In the preface to this paperback, Sister Annabel Laity explains that the Pure Land school of Buddhism is the most popular school of Buddhism in China, Vietnam and Japan. It is based on faith that there is a Land of Happiness available to all. By dwelling in the present moment we can experience the joys that come from the blessings of life. In Christianity, this is called partaking of the Kingdom of God. Zen master, poet, and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh presents a translation of the Amitabha Sutra along with his inimitable commentary on this important text. He elucidates on suffering and happiness, the environment of the Pure Land, dwelling happily, the limitless light of mindfulness, building our land of Great Happiness, recollecting the Buddha, faith and aspiration and practice, the path of purification, and the three sources of energy. One of our favorite passages is Hanh's ritual for the interrupting telephone: "For example, the sound of the telephone can make us irritated and anxious. That is the sound of the telephone which comes as a result of past actions and afflictions. If, however, we practice and acknowledge the sound of the telephone as a bell of mindfulness, then when the telephone rings we shall know how to bring our mind back to our breathing, smile, and make our mind and body peaceful. In that case the sound of the telephone is created by the power of Buddha Amitaba. The sound of the telephone can startle us, worry us, or make us sorrowful, but it can also make us mindful, liberated, and free. It all depends on how we receive it." This is one concrete example of how we can live in the Pure Land right now just by being mindful and positive.