本文係屬「二○一一年聖嚴思想小型研究計畫案」 作者單位：國立中山大學通識教育中心暨哲學研究所副教授=Associate Professor, Center for General Education / Institute of Philosophy, National Sun Yat-sen University
關鍵詞
人間淨土=pure land on earth; 聖嚴=Sheng yen; 唯心淨土=pure land in mind; 穢土=impure land
This paper attempts to make critical reflections on the ultimate character and meaning of the “Pure Land on Earth” (PLE). What is its true nature? How do we know the possibility of its finalization? Many questions and issues are to be discussed, including: the equivalence of PLE and other Buddhist pure lands, the prospect of transforming the nature of this “impure land”, the difference between the ideal PLE and the world of Uttarakuru, etc. We could also ask: how can the inner experience of “pure land in mind” be realized by ordinary people, and what mechanism to ensure that this will bring about significant impact on transforming the outer environment? Next, it is interesting to investigate the current plans or proposals for accomplishing the PLE, such as the Six Ethics of the Mind and the Fivefold Spiritual Renaissance Campaign. What will they achieve, and to what extent or according to what standard can these achievements be called “pure land”? Criticism and solutions on the above issues will be examined.
