Question: Can we remain as Bodhisattvas (菩萨) in Āmítuófó’s (阿弥陀佛) Pure Land (净土), instead of becoming Buddhas (佛)?
Answer: There will naturally be the swiftest progress towards Buddhahood (佛果) in his Pure Land as it is the most motivational and efficient Dharma school possible. In fact, progress can be all the way until the brink of Buddhahood, as the greatest of Bodhisattvas, like Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds Bodhisattva (观世音菩萨).
However, as there can only be one Buddha in each Pure Land, and with Āmítuófó already being the Buddha there, all future Buddhas are manifested beyond his Pure Land to benefit more beings. There can be choice of ‘delay’, to not manifest Buddhahood elsewhere yet, but this will not be too long as there will be great compassion (大悲) to deliver others from suffering.
There is a false dichotomy that one either stays in the Pure Land or leaves it. It is possible for very Great Bodhisattvas (大菩萨) to manifest many forms (including as Buddhas to represent them) beyond the Pure Land in one moment, while also remaining in it. An example is Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds Bodhisattva again, who teaches in the Pure Land, while also rescuing beings outside it. She already has her Potalaka (补怛洛迦) Pure Land elsewhere too.
Actually, every Buddha naturally forms a personal Pure Land, that inevitably arises as a great pure effect of having accumulated immeasurable meritorious virtues (功德) and wisdom (智慧). These Pure Lands are also natural expressions of great compassionate skilful means (方便) to receive and guide (接引) beings towards Buddhahood, especially those with whom there are strong affinities.
