Question: Is Pureland within or beyond the six realms of existence? I asked two Buddhists, who gave me different answers.Answer: Pureland can be seen as both within and/or beyond the six realms of existence (Samsara). (There is a third answer too.)
(1) It can be seen as within Samsara because:
(a) Being born in Pureland does not equate to exit from Samsara immediately, as one needs to practise there.
(b) If being born in Pureland is to exit Samsara straightaway, Pureland would be the same as Nirvana already.
(2) It can be seen as beyond Samsara because:
(a) Being born in Pureland equates to a sure exit from Samsara within that lifetime (unless one made other vows).
(b) Being born in Pureland equates to never being subject to samsaric rebirth again (even upon return to help in Samsara).
(3) It can be seen as between Samsara and Nirvana because:
(a) Being born in Pureland is to be on the brink of leaving Samsara due to the above.
(b) Being born in Pureland is to be on the brink of attaining Nirvana due to the above.
Amituofo, Shen Shi'an
(b) If being born in Pureland is to exit Samsara straightaway, Pureland would be the same as Nirvana already.
(2) It can be seen as beyond Samsara because:
(a) Being born in Pureland equates to a sure exit from Samsara within that lifetime (unless one made other vows).
(b) Being born in Pureland equates to never being subject to samsaric rebirth again (even upon return to help in Samsara).
(3) It can be seen as between Samsara and Nirvana because:
(a) Being born in Pureland is to be on the brink of leaving Samsara due to the above.
(b) Being born in Pureland is to be on the brink of attaining Nirvana due to the above.
Amituofo, Shen Shi'an