The Nembutsu of Faith II

When one is faithful, convictions take place in varied people in varied ways. As a youngster coming from a Franciscan family, we have the philosophy of Kindness, and compassion. However Blessed Sacrament Church in youth had a Jesuit Priest. Father Gallo was a severe man who sacred the daylights out of me on my occasions. It is my belief I am mentally etched in that behavior.

As I have tried many practices, I feel as Shinran had. There is a notice of the same Karma of the world and people.

I meditated one day, when I gave up Catholicism at the age of 8 because father Gallo’s sermon on God made him seem like a real nut case. My notion was to re-invent God. God became an early version of the Amida Buddha. The Virgin Mary, Kwannon. The mind gave me both qualities of parents Oyasamasan

Although thought where no quite totally matching Buddhism, still believing in magicke and miracles. I have tried many practices that where disappointing. And speaking to the accomplished religious people, the where no where near the perfection they eluded.

Thusly on final days of believing in miracles, I encountered Jodo Shin Shu.
I realize I found home reading Shinran Shonin’s teaching. 私は家が見つかりました

Looking at the Nembutsu, I find three issues that a important to everyone.

Kimyo: To take refuge in the Amida Buddha. To me this means that, since I have no other spiritual desires, and I choose the Nembutsu Faith, I can only depnd on the Endless light of Amida’s wisdom and compassion.
Shomyo:: Reciting the name. Namo Amida Butsu is our expression. Our vow as a wedding vow to honor our commitment to Amida Buddha and accept the vow power as our saving grace. The beacon that draws our ship of Karma effortlessly into the Pure Land.
Homnyo: Hearing the Name. The name resounds in us as we obtain the mind of True Faith (Shinjin). In our mind we finally accept, know, and understand the true self nature of our Buddha Nature. In the truly assured state of non-retrogression. Grasped never to be abandoned Amida transfers the Merit that blossoms Bodhi Mind, (Bodhi Citta).

When we truly hear the Name, Faith is awakened in our hearts. Hearing the Name is not merely hearing the sounds of “Namo Amida Butsu,” but hearing Amida Buddha with our whole being, calling to us throughout timeless time. Thus, when we hear Amida’s voice in our innermost being, faith is awakened. We now realize that this faith itself and even the power to awaken it is a gift from Amida Buddha. Faith competes our Oneness with Amida and is the true cause of our Enlightenment. (Seattle Buddhist Temple)
“I place my faith in Amida Buddha.” The power of universal salvation consummated by Amida is embodied in this sacred name, which is easy to keep in our minds as well as easy to recite. Amida Buddha communicates with us through his Name. The Name has three aspects. Its substance is perfect virtue and ultimate value which Amida Buddha was able to perfect on our behalf. It possesses the absolute power to save all sentient beings. Its form is two fold: it is Amida Buddha’s voice calling to us and at the same time is our vocal response to his call. Its meaning is the actualization of our salvation and complete assurance of our Enlightenment.

My meditation fosters, 1. The Mind of True Faith-Shinjin 2. The Mind of Being (Who you are, know who your are, and your behavior in that essence of being True and Real)-Shinjitsu 3. The Mind of Reception-Accepting the Faith and idea of Faith, enlightened or not. Number three is important because it brings on faith and establishes a religious commitment in our mundane and current life. Our immediate Access to our Commitment to Amida Buddha through Jodo Shin Shu.

The first, mind of Shinjin comes later. Second mind of Shinjitsu-our constantly becoming and knowing. Thusly with Shinjin this manifests and at times a pre-existing condition as we ourselves are Buddhist and conscious of Buddha Ways.

Myokonin are wonderful People. Examples of Shinjitsu.

Third Mind of Faith. Our desires here and now to in our hearts to except the Nembutsu teachings.

The phrase come into my mind. Hard is it to be born into human life, now we are living it.