Shandao (613–681) was an eminent Buddhist scholar and major figure in the Chinese Pure Land (Jingtu) movement. His writings had a strong influence on later Pure Land masters including Hōnen and Shinran in Japan. Shandao (Shan-tao, 613-681) was born at Suzhou in the present Anhui Province (according to another tradition, Zhucheng in the Shandong Province) and was ordained while still a youth.,

The Parable of the White Path | with Commentary by Master Shan-tao. That is the parable and this is the meaning of it: what we speak of as the "east bank" is comparable to this world, a house in flames. What we speak of as the "west bank" is symbolic of the precious land of highest bliss. The ruffians, wild beasts, and seeming friends are

KISAMBOGE Gatha of Refuge in the Three Jewels from Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra by Master Shan-tao. All Buddhas, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, by a full bright spectrum of their mystic powers affirm Amida’s teaching delivered by Shakyamuni Buddha as the Ultimate Gate called the Pure Land. Let all monks and laymen gathered here awaken the mind of highest aspiration! How