The radiant light, unhindered and inconceivable, eradicates suffering and brings realization of joy; the excellent Name, perfectly embodying all practices, eliminates obstacles and dispels doubt. This is the teaching and practice for our latter age; devote yourself solely to it. It is eye and limb in this defiled world; do not fail to endeavor in it. Accepting and living the supreme, universal Vow, then, abandon the defiled and aspire for the pure. Reverently embracing the Tathagata's teaching, respond in gratitude to his benevolence and be thankful for his compassion.

~ Shinran Shonin, Passages on the Pure Land Way

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Safe

 
How wonderful is the incomparable Great Vow!
Miserable words can't possibly describe it.
Through the perfectly accomplished Vow-Power,
Faith hard as diamond has been settled in one
Completely incapable of awakening faith.
This foolish one is none other than myself.
Because of hearing the Dharma of Amida's Name,
This wandering cloud, listlessly drifting
Throughout birth-and-death,
Is now blown irreversibly to the Pure Land
By the unobstructed wind of the Primal Vow.
Truly, the compassionate Father grasps me firmly;
Truly, the compassionate Mother holds me tight!
What fear need I have of falling?
Whenever I die, I am home in the Land of Light;
Wherever I am, I am safe in the arms of
NAMU AMIDA BUTSU.

~ Composed upon reading the exhortation of faith and similitudes of the Vow of compassion in the Kyogyoshinsho of Shinran Shōnin (CWS I: 66-68), March 8, 2013.
 
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