Buddhism & Jodo Shinshu

The word “saved” can be understood in many different ways. To some, it means having faith in gods or spirits and being rewarded as a result of offering prayers to that being. Such an understanding of “salvation” means that when we encounter obstacles such as a case when we feel we cannot overcome. Then, we simply rely on the power of a god to take care of our problems. This kind of salvation is not the realm of the Jodo Shinshu teaching.

We often view money, position, and fame as our goals in life, and devote all our energies to pursue them as goal. Thus, we are easily attached to people and material possessions. Also, we tend to believe that happiness is the result from satisfying desires, meanwhile unhappiness is caused by failure. Because of this bent view, we can't discard our helpless passion. This prejudice and unbalanced desire are not only groundless, but can be the cause of great harm to the life. 

The Jodo Shinshu teaching established by Shinran Shonin makes us aware that we are imperfect beings, but we are all encompassed by the infinite Wisdom and Compassion of Amida Buddha. This enables us to live in the present with confidence and peace of mind. Shinran Shonin encompasses the firm living based on the Amida Buddha’s Primal Vow. This teaching is significant for anyone seeking the way to realize true happiness. The purpose of this teaching is to allow us to live our lives to the fullest, becoming aware of both our potentials and limitations in this world.

The object of reverence in Jodo Shinshu is the one Buddha, Amida Tathagata. The fundamental essence for Buddhahood along with our practice is: First; listen to the Buddha Dharma, Second; to realize Shinjin. 

Shinjin is to accept the Name, Namo Amida Butsu (lit. " I take refuge in Amida Buddha) which works as the right cause for birth into the Pure Land. Once we entrust ourselves to the Buddha's working, we naturally "recite" the Name to express our indebtedness and gratitude for the Buddha's benevolence. The pillar of Jodo Shinshu way is totally the aspects of our going forth to be born in the Pure Land being empowered by the Name. Once we are born there, the great compassion which is equivalent to the one Amida arose is naturally cultivated along with Amida Buddha's Primal Vow, and we shall return to this world to guide other beings. Both oso (lit. "aspect of going") and genso ("aspect of returning") are the benefit for those who are partaken in Shinjin by the Name. This is the saving work of Amida Buddha, which is called the Other Power that doesn't require our own self-effort. Because of it, Jodo Shinshu is known for its "easy practice", but it actually hard to cast off our own ego. This is the reason why the Jodo Shinshu practitioners keep listening to the Buddha Dharma all the time. Interaction with the Dharma works as "mirror" in our hearts to reflect ourselves. Subsequently, the recitation of the Name (doing the Nembutsu) emerges as our expression of gratitude. 

What is taught in the tradition of Shinran Shōnin is that the entrusting heart is essential. For when we abandon various practices and take refuge in Amida with singleness of heart, our birth in the Pure Land is settled by the Buddha through the inconceivable Vow-Power.

The state we thus attain is described as “with awakening of a single thought of entrusting, we join those who are in the stage of the truly settled.”

Recitation of the nembutsu thereafter should be understood to be the nembutsu as an expression of gratitude for the Tathāgata’s benevolence for settling our birth in the Pure Land.

Humbly and respectfully.

Jodo Shinshu Daily Creed

"The Life with the Nembutsu"

1. I take my refuge in the Vow of Amida Buddha. Reciting Namo-Amidabutsu, let us life life to the utmost with strength and joy.

2. I look to the Light of Amida Buddha. Constantly reflecting upon myself, let us strive to live a life of gratitude.

3. I shall follow the Teaching of Amida Buddha. Awakening to the right path, let us share the true Dharma with others.

4. I rejoice in the Compassion of Amida Buddha. Mutually respecting and aiding each other, let us endeavor to work for the good of all.