Bridging Beliefs: Exploring Parallels Between Amida in Buddhism and Allah in Islam

This program unit examines the profound parallels between Amida Buddha in Pure Land Buddhism and Allah in Islamic theology, offering a comparative exploration that bridges two distinct spiritual traditions. Unlike previous rare studies, which have often lacked depth and methodological rigor, this proposed presentation highlights key correspondences between the attributes of Amida and the "names" of Allah, focusing on universal themes such as boundless compassion and infinite life. By engaging with these themes, the study facilitates interfaith dialogue, enhances comparative theological discourse, and provides novel insights into the articulation of shared values within spiritual traditions.

The analysis begins with two principal correspondences: Amida's "comprehensive compassion" (muen no daihi) and Allah's "All-Encompassing Love and Compassion" (al-rahman), alongside Amida's "infinite life" (muryōju) and Allah's "The Only Ever-Living One" (al-hayy). These attributes serve as focal points for understanding how both traditions embody the ideals of love, mercy, compassion, and eternal existence. Within Pure Land Buddhism, Amida Buddha exemplifies True Reality-Suchness made accessible through manifestations such as the twelve lights, symbolizing his attributes (Inagaki Hisao, The Three Pure Land Sutras, 1995). Similarly, in Islam, Allah represents the accessible aspect of the infinite and unknowable God, described through the 99 divine names, each reflecting distinct qualities of divinity (Smith Jane I, Islamic Names of God, 2004). By juxtaposing these theological frameworks, the study reveals profound similarities in how both traditions navigate the dialectic between transcendence and immanence.

At the heart of this exploration lies the question of how abstract and ineffable concepts of divinity are rendered relatable to human experience. In Pure Land Buddhism, the ultimate reality (true reality-suchness) transcends all conceptualization, yet it becomes accessible through Amida Buddha, who embodies attributes such as light and life (Shinran, The True Teaching, Practice and Realization of the Pure Land Way). Similarly, in Islamic theology, God is understood as both infinite and formless, existing beyond human comprehension, yet Allah is described through attributes that facilitate devotion, prayer, and worship (Schimmel Annemarie, Mystical Dimensions of Islam, 1975). The comparative analysis of these parallels highlights how different religious traditions address the tension between the transcendent and the manifest, offering valuable insights into the shared human quest for the divine.

The program unit also situates this analysis within broader historical and doctrinal contexts. In Pure Land Buddhism, the concept of Amida's compassion is deeply rooted in the Mahayana emphasis on bodhicitta (the altruistic aspiration to achieve enlightenment for the sake of all beings), which finds its ultimate expression in Amida's vow to save all sentient beings (Williams Paul, Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations, 1989). This parallels the Islamic understanding of al-Rahman as an all-encompassing and unconditional mercy, central to the Quranic vision of divine-human relations (Rahman, Fazlur, Major Themes of the Qur'an, 1980). By tracing these doctrinal developments, the study highlights how compassion functions as a cornerstone of spiritual practice and theological reflection in both traditions.

Furthermore, the presentation examines the significance of eternal life and infinite existence as expressed through Amida's muryōju and Allah's al-hayy. In Pure Land Buddhism, the aspiration to be reborn in Amida's Pure Land reflects a profound engagement with the concept of eternal life, offering practitioners a vision of ultimate liberation and fulfillment (Inagaki Hisao, The Three Pure Land Sutras, 1995). In Islamic theology, al-Hayy signifies God's eternal and self-sustaining existence, providing a foundation for understanding the continuity and permanence of divine life (Smith Jane I, Islamic Names of God, 2004). By examining these attributes in dialogue, the study elucidates how the themes of life and eternity resonate across seemingly disparate religious worldviews.

In addition to its theological insights, this program unit underscores the practical implications of its findings for interfaith engagement. By emphasizing shared values and spiritual resonances, the study encourages participants to reconsider the boundaries between theistic and non-theistic traditions. For instance, while Pure Land Buddhism is often categorized as a non-theistic tradition, its portrayal of Amida Buddha as a compassionate and accessible representation of ultimate reality offers striking parallels to Islamic theism. Such comparisons challenge conventional categorizations and promote a more nuanced understanding of religious systems.

The proposed presentation also engages with contemporary discussions on the role of comparative theology in fostering interfaith dialogue. By illustrating how the attributes of Amida and Allah reflect universal spiritual themes, the study advocates for an inclusive approach to religious scholarship that transcends doctrinal boundaries. This approach not only enriches academic discourse but also promotes mutual understanding and respect among practitioners of different traditions. The findings underscore the potential for interfaith dialogue to create spaces of shared learning and transformation, even in the face of theological and cultural differences.

Finally, this program unit addresses the broader societal implications of its insights. In an increasingly interconnected world, where religious pluralism presents both challenges and opportunities, the comparative study of spiritual traditions offers valuable tools for promoting harmony and coexistence. By highlighting common ground between Pure Land Buddhism and Islamic theology, the study contributes to ongoing efforts to build bridges across faith traditions, fostering a vision of unity that celebrates diversity. Such efforts are particularly important in addressing contemporary issues of religious misunderstanding and conflict, demonstrating the relevance of academic scholarship to the pursuit of global peace and solidarity.

In conclusion, this program unit represents a significant contribution to the fields of religious studies and theology, offering a thoughtful and nuanced analysis of the correspondences between Amida Buddha and Allah. By exploring themes of compassion, life, and eternity, the study not only deepens our understanding of these two traditions but also highlights their shared spiritual values. Through its emphasis on interfaith dialogue and comparative analysis, the program unit aligns with the mission of the American Academy of Religion to promote scholarship that bridges divides and fosters mutual understanding. Its findings provide a fresh perspective on the shared human quest for meaning, inspiring participants to engage in deeper and more meaningful conversations across traditions.