The Western Pure Land: a land not just of beauty

but also of profound symbolism.

The Buddha spoke of a wondrous Pure Land for the benefit of future beings. But he knew this land would be beyond our ability to grasp.

And so the Buddha used imagery to help us—ground of gold, trees of jewels, birds singing the Dharma. He knew that wise masters would learn and practice the teachings, and over time they would explain the teachings to their students.

The masters would point out how the golden ground symbolizes purity, unlike ours made of dirt. And how the precious jewels aren’t like the jewels here that trigger our greed. In that land, they symbolize the four qualities of enlightenment: permanence, joy, true self, and purity.

Also, how the company of compassionate, caring bodhisattvas means that no longer will we be in the company of people who trigger our anger. 

So, like those masters, to truly appreciate and deeply believe the teachings, we too need to study and practice them.