The “Pure Land Learning Society” was first envisioned after World War II by the esteemed Mr. Lian-Ju Xia, a highly respected Buddhist teacher dedicated to the exclusive study and practice of the Pure Land School. Entrusted by Mr. Huang Nianzu, the successor of Mr. Lian-Ju Xia, Venerable Master Chin Kung carried forward the mission of propagating Pure Land teachings and revitalizing the Pure Land Learning Society, ultimately leading to the establishment of Amitabha Buddhist Societies worldwide.
These societies operate independently, without an international governing body or centralized committee issuing directives regarding personnel, policies, or financial matters. Despite their autonomy, they remain united by the shared purpose of studying and practicing Pure Land teachings, with a primary focus on the recitation of “Amitabha Buddha.”
The Amitabha Buddhist Society of New York, established in 2001, adheres to Venerable Master Chin Kung’s teachings: “Buddhism is the ultimate education that Shakyamuni Buddha provided for all beings” and “Studying Buddhism is the greatest joy in life.”
The society exclusively practices and promotes the Pure Land method of reciting the Amitabha Buddha’s name (Nianfo). Its main focus is on the Five Sutras and One Treatise of the Pure Land School, supplemented by other Mahayana and Theravada texts and the classics of worldly sages. It adheres to the teachings of past Pure Land patriarchs, especially the writings of the 13th patriarch, Master Yin Guang, to ensure alignment with the Pure Land tradition. Members follow the Guidelines for Pure Land Practitioners compiled by Venerable Master Chin Kung, structured around the Three Conditions, Six Harmonies, Threefold Learning, Six Paramitas (Six Perfections), and Ten Great Vows.
Venerable Master Chin Kung emphasizes the core spirit of the Pure Land Learning Society, based on Patriarch Yin Guang’s guidance:
“Fulfill your moral duties, eliminate wrongdoing, uphold sincerity, recite the Buddha’s name diligently, and seek rebirth in the Pure Land.”
Through ethical, moral, and karmic education, members strive for personal transformation and to inspire others. Daily practice is guided by texts such as The Treatise on Response and Retribution, The Standards for Being a Good Student and Child, and The Ten Virtuous Deeds. Members engage in repentance, cultivate mindfulness of Amitabha Buddha, and dedicate themselves to rebirth in the Pure Land, thereby honoring the compassionate vision of Patriarch Lian and Mr. Nian Gong in establishing the Pure Land Learning Society.
In addition to regular sutra study and Buddha-name recitation, the society’s primary activities include the free distribution of Buddhist books, texts by Venerable Master Chin Kung and other patriarchs, as well as CDs, DVDs, Buddha cards, and chanting devices. The goal is to provide a serene environment for like-minded practitioners to cultivate blessings and wisdom, fulfill their aspiration for the Pure Land, and advance on the path to enlightenment.
The fundamental practice of Pure Land Buddhism lies in generating the Bodhicitta (the mind of enlightenment) and focusing single-mindedly on the recitation of the Buddha’s name. Generating Bodhicitta is concretely realized through the practice of the Threefold Blessings (三福) and the Ten Good Deeds (十善業道), which are essential for cultivating merit and virtue. This results in the accumulation of good roots and wholesome qualities, which are vital for rebirth in the Pure Land.