Sukhavati

Sukhavati, or Sukhāvatī, is a celestial realm in Mahayana Buddhist cosmology described as the Pure Land of Amitābha Buddha. The name means “land of bliss” or “pure land,” signaling a place free from suffering where beings can attain awakening more easily. In most traditions, Sukhavati is located in the western direction and is believed to have been created by Amitābha through his vows.

The most detailed accounts appear in the Pure Land sutras, especially the Longer Sukhāvatīvyūha Sutra and the Smaller Sukhāvatīvyūha Sutra, with further references in the Amitābha Sutra. These texts describe a vast, radiant realm adorned with jewel trees, gold mountains, lotus flowers, and countless bodhisattvas. The atmosphere is filled with light and fragrance, and the land is portrayed as a conducive environment for practice and faith.

Rebirth in Sukhavati is achieved through the vows and practice associated with Amitābha. Central to many traditions is the recitation of his name, known as nembutsu or nenbutsu, along with faith and aspiration to be reborn there. The famous eighteenth vow is often cited: those who call upon Amitābha with sincere faith and aspiration to be reborn in his land will be guided there.

In practice, Sukhavati is a core focus of Pure Land Buddhism, especially in East Asia. It has shaped devotional rites, art, and liturgy in schools such as Jōdo-shū, Jōdo Shinshū, and their Chinese and Korean counterparts. Iconography commonly depicts Amitābha enthroned with Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta, set within the luminous Pure Land. Some traditions also understand multiple Pure Lands beyond Sukhavati.