The cult surrounding the Buddha of "Infinite Light" (Sanskrit: Amitabha, Japanese: Amida) and "Infinite Life" (Sanskrit: Amitayus) has developed into one of the major, dominant currents of Mahayana Buddhism, particularly in East Asia, where it continues to play a prominent role today. It is characterized by the belief in a transcendent Buddha who has created a pure land for the purpose of saving all sentient beings, into which believers can be reborn after their death. The conditions under which this occurs are the subject of a long and controversial negotiation process, which is explored in this volume. The three key sutras of the Pure Land also hold canonical status. Due to its significance for the early development of Pure Land Buddhism in China, it is discussed here.