The Buddha gave as many as 84,000 teachings leading to Enlightenment. One of them is the practice of attaining birth in the Western Pureland. It is represented by Amitabha Buddha , whose image is behind Shakyamuni Buddha. The teachings emphasize the 3 elements of Confidence (Faith), Vow (Aspiration) and Practice (Buddha Remembrance or Recitation) as the essential conditions for birth in the Pureland, a Buddhaland without Greed and Hatred, which arise from our Ignorance and obstruct us from attaining Enlightenment. In Pureland, one will become an enlightened Bodhisattva.

The most famous vow of Amitabha Buddha is that as long as one is able to chant His name up to 10 times single-mindedly before one's moment of departure, He would be able to receive him or her into His Pureland. This doctrine is presented as the easiest, most expedient path for the majority of people in this day and age.