Buddhism is replete with numerous paradoxes. In the Pure Land tradition, there is a paradox frequently referred to by Shinran (1173-1262), the founder of the Shin sect of Buddhism. The paradox states that it is easy to go to the Pure Land, but there are no people. (Iou-nimunin)

This paradox is given in the Larger Pure Land Sutra, a foundational, sacred scripture of the Pure Land tradition. It may be comparable to the irony spoken by Jesus that "Many are called, but few are chosen." (Matthew 22:14)

The incongruity raises two issues: Why is it easy to go to the Pure Land? And why are there no people there?

The first aspect of the paradox focuses on the core of Pure Land teaching. In early Buddhism, the path to enlightenment required maintaining precepts such as no killing, lying, unchastity, stealing and intoxication for lay people to the many precepts and rules for monks. In addition, there were practices of meditation or spiritual cultivation to control and purify one's mind.

According to the myth of Pure Land teaching, the Bodhisattva Dharmakara became Amida Buddha by attaining enlightenment. Observing the suffering masses, he pledged to create an ideal world or environment for attaining spiritual fulfillment by making 48 vows that define the nature of the land, residents and means of entry.

Practicing Buddhist discipline for many eons, he became Buddha in his Pure Land. Those born into his land easily gain enlightenment.

Historically in East Asia, the Pure Land teaching was interpreted as a religion for the ordinary person, unable to undertake monastic discipline. The only requirement for birth in the land was trust in Amida Buddha's vows expressed by sincerely reciting his name (Namu Amida Butsu). Buddhist discipline and the path to the highest realization was embodied in the name, while the way of faith and devotion became central.

The second aspect declares that there are no people entering this path, despite the ease of entry.

Why is that? The issue on which Shinran focuses is that faith is difficult because humans, addicted to self-power, believe that they must earn their way to the Pure Land through virtue and merit. The path of trust in Amida's vows is unbelievable. Even in our own modern way of thinking, we doubt offers that are too good to be true, and we usually find in business transactions that they usually are.

But the same need not be the case in spiritual matters. The easy path to enlightenment rests on a realistic assessment of human nature. It is impossible to purify oneself by one's impure mind. It is like pulling oneself up with one's bootstraps.

However, people delude themselves, believing in their self-sufficiency and competency in all areas of life. They refuse any assistance because they wish to retain an illusory independence, which prevents solutions to major problems in their lives.

The paradox remains for us to reflect on our personal and spiritual attitudes. It is not the issue of one tradition alone, but reflects the universal human condition.

The Rev. Alfred Bloom, a Buddhist, is an emeritus professor of the University of Hawai'i's religion department.