Jodo Shu/Ching t'u means Pure Land and refers to the type of Buddhism based on the worship of Amitabha Buddha (lived before Shakyamuni) who dwells in a paradisal, pure Buddhaland called Sukhavati. Amitabha and his Pure land are described in an Indian Mahayanan Sutra (the main Pure Land Sutra) called the Sukhavati Vyuha, in which Shakyamuni tells Ananda the story of a Bodhisattva monk called Dharmakara/Hozo, who in a past aeon, vowed in the presence of a living Buddha that he would create a perfect paradise out of compassion for suffering beings. Dharmakara made 46/48 vows which refer to the beauty of his land, its pleasant lifestyle, the presence of Bodhisattvas and, most importantly of all, that beings only have to think of him in trusting devotion (with the Sanjin present) and he will take them to this land upon their death. Sukhavati is a realm separate to the physical (a possible esoteric influence by Shingon which echoes the supernatural aspect of the Vajrayana's belief on the 6 worlds) and all one does in Sukhavati is think about enlightenment and meditate. He made his vows on pain of forfeiting enlightenment forever, and, as Shakyamuni taught, Dharmakara (Nirmanakaya of Amitabha) did become a Buddha called Amitabha (the Sambhogakaya) and dwells in Sukhavati. People can have confidence in the power of his vows. There are two versions of the Sukhavati scripture (one followed by Jodo Shu and the other by Jodo Shinshu). The shorter teaches that just faith in Amitabha is enough for rebirth in Sukhavati, similar to the concept of Sola Fide in Protestantism (this text is likely used by Jodo Shinshu). The longer one includes the merit of moral life, as well as, faithful devotion as the methods for gaining rebirth in Sukhavati (Recognises role of Jiriki vs shorter version and is likely to be followed by Jodo Shu), similar to Catholicism via its belief in good works and faith (e.g. Mission and Evangelism). Amitabha is accompanied in Sukhavati by Mahasthamaprapta & Avalokiteshvara. In Far Eastern Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara = Kuan Yin who has mostly been pictured as a female since 10th Century.