What is Pure Land Buddhism? A look at how East Asian Buddhists chant and strive for buddhahood Monks pray at Nanshan Temple in Sanya, Hainan Province of China. Chen Wenwu/VCG via Getty Images Charles B. Jones, Association of Theological Schools Many people in the West interpret Buddhism as a path of meditation leading to enlightenment. What many may not know is that this interpretation differs vastly from its practice in East Asia. I have spent many years observing Buddhist temples in Taiwan and mainland China, and my research culminated in the book “Chinese Pure Land Buddhism.” This form of Buddhism teaches people to call upon a buddha named Amitābha in…