Buddhas upon birth in the Pure Land we understand this Dharmakaya unity between all Buddhas and their lands.

By being born in the Pure Land of Amida we fulfill the aspirations of all Buddhas. This is because, as stated in the 17^th Vow, Buddhas from all the Buddha-lands praise Amida’s method of salvation and encourage beings to follow it[3]. Thus, we can safely assume that all the lands of the Buddhas have their main roads connected to the Pure Land, each Buddha encouraging those born in their lands to entrust to Amida. In short, all Buddha-lands point to Amida’s Land. This is also the meaning of the 31^st Vow.

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[1] The Three Pure Land Sutras - A Study and Translation from Chinese by Hisao Inagaki in collaboration with Harold Stewart, Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai and Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, Kyoto, 2003, p.17

[2] “If, when I attain Buddhahood, my light should be limited, unable to illuminate at least a hundred thousand kotis of nayutas of Buddha-lands, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.”

[3] See the explanation of the 17th Vow.