A. The Buddha Land, interpreted literally, is a land without any sentient beings where only Buddhas are. When there is only Buddha without any sentient beings, Buddha is not Buddha any more than the right is the right when there is no left.
In fact, the Buddha Land is not a land somewhere else other than the Earth where we live but simply a non-discriminating mind without any illusions. Buddha and sentient beings are, in fact, illusions, all fruits of discrimination. In other words, when we don’t make any discrimination, there is neither Buddha nor sentient beings, which is called Buddha Land. So, one of the famous ancient masters used to say, “Pass by quickly where there is no Buddha, and don’t stay where there is Buddha.”
Student: “Where is the Buddha Land?”
Master: “In your house.”
Student: “There is no Buddha, and there are only my wife and children in my house.
Master: “There is no sun to a blind man even at midday.”
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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