Pure Land, Zen, and Esoteric Buddhism
Buddhism originally had no sectarian divisions, but in the process of liberating sentient beings, different teachings emerged due to the varying capacities of sentient beings. These different teachings formed their own characteristics and thus established their own sects. The Buddhist paths that we commonly know include: Zen, Pure Land, and Esoteric Buddhism. All three teachings originate from the same source and ultimately converge in one place. However, due to differing teachings, they stand as three distinct paths.
What are the differences between Zen and Pure Land? Zen is for those who soar in the sky, while Pure Land is for those who walk on the ground. The so-called “those in the sky” refer to sentient beings with great capacities; they possess higher wisdom, are not attached to existence or forms, and can understand with a single hint, standing freely in mid-air. Their nature is akin to flying; they are free-spirited and unbound by levels or paths. Guided by others, they can immediately enter the path and quickly attain Buddhahood. Pure Land Buddhism reaches out to those who walk on the ground. Ground-walking beings need a path; without a path, they do not know how to return home. Unlike birds in the sky that can fly directly home at the fastest speed along the shortest route, these beings must have a clear path—a definite road—to return home step by step. If you do not provide them with a path or even teach them how to walk it, they cannot find their way home. They must hold onto “existence” as they return home; they cannot suddenly enter “emptiness” to get there. They must cultivate with what is present; they cannot directly ascend into emptiness. They need precepts, methods, and a pathway; they require patience under humiliation, diligence, meditation stages—they cannot simply fly over it all. On the road to Buddhahood, they are like walking creatures rather than flying ones. This is where Pure Land differs from Zen.
So what is the difference between Esoteric Buddhism and Zen? The essence is the same—one is hidden while the other is manifest; one has dismantled all doors and teaches within the vast universe; while another has raised tents and built houses—even arching into secret chambers of teaching. Who resides in these secret chambers? The mind resides there; who encompasses heaven and earth? It is still the mind. As small as secrets may be or as grand as universes may appear—all discussions pertain to the mind. Because both speak of the mind, Esoteric Buddhism and Zen are fundamentally identical without essential differences. Even if there are no essential differences, why does Esoteric Buddhism remain secretive while Zen seeks manifestation? It still comes down to differing capacities among people—due to “faith,” one becomes hidden or manifest.
All three teachings guide people back to the heart. Zen leads away from forms towards the heart; Pure Land purifies defilements leading towards seeing one’s heart; Esoteric Buddhism protects heart practices leading towards seeing one’s heart as well. Though distinct methods exist among these three teachings—they all speak of one heart. The three teachings are like three rivers: although originating from different places, when entering into the sea there exists only one mouth—the “mouth” being both form and formlessness together. To attain Buddhahood requires letting go of forms—one must not cling to them! Clinging to forms is akin to blocking a river’s mouth into which it flows into an ocean—the river never enters into that vast sea! Therefore regardless of which teaching you follow if you wish to accomplish Buddhahood you must ultimately arrive at this teaching of form and formlessness—otherwise there will be no way taught nor Buddha attained! Seeing form yet letting go of form—that is Buddha; seeing form without letting go—that is attachment! Regardless of which practice you undertake in conclusion please depart from attachment please see Buddha through detachment from forms! But remember: without forms Buddha does not manifest—without Buddha where lies form? Form itself is Buddha; Buddha itself is form—form and Buddha are non-dual.
by – Taiwan Great Fearless Tathagata Ya Great Perfection Meditation Center