Shandao

Shandao was a renowned 8th-century Chinese Buddhist master who founded the Pure Land school, emphasizing devotion to Amitabha Buddha to attain rebirth in the blissful Pure Land. His teachings focus on the practice of reciting Amitabha’s name (nianfo) with sincere faith, trusting that this alone can lead one to enlightenment and liberation from suffering. Shandao’s approach makes spiritual awakening accessible, highlighting faith and practice over complex rituals, and has greatly influenced Pure Land Buddhism's development across East Asia.