Question: “What is Pure Land and Zen Buddhism?”
Briefly, Pure Land and Zen Buddhism are two of the largest schools of Mahayana Buddhism. Each originated in India and was brought to China and then later spread all over Asia.
Pure Land Buddhism focuses on Amitabha (or Amitayus) Buddha who resides in his Land of Bliss called Sukhavati. Amitabha Buddha made 48 vows to save all sentient beings and accepts all into his Pure Land for those who have faith in and recite his name with sincerity.
Pure Land Buddhism has three main sutras: The Shorter Sukhāvatīvyūha Sūtra(Amitabha Sutra), Longer Sukhāvatīvyūha Sūtra (Infinite Life Sutra), and theAmitāyurdhyāna Sūtra (Amitayus Meditation Sutra).
Statues of Amitabha will almost always also have the Bodhisattvas Avalokiteśvara to his right and Mahāsthāmaprāpta to his left. That help aid the dying person to the Pure Land.
The Indian monk, Bodhidharma, brought Zen to China (Chán Buddhism). Zen has many different schools and traditions, but they all emphasize a rigorious meditation practice. Unlike other Buddhist schools, Zen doesn’t emphasize practice and teaching through sutras, but through direct transmission from an accomplished teacher through zazen meditation.
However, Zen services do have chanting. The Tathāgatagarbha Sutras, Prajnaparamita collections, the Heart Sutra, Great Compassion mantra and some other lesser mantras are some of the most important texts.
Smile and be well!