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20060107

Amida is for all sentient beings

Shinran wrote:

When the thought of saying the nembutsu erupts from deep within, having entrusted ourselves to the inconceivable power of Amida's vow which saves us, enabling us to be born in the Pure Land, we receive at that very moment the ultimate benefit of being grasped never to be abandoned.

Amida's Primal Vow does not discriminate between the young and old, good and evil - true entrusting alone is essential. The reason is that the Vow is directed to the person burdened with the weight of karmic evil and burning with the flames of blind passion.

Thus, in entrusting ourselves to the Primal Vow, no other form of good is necessary, for there is no good that surpasses the nembutsu. And evil need not be feared, for there is no evil which can obstruct the working of Amida's Primal Vow.


Who holds us close, never to be abandoned?

Oyasama does.

Thus do I trust in Amida.

Who never discriminates between young and old, good and evil, wise and foolish, rich and poor?

Oyasama does.
Thus do I trust in Amida.

The Name-that-calls is the call of Amida from the other shore, deep in the Pure Land of Bliss.

Only that Name will be uttered by these lips for as long as I live.

For nothing can hide from Amida's shining grace, which is brighter than the moon and the sun.

Thus do I trust in Amida.

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