FAQ: Is Pure Land Buddhism the real teachings by the Buddha?

Yes, it definitely is a part of the authentic teachings of Shakaymuni Buddha. How do we know if something is real/authentic? One can practice and verify it. The Buddha, a perfectly enlightened being, would not lie to us (he has no incentive as he did not ask for people’s money or anything!). Since ancient times in China (and India), many people have practiced Nianfo, seen Amitabha Buddha and attained rebirth in the Pure Land. This is definitely real and true.

 
If this were not real and true, then it would not have existed in China for over 1600 years, and it would not have become the largest Buddhist practice in China. Now, almost all the practitioners from all schools in Mahayana Buddhism practice Nianfo and vow to attain rebirth in Amitabha Buddha’s Pure Land, as this is the easiest method for anybody to transcend the cycle of reincarnation during the Dharma-ending Age. 

There are a lot of Mahayana sutras (sutras are written records of the Buddha’s teachings) which feature Amitabha Buddha and His pure Land. It is said 290 such works have been identified in the Taisho Tripitaka (Chinese Buddhist canon).