Freedom from Suffering, Joy in the Pure Land
Buddhism often speaks of “freedom from suffering and gaining true happiness.” This isn’t just about avoiding pain and chasing pleasure. It means finding a deep peace that comes from letting go of the roots of suffering and entering the state of true joy. The Amitabha Sutra gives us important insights on this, and here we’ll explore three questions:
How can we free ourselves from suffering?
Does freedom from suffering automatically bring happiness right away?
If yes, why? If no, then why not, and how can we understand it?
1. Ways to be Free from Suffering
The Sutra describes the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha as a place where beings “have no suffering, only happiness”. To reach this state, it offers several methods:
Reciting Amitabha Buddha’s name with faith
If someone sincerely calls upon Amitabha’s name for even a few days with a focused mind, at the end of life Amitabha and his holy assembly will appear, and that person can be reborn in the Pure Land.Relying on both personal goodness and Amitabha’s vow power
The Sutra says one cannot be reborn in the Pure Land with “only a small amount of good deeds or merit”. This means we need both our own kindness and virtue, and also the great compassion and vows of the Buddha to support us.Keeping a pure and mindful heart
In the Pure Land, even the birds and the gentle wind teach Dharma, reminding beings to remember the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. This shows the importance of mindfulness in daily life as a way to reduce suffering.
2. Is Happiness Automatic Once Suffering Ends?
The answer is both yes and no.
Yes, in some cases: When the root of suffering (like anger, craving, or ignorance) is let go, peace and joy appear immediately. For example, at the moment of rebirth in the Pure Land, the Sutra says the dying person’s “mind is not confused, and they are reborn immediately.” That’s instant relief and happiness.
No, in other cases: For most of us in this world, letting go of suffering is often gradual. Old habits and emotional wounds don’t disappear right away. Joy grows step by step as the mind becomes clearer and lighter.
3. Why Sometimes Immediate, Sometimes Gradual?
Immediate joy comes when the cause of suffering is fully cut off. It’s like clouds moving away—the sunlight naturally shines through.
Gradual joy happens because our karmic habits and attachments are deeply rooted. We may start freeing ourselves from suffering, but traces of restlessness remain. This is why the Sutra encourages continuous faith, practice, and the vow to be reborn in the Pure Land, where suffering is completely gone.
Conclusion
“Freedom from suffering and gaining joy” is not just a slogan—it’s the heart of Buddhist practice. The Amitabha Sutrateaches that with faith, vows, and practice, supported by Amitabha Buddha’s compassion, anyone can reach this goal. Sometimes joy comes instantly, sometimes gradually—but the important thing is to keep moving toward it with sincerity.