Nianfo

Nianfo (Chinese念佛, Pinyin niànfó, W.-G. nien- fo, Jap念 仏, nembutsu; kor 염불, yeombul; viet: .. Niem Phat ) referred to in Mahayana Buddhism methods for visualization of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, especially the Buddha Amitabha. This visualization can be done by visualization techniques, or by means of invocations recitations and singing ( Shōmyō - Nembutsu ). The literal translation of Nembutsu is " visualize Buddha".

Invocation of the Buddha Amitabha

Special priority to the Nianfo in the schools of Pure Land. The formula is recited in Japanese, " Namu Amida Butsu " (Japanese for " Homage to the Buddha Amitabha "). If it is running with perfect devotion, it can cause after that schools consider a rebirth in the Pure Land of Amitabha, which is the ultimate goal of the practice of these schools.

The original Sanskrit Amitabha Buddha Namo formula was. With the spread of Buddhism in Asia, has over time changed the pronunciation of this formula:

Most Pure Land schools believe that the invocation of Amitabha can cause rebirth in Amitabha 's Pure Land. There, people can then practice without the sufferings and difficulties of human existence and thus to achieve enlightenment easier. Originally, this practice was viewed as an aid for people who are unable due to bad karma to follow Buddhism, with its extensive practice.

In the teaching of Jōdo Shinshu the Nembutsu was reinterpreted. Here it is as an expression of gratitude instead of requests to Amitabha Buddha. The basic assumption here is that even with a sincere faith in Amitabha reincarnation is ensured in the pure land and other efforts or efforts are not necessary. Salvation is achieved not by my own power, but by the power of Amitabha (the " Other Worker").

Origin

In Buddhist literature the Nianfo has its roots in the Great - Pure Land Sutra ( Sukhavativyuha Sūtra, Sutra of Immeasurable Life), in which Amitabha, still only a student, decides as long as the enlightenment to dispense until all living beings saved are. In the sutra describes that Amitabha made ​​48 vows ( cf. bodhisattva vows ). In the 18th vow states something like: "If sentient beings in the lands of the ten directions, sincerely and joyfully trusting call me my name to be born with the desire in my country, even if only ten times - if not here be born here, because I have attained Buddhahood, I will waive the enlightenment. Excluded from the birth in my country are those who commit serious crimes and revile the true Dharma. "

The Nianfo practice became popular among the laity in India and spread to East Asia.

Typological classification

In religion comparative perspective the Nianfo / Nembutsu is part of the type name of the prayer.