The Name-that-calls

Integral in the Pure Land tradition is Amida Buddha.

In the True Pure Land School of Japanese Buddhism are Jiriki (self-power) of the devotee and Tariki (Other-power) of Amida Buddha.

By self-power, the Pure Land devotee calls to Amida Buddha. By other-power, Amida Buddha calls to the devotee.

The calling of Amida Buddha's name is known as Buddha Recitation or Nembutsu.

Amida Buddha's promise of my rebirth in the Pure Land of Bliss is affirmed by Buddha Recitation.

When I call to Amida, it is but Amida calling to me.

This is why Nembutsu known as the Name-that-calls.

Namu Amida Butsu.

Nembutsu as Other-Power

When I sincerely utter
the Name-that-calls,
the Lord Buddha Amida
is calling me home -
Namu Amida Butsu!

Thus does this old fool
rely on Other-Power,
on Amida's grace.


To merely utter the Nembutsu with only the belief of rebirth in the Pure Land is self-power (jiriki).

When the Pure Land devotee utters the Nembutsu with the thought that it is the Name-that-calls, then it is truly Other-power.

For it is truly is Amida calling me home.