Amida Calls the Bonbu (Poem)

I hear Amida calling me but I don't listen to him.
Why should Amida listen to me when I need help?
Yet he always helps me without asking if I need it.

I have neither wisdom nor compassion to call my own; it is Amida's.
With his wisdom and compassion I see clearly who is Amida's own child
even though they have not heard him calling to them.

Amida helps me through all people, good and evil.
He helps me see that no one can truly harm us
unless we provoke them through our actions.


I do not doubt Amida for a moment.
His words I hear in my mind,
yet my own words come off my tongue.

This old fool that I am, willful and selfish,
regrets his actions that result in evil karma
yet rejoices in good karma.

I affirm that Amida's Vow is the root
of the Nembutsu I utter thankfully,
yet am silent before Him.


Good and evil make no difference to a fool;
to a wise person, only the greatest good remains.
The foolish person follows karma blindly.

Thus I follow my blind passions,
and am happy while doing good
and regretful while doing evil.

If a wise Shin follower may enter the Pure Land,
then so too may a fool who hears Tathagata calling
and follows His voice to the Dharma.


Sensei asks "Who is going to the Pure Land?"
Without hesitation my hand goes up.
Sensei then asks "Who is going to Hell?"
Without hesitation my hand goes up.

I have no doubt where I am going,
for I am following Shinran,
who is following Honen to the Pure Land,
straight to Hell.