In Korea, Pure Land does not even exist. There are a few philosophical schools, such as Hua-yen and T'ien-tai Buddhism, but the only method of practice in Korea is Son (Ch'an). When Japanese and Korean Buddhists look at China, they wonder how Ch'an and Pure Land can co-exist so harmoniously. Actually, Ch'an and Pure Land developed together in China. During the T'ang dynasty they were distinct schools, but by the end of the Sung dynasty, Ch'an and Pure land had blended together. Today, Pure Land Buddhists use Ch'an methods, just as Ch'an teachers are not opposed to Pure Land methods.

In fact, the term "Pure Land" did not exist in Chinese history until recently. It was borrowed, ironically, from Japan. Up until then, people who used Pure Land methods referred to themselves as the Lotus school. Since that school holds that every Buddha sits on a lotus blossom, any Buddha's name was acceptable in the practice. Today, which consists primarily in reciting a Buddha's name, the method is called "reciting Amitabha's name, " as Amitabha is the only Buddha whose name is recited. However, in the past the Chinese referred to it as the "Dharma method of reciting the Buddha's name, " because they were not limited to Amitabha Buddha. Truthfully, I do not care for the name "Pure Land" when referring to that particular sect.

Some say today that Ch'an has disappeared from China. I don't agree. Buddhism remains there. Buddhist practice cannot be separated from Ch'an. If in practicing Pure Land you reach a level where there are no wandering thoughts ─ one-mindedness ─ it is the same as attaining the concentrated mind of Ch'an.