vi vii
ontents
Preface .......................................................................................................................................................... iv
An Introduction to Buddhism ......................................................................................... 11art — eities of hinese uddhism
C I
A Typical Chinese Monastery ......................................................................................... 21
C II
Chinese Buddhist Images ................................................................................................... 24
C III
e Chinese Buddhist Pantheon .................................................................................. 27
Description of e Chinese Pantheon .................................................................. 27
C IV
Chinese Buddhists Festive Days .................................................................................. 31
C V
e Buddha ........................................................................................................................................... 33
Who is e Buddha? ................................................................................................................. 33
e Great Enlightenment ..................................................................................................... 36
e Great Decease ....................................................................................................................... 40
Prayers to the Buddha Sakyamuni ............................................................................. 43
C VI
Amitabha Buddha — “Namo O-Mi-To Fwo” ............................................ 46
Who is Amitabha? ....................................................................................................................... 46
Method of Prayer-Recitation ........................................................................................... 48
Pure Land Buddhism ................................................................................................................ 50
Description of the Pure Land .......................................................................................... 52
Amitabha Buddha’s Festive Day ................................................................................... 58
Ta-Shih-Chi P’usa ....................................................................................................................... 60