The changing Buddhist landscape: Anxiety and the development of Pure Land Buddhism in medieval China

Abstract

The introduction of Pure Land practice and belief into medieval China changed the Buddhist landscape. Pure Land Buddhism offered a new pathway and new methods for achieving enlightenment. However, these changes were also a significant source of anxiety among the early community of Pure Land practitioners. This article uses the concept of convergence to critically analyse medieval Chinese Pure Land texts, demonstrating how four key changes—the introduction of Sukhāvatī as a rebirth destination, the belief that the Dharma may be in its final stages, the popularisation of Pure Land practice, and the preparations for and moment of death—converged to create a pervasive sense of anxiety among early Pure Land practitioners in medieval China.