Bombu's Digest: December 2015

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

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

The Nature of the Vow

“The nature of the bow is to send the arrow to the target...”

(The nature of the Vow is to take beings to the Pure Land.)

“Don’t fight the bow…”

(Don’t resist the Vow.)

“Relax.”

(Namo Amida Butsu.)

Thoughts during a kyudo session at Yokohama Budokan, November 21, 2015.