Shan-tao

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Shan-tao (Chinese: 善道; pinyin: Shàndào; Japanese: Zendo) (613-681) was a very influential writer for the Pure Land school of Buddhism that is prominent in China, Korea, Vietnam and Japan. His writings had a strong influence on later Pure Land masters including Honen and Shinran in Japan.

In Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, he is considered the Fifth Patriarch.

[edit] Biography

Shan-tao was born at Tzu-jou in the present Anhui Province. When young, he entered the priesthood and devoted himself to the study of the Larger Sutra of Immeasurable Life and the Vimalakirti Sutra. One day he saw a painting of the Pure Land, which ultimately inspired him to follow, and then spread the Pure Land Teachings.

[edit] Teachings

Shan-tao was one of the first to propose that salvation through Amitabha Buddha could be achieved simply through his name. The practice known as the nembutsu as a way of singular devotion to Amitabha Buddha was all that was needed. In one of his more famous writings, Shan-tao spoke at great length about how simply saying the name of Amitabha Buddha was sufficient for salvation.

Prior to this, Amitabha was incorporated into wider practices such as those found in the Tien Tai school of Buddhism, as part of complex and often difficult practices. For example in later history, the ex-Tendai monk, Shinran, once commented that in his monastic days, he had to circumbabulate a status of Amitabha for 100 days straight, without sitting down.

For example, Shan-tao once wrote:

"Only repeat the name of Amitabha with all your heart. Whether walking or standing, sitting or lying, never cease the practice of it even for a moment. This is the very work which unfailingly issues in salvation, for it is in accordance with the Original Vow of that Buddha." (Coates and Ishizuka, Honen the Buddhist Saint, vol. II, page 184)

Shan-tao often used imagery such as the "Light and Name of Amitabha" which "embraces" all beings. Ultimately, such writings marked a change in the way Buddhists viewed salvation through Amida.

[edit] Additional Information

• Biography of Shan-Tao A comprehensive look at Shan-Tao's life