During the time of Sakyamuni Buddha, there was a kind king who was overthrown by his evil son and imprisoned in the dungeon. He was deprived of food and any physical comfort. The king's wife, was also prohibited from seeing him.
The king became sad and despondent. He was dismayed the the world can be so filled with such unbearable anguish.
Faced with this world where suffering abounds, he prayed, "Oh Lord Buddha!! Why do you not come to my aid during this difficult time of my life? Can you show me a sanctuary where I can rest my weary soul?"
In the meantime, the queen, who had repeatedly asked to see her king, was finally allowed to do so. However, his treacherous son forbade her from bringing any food for the starving king.
In her desperation, she coated her body with a layer of flour paste so that the king would have some nourishment.
At such a time of anguish and despair, the two of them tearfully prayed to the Buddha for deliverance from their suffering.
To their amazement, the Buddha supernaturally appeared before them. The prison cell was filled with a beautiful luminous light and the smell of beautiful flowers.
The Buddha told the king and queen, "To the West of this saha world, more than a hundred thousand million Buddha lands, there is a world called 'Ultimate Bliss Pure Land', where the teacher of the land, Amitabha Buddha, is currently teaching the Dharma.
In the land of Amitabha Buddha, the most serene, secure and happy place, there is no suffering, only happiness.
If you recite the name of Amitabha with single-mindedness, Amitabha Buddha will use the strength of his great vow to receive you to be reborn in the Pure Land."
After listening to the guidance of the Buddha, the king and queen started to earnestly recite the name of Amitabha Buddha.
For many days, they sincerely recited and chanted Amitabha Buddha's name with little rest. Their hearts were filled with a deep faith and utmost conviction that they will be able to get to the Pure Land.
One day, in the course of their praying, a radiant Pure Land did indeed appear before their eyes. They saw Amitabha Buddha, surrounded by a host of Bohidsattvas and celestial beings, all in radiant light, come down to welcome them to the Pure Land.
Because of the good karma that they have accumulated during his reign, the king and queen was reborn in Amitabha Buddha's World of Ultimate Bliss. There they can listen to Him preach the Dharma and ultimately, become enlightened.
The evil son reaped the karma that he sowed. He was killed not long after that in a hunting accident.
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