"This book contributes to Shambhala's mission to provide reliable resources for all major traditions of Buddhism by filling an important gap in our list. Pure Land Buddhist traditions make up the most popular form of Buddhism practiced throughout Asia aswell as among immigrant-Buddhist communities in the US. Despite its prominence, Pure Land teachings and traditions are underrepresented among English-language publications and is often misunderstood by US readers. While the Japanese Shin Buddhist tradition is generally referred to as Pure Land Buddhism, Pure Land practices, which focus on devotion for Buddha Amitabha and rebirth in his pure realm, are also popular throughout China, Korea, Vietnam, and Tibet. Still, there is currently no accessible introduction to this important tradition and related practices, though interest in the tradition continues to grow, particularly in academic and convert Buddhist circles in America. This book will not only better inform our current readership about this popularBuddhist tradition, but will also connect Shambhala with an untapped Buddhist readership and community-Asian second-generation Buddhists, particularly those connected with Buddhist Churches of America (16,000 members)"--
