Amitabha, A Story of Buddhist Theology

Amitabha is a book by Paul Carus, first published in 1906. It is a concise historical novella that uses a first-century CE setting to explore core Buddhist theology. Set against the rise of the Gandhara kingdom and the court of King Kanishka, the story follows monks and philosophers as they debate faith, the nature of salvation, and the meaning of Amitābha (the “Boundless Light”) within Mahāyāna and Pure Land traditions.

The narrative frames theological discussion in vivid scenes and dialogues, giving readers both period atmosphere and a clear primer on doctrines such as faith, grace, rebirth, and devotional practice. Carus writes with the double purpose of storytelling and scholarly exposition: the work reads like historical fiction but is deliberately arranged to introduce Western readers to Buddhist concepts and controversies.

Characters personify different philosophical positions, allowing the text to examine competing answers to spiritual doubt—making it useful for students of comparative religion and for readers interested in the history of Buddhist thought without requiring prior specialist knowledge. Compact and approachable, Amitabha is ideal as a classroom supplement, an introduction to Pure Land ideas, or a reflective short read for anyone curious about how theology and narrative can illuminate one another.

Its historical framing and focus on doctrinal questions also make it a useful gateway for those researching the spread of Mahāyāna Buddhism in Gandhara and the role of faith in Buddhist soteriology.