In Ch'an there are sudden and gradual methods. After reaching one-mindedness, typically by a gradual method such as reciting Amitabha Buddha's name, a person can be given a question, or hua-t'ou, by the master, in order to raise the doubt sensation. At this point, practice shifts from the gradual to the sudden method.

In Ch'an, there is a saying: "Great doubt leads to great enlightenment, small doubt leads to small enlightenment, and no doubt leads to no enlightenment." There is no guarantee of enlightenment, even if you practice diligently for a long time. Although the effort is never a waste of time, many people lack the faith and determination to pursue sudden methods. For these people, Pure Land Buddhism is very good. With Pure Land Buddhism, at least you have a chance of attaining the Pure Land. For this reason, Pure Land is a good expedient method for those who cannot practice with the vigor demanded by Ch'an.

This is not to say that Pure Land practitioners cannot reach deep levels, the most profound being to experience the Pure Land everywhere. This is the Pure Land of the mind, where practitioners realize that their nature is also Amitabha Buddha's nature. This is not different from Ch'an enlightenment.

From the viewpoint of sentient beings, there are differences among the schools of Ch'an, just as there are differences between Ch'an and Pure Land. But from the Buddha's point of view, all Buddhist methods are the same. All paths lead to the same goal, so all methods are Buddhist practice, and all teachings which accord with the Dharma are Buddhist teachings.

STUDENT:

Is Nichiren Shoshu a true sect of Buddhism?

SHIH-FU: