On the „here and now” slogan

Poems and sayings:

Some Home-Spun Gathas to Think on:

Days of serenity are rare
In this life of samsaric woe;
But even if we are alone,
We're always in Lord Amida's care.

Overwhelming can our challenges be,
Defying our bombu foolishness,
We try, but keep on making a mess,
Making everything about stupid "me".

Amida Buddha knows all our foils,
But never deserts us in a crisis:
Loving us despite all our vices,
He lances all our spiritual boils.

I worship my Dear Lord Amida,
The Author of my Great Salvation;
And though I am of lowly station
He accepts me, to make me a Buddha.

My self-power long ago failed me,
Leaving me a helpless fool;
But I learned to follow one simple rule:
Say His Name and be saved by Amida.

That rule came from His Primal Vow,
Inviting every suffering being
To Amida's great vow to be cleaving
And take refuge in Him, even Now!

NAMU AMIDA BUTSU
I thank You, Amida Buddha:
I take Refuge in You, it is true,
Through the Power of Your Holy Dharma.

Shaku Egen (Richard St Clair)

click here to download Egen's book of poems (2nd edition) - To Amida Buddha, Songs of True Entrusting

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Tuesday, April 22, 2014