A Pure Land Buddhist sect in China and Japan that worships Amida Buddha (q.v.).
In Japanese, the term by which devotees call on Amitabha Buddha. They usually say "Praise to the Buddha Amitabha," i.e., "Namu Amida Butsa," which can be shortened to "Nembutsu."
Invocation of the sacred name of Amida Buddha to ensure rebirth in the Pure Land. This fundamental Buddhist practice opened the path of salvation to those without specialized religious training or discipline.
The practice of chanting "Namu Amida Butsu" in Japanese Pure Land Buddhism. See Amitabha.
(Japanese; Chinese nien-fo; "mindfulness of the Buddha"). Central practice of Pure Land Buddhism. It originally consisted of contemplation on the merits of the Buddha, but in China and Japan it was modified to simple chanting of the name of the Amida Buddha in the form Namu Amida Butsu, "I take refuge in the Buddha Amida." This practice is believed to grant entry into the Pure Land after death.
Short form of "Namu Amida Butsa". See Namu Amida Butsa
To pronounce the Name of Amida Buddha. The Nembutsu in Shin Buddhism is to call the Name (jp: myogo) of Amida Buddha with joy and gratitude having awakened to both the Unconditional Love of Amida Buddha and the reality of one’s own karmic existence. It is recited thereafter as an expression of the gratitude not as a form of religious practice or as a meritorious act.
(Japanese, Buddhism) The name given to the practice of the repeated recitation of "namu Amida Butsu" ("praise be to Amida Buddha"). Advocated by all Japanese schools of Buddhism, and considered an aid to meditation.
The term is used variously in the Buddhist tradition. Originally, it meant contemplation on the Buddha, but in Pure Land Buddhism, it is used as follows: 1) recitation of the Name as the beckoning call from Amida Buddha, 2) self- articulation of reality informing human consciousness, and 3) fundamental cause of supreme enlightenment for a foolish being.