Which Path? Pureland?

There are so many sects in Buddhism that it is difficult to choose which path to follow. Which is the path that is most suitable and can be followed by lay Buddhist to get out of this saha world? Mahayana, Theravada, Tibetan, Zen or Pureland? There are also many good dhamma teachers from the different sects.

A few weeks ago, I met a former classmate who is into Pureland Buddhism where one recites the name of Amitabha sincerely to be born in a lotus in Western Paradise. According to Pureland Buddhism, it is difficult to achieve Nibbana on one's own effort because we have a lot of karmic debts from our past action. So we have to depend on Amitabha's power to help us to get to Western Paradise where we will have the opportunity to become a Buddha.

There is a Pureland Centre in Menglembu where devotees chant together. It is unfortunate that the announcement and notices on the board are mainly in Chinese. Maybe it is because sifu/ spiritual adviser  (Rev Ching Kung/淨空法師  ) is a Taiwanese and most of those who go there are Chinese educated. Most of the dhamma books and cds/vcds are all in Chinese. So it is a problem for those who are English educated who do not have friends to inform them of the upcoming events in the centre.

Fortunately there are English version of the sutra books and it is most useful for those English educated who wants to follow the chanting of the sutra especially during the 三時繫念 (a ceremony whereby one chants sutra to clear our karmic debts). A week before the ceremony one has to hand in one's list of names for the prayer. No amount is stated.........it is up to the devotee to put in any amount into the donation box.

If one want to join in the group chanting in the front of the main shrine hall, then one has to wear the black robe (hai ching ) and black socks. No need to worry if one doesn't have one.  Can borrow from the centre and return it later. One can also get t-shirt and socks from the centre free. However, one is encouraged to donate some money for them. Just put whatever amount into the donation box. There are also cds/vcds, prints and books for free distribution.

Vegetarian food is served there and it is free. Mahayana Buddhists are mainly vegetarian to cultivate a compassionate heart towards all beings. At about 11 something, one proceed to the dining hall while reciting the name of Amitabha all the time. Then one sits at the table where there are a bowl of rice, soup, vegetables, and a pair of chopsticks ready. One sits at one place and wait for everyone to sit down. After that the name of Amitabha is recited a few times before one starts eating. One's hand should not be on the table. No talking is allowed while eating. The helpers will come around to ask if one wants extra of this and that. One should eat up whatever that is in the bowl-no wastage allowed. It is because the food is donated and one should appreciated the kindness and generosity of the donors. Actually the vegetarian food served there is excellent.

After one has finished, the bowls must be placed at the edge of the table........in a certain way. If one is not sure, no worries, just follow the crowd. One has to wait until everyone at the tables has finished, then it is back to the main shrine hall for another round of chanting.

One can leave or join in anytime for the chanting at the main shrine hall. No fuss. Just go into the main shrine hall and there will be usher to show you when you can join in. I only know that every Sunday there is a whole day recitation of Amitabha's name in the main shrine hall except for the last Sunday of the month  when there is