Bombu's Digest: February 2016

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

Monday, February 29, 2016

What is Shinjin?

It’s Namo Amida Butsu.

What is Namo Amida Butsu?

It’s the Power of the Primal Vow.

What is the Primal Vow-Power?

It’s the Call of Amida Nyorai,

The Parent of great compassion:

“I assuredly save you

And take you to the Pure Land,

So entrust yourself to Me!”

Yokohama, Japan

February 29, 2016

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

南

無

阿

弥

陀

仏

Though Amida Buddha is said to dwell

ten hundred thousand million

Buddha-lands to the west,

far from this Saha world,

between my heart

and Amida’s

lies no distance

at all.