West(西方):

In Chinese, it is pronounced as: xī fāng，Written as:

In “Journey to the West,” the term refers to the Western Pure Land. The “Western Paradise” is a concept in Buddhism that represents an idyllic pure land and is the ideal realm foretold by Maitreya Buddha. This concept holds a significant position within Buddhist teachings and embodies the longing for liberation from the cycle of birth and death and the attainment of Nirvana.

The notion of the Western Paradise is closely linked to Amitabha. Amitabha is the ruler of the Western Pure Land and is considered an embodiment of compassion and wisdom.

Amitabha’s primal vow is to help sentient beings escape the cycle of rebirth and achieve Nirvana. To fulfill this wish, Amitabha vowed to invite all beings to his pure land, offering them the opportunity to attain Nirvana.

Amitabha’s pure land, known as the “Land of Ultimate Bliss” or “Western Paradise,” is a realm filled with light, joy of the Dharma, wisdom, and compassion. Practitioners who make a vow, believe in Amitabha, and engage in practices such as chanting and holding mantras, can receive Amitabha’s guidance. They are reborn in the Western Paradise lifetime after lifetime, ultimately achieving the goal of Nirvana.