tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35805693881418090172024-03-16T03:11:44.127+02:00AMIDAJI INTERNATIONAL TEMPLE 阿 弥 陀 寺Orthodox Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Teachings. Official website of Amidaji organization.Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.comBlogger792125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-45848002433709624672024-03-15T13:24:00.003+02:002024-03-15T13:30:03.846+02:00Clocks as portable thangkas of the Wheel of Samsara - Часы как переносные тханки Колеса Сансары (EN/RU)<div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jZu2GJ-9G1p7YfLXiCzR9jLktJGz088ahZRBjom5PMVjh-Y2tzeq8cpFtdzBhsul7OfA-F-ZKIcfiWV8QiLJW0oCFmEVQwC8-Ds7Y_mzTieSGrLnOvXy-Awr-mKx2MidmVMYxv3QRnO7Mu0KPi33cBDDNIFtyxAJe2SkNSnMi_XDFM52PWDzHkEgIsM/s2000/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-03-15%20at%2011.25.51.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jZu2GJ-9G1p7YfLXiCzR9jLktJGz088ahZRBjom5PMVjh-Y2tzeq8cpFtdzBhsul7OfA-F-ZKIcfiWV8QiLJW0oCFmEVQwC8-Ds7Y_mzTieSGrLnOvXy-Awr-mKx2MidmVMYxv3QRnO7Mu0KPi33cBDDNIFtyxAJe2SkNSnMi_XDFM52PWDzHkEgIsM/s320/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-03-15%20at%2011.25.51.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Clocks are gentle
companions who helps us remember impermanence. They are like miniature copies
of the <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-six-realms-of-samsaric-existence.html" target="_blank">thangkas of the Wheel of Samsara</a> with the top of the dial symbolizing
the higher states of existence (humans, asuras and gods) and the lower part of
the dial, reminding us of the lower realms (hungry spirits, animals and hell
beings).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">As the hands of the clock move constantly from hour 12 (the highest heaven
of the gods) to 6 (the most terrible hell), life in samsara is never certain.
Whatever we think we gain we'll lose in the next moment. Everything is
momentary and our unenlightened minds are not reliable. This is why there is NO
time for the so-called spiritual evolution. All we have is this fragile moment,
this short break before death and another uncertain rebirth. In this moment we
either accept Amida Buddha’s helping hand or refuse it and waste our human life
so hard to obtain.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">
Understanding the two types of impermanence, of <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2017/08/2-impermanence-and-death.html" target="_blank">your body</a> and your so-called
"spiritual realizations", don't lose your time in vain, and entrust
to Amida. Only by being born in His Pure Land after death you can safely get
out of samsara and be able to benefit all sentient beings.<span><a name='more'></a></span></span></span></div><div><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(My
watch you see in the photo is a Soviet era Molnija watch from 1951. Molnija
means - "Lightning", a name that makes me think to the Light of Amida
Dharma that wakes us from our illusions of <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2022/06/self-power-and-amidas-power.html" target="_blank">self-power. )</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">*</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu3of9o0DhuRXS-pvbvKPHP_2KqPojIgsblpLxaOqbt7HbKJGnrzAduQU2SAAHATFlm2zRB3_HltAceqQMs20R39yaV7iRvvixEINWcosAW1GzKmbq3Ez6VjzBN2Ezv1QbhgzF9LeaxmnPi4ohMxVrK0MAZ6oBloM5IQA507nYnXeie2eXaYX_o1DZDY/s500/A1wheelrealm-56a0c4133df78cafdaa4d32c.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="407" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu3of9o0DhuRXS-pvbvKPHP_2KqPojIgsblpLxaOqbt7HbKJGnrzAduQU2SAAHATFlm2zRB3_HltAceqQMs20R39yaV7iRvvixEINWcosAW1GzKmbq3Ez6VjzBN2Ezv1QbhgzF9LeaxmnPi4ohMxVrK0MAZ6oBloM5IQA507nYnXeie2eXaYX_o1DZDY/s320/A1wheelrealm-56a0c4133df78cafdaa4d32c.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>Часы — нежные
спутники, которые помогают нам помнить о непостоянстве. Они похожи на
миниатюрные копии тханк Колеса Сансары, верхняя часть циферблата которого
символизирует высшие состояния существования (людей, асуров и богов), а нижняя
— напоминает о низших сферах (голодных духах, животных и обитателях адов).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
Как стрелки часов постоянно движутся от часа 12 (высший рай богов) до 6 (самый
ужасный ад), так и жизнь в сансаре никогда не бывает определённой. Что бы мы ни
приобрели, как нам кажется, мы потеряем в следующий момент. Всё сиюминутно, а
наши непросветлённые умы ненадёжны. Вот почему нет времени для так называемой
духовной эволюции. Все, что у нас есть, — это этот хрупкий миг, этот короткий
перерыв перед смертью и новым неопределённым перерождением. В этот миг мы либо
принимаем руку помощи Амида Будды, либо отказываемся от неё и тратим впустую
свою человеческую жизнь, доставшуюся нам с таким трудом.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
Понимая два вида непостоянства — своего тела и своих так называемых
"духовных достижений", - не теряйте времени даром и доверьтесь Амиде.
Только родившись после смерти в Его Чистой Земле, вы сможете благополучно выйти
из сансары и принести пользу всем живым существам.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
(Мои часы, которые вы видите на фото, — это советские часы Molnija 1951 года.
Molnija означает - "Молния", название, которое заставляет меня думать
о Свете Амида Дхармы, пробуждающем нас от наших иллюзий о своей силе.)</span></div>
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<!--[endif]--></span>Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-48897989600657370172024-03-15T10:17:00.001+02:002024-03-15T10:17:18.566+02:00Members of Amidaji: from Voodoo to Jodo Shinshu Buddhism - the story of Koshin<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYLmuZtOX3seH1GLg5DXrfI0f5i1gAsXjPsCTWhXfEac0tFUFx1p3MQgqK_zVI2jzUofFF6AC3v-jC3mRw-YA6FBEqY6nT9Jwm_u2BD6ZOP6_5wkA2n2-zRYqZG2zq-qMCFhhugn8v-9yl5nY4qJoCcaY78FrLIdxjvvzXu3uIAGrCVTyu1xWJegvZi8/s910/Koshin%20Jose%20Pomales.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="892" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYLmuZtOX3seH1GLg5DXrfI0f5i1gAsXjPsCTWhXfEac0tFUFx1p3MQgqK_zVI2jzUofFF6AC3v-jC3mRw-YA6FBEqY6nT9Jwm_u2BD6ZOP6_5wkA2n2-zRYqZG2zq-qMCFhhugn8v-9yl5nY4qJoCcaY78FrLIdxjvvzXu3uIAGrCVTyu1xWJegvZi8/w196-h200/Koshin%20Jose%20Pomales.jpg" width="196" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/09/spiritual-biographies-of-amidaji-members.html" target="_blank"><i>Click here to return to the main page </i></a></b></div><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/09/spiritual-biographies-of-amidaji-members.html" target="_blank"><i>of spiritual biographies of Amidaji members</i></a></b></div></b></div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>This is the spiritual story of Koshin Jose Pomales, our new
member from California, USA, as it was recorded in two meetings on zoom,<p></p><p>You can read about Amidaji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism <b><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">here (click here)</a></b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BuLKjiQxpZ4?si=eqmR0Me2WeZSI8QT" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-81933165810189364442024-03-05T13:24:00.005+02:002024-03-05T13:24:59.814+02:00Members of Amidaji: Hokai Sylvie Kirsch from the Cook Islands<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfs2NvXBP15QZiCaoHAbCsqzl1RT0zn3wlhYXucFMV7wDSaufR-mWRsAUoQPZcblizzOZRwa69BSsqQOxiWWSN4jgvlxh08gF_CUtIsxJyz-7aC56UWC-UEqVhGjVoaa0SchLHVYOm6YU0b3DfXE8ZMmlsIKeLmqlNQg2u3_IFOPsomCh_hgAjnHGdsiA/s2048/427791110_2204724636527493_2274483493870877515_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfs2NvXBP15QZiCaoHAbCsqzl1RT0zn3wlhYXucFMV7wDSaufR-mWRsAUoQPZcblizzOZRwa69BSsqQOxiWWSN4jgvlxh08gF_CUtIsxJyz-7aC56UWC-UEqVhGjVoaa0SchLHVYOm6YU0b3DfXE8ZMmlsIKeLmqlNQg2u3_IFOPsomCh_hgAjnHGdsiA/s320/427791110_2204724636527493_2274483493870877515_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><b><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/09/spiritual-biographies-of-amidaji-members.html" target="_blank"><i>Click here to return to the main page of spiritual biographies of Amidaji members</i></a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>My
grandmother brought me up Catholic. My first husband was Protestant, we’d
agreed to allow our children to grow up and make their own spiritual choices.
It was when my 13-month-old daughter passed away and a catholic priest refused
to bless her grave because she wasn’t baptised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The implication that my daughter was abandoned in hell because she
wasn’t baptised devastated me. How could this so-called “god of love”, one to
whom I’d put my faith and devotion all my life, not gladly receive the soul of
an innocent child in his arms? I went through a spiritual struggle over the
next few years, shifting towards the Protestant Reformed Church and trying to
make sense of the growing inconsistencies. Eventually, I lost my faith in Christianity.
I then went on a spiritual journey to find the true manifestation of all-embracing
compassion.<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like many of my Amidaji kin, I began by
grappling my way through various spiritualities and philosophies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Studying in earnest, I would eventually peel
off the veneer of salvation, to discover that each was riddled with inconsistencies,
and all lacked any true, universal compassion. What seemed like a purposeful
journey ended up being stuck going around in circles in a meaningless
labyrinth, from which there was no escape.<span><a name='more'></a></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">At some
point in my mid-thirties, I washed up on the shores of Buddhism, and at last, I
perceived a language that made sense to me. I took refuge in the Buddha under
the tutelage of Eric Rommuluère and became a Zen practitioner for several years.<br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">In 2010 my
husband and I left Europe to live in the Cook Islands, where I continued my
practice with an online Zendo.<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">In 2013 I prepared
and practiced for Jukai, the receipt of the precepts, and having sewn my rakusu
and read various relevant texts I had reached the final lap, which was Ango,
the mandatory retreat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet again,
everything fell apart as I suddenly realised, I couldn’t commit to the
necessary time for the zazen which was supposed to correspond to the 3-month
Ango period. This realisation meant I was unable to progress any further in my
practice. I was shattered and fell into deep despair at my failure and my insufficient
capacities as well as the disillusion that Buddhism, finally may not offer the
all-inclusive compassion I had been seeking for so long.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8AlasqLSMfbd2adEJ3cNXa-ZOM3-XvVUigodXQjcp_VereWeEqZxb8r5Sr0qhyphenhyphenSpbktYqnpl66xOZENRNKv3jZf7CGhD6bTZo_xZYaBfAHG_6JymVyEkc80-xg-vKGnT-WtpPZ1QhYRRlKNSHaF0_Dz_2Klc3Rd4qtIobhpYFZHJ6ShxVWY1WDEbxAY/s827/430218074_7042020535920688_3483529782265397734_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="827" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8AlasqLSMfbd2adEJ3cNXa-ZOM3-XvVUigodXQjcp_VereWeEqZxb8r5Sr0qhyphenhyphenSpbktYqnpl66xOZENRNKv3jZf7CGhD6bTZo_xZYaBfAHG_6JymVyEkc80-xg-vKGnT-WtpPZ1QhYRRlKNSHaF0_Dz_2Klc3Rd4qtIobhpYFZHJ6ShxVWY1WDEbxAY/s320/430218074_7042020535920688_3483529782265397734_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My
husband, a stone carver, sensing my disarray, asked me to find an image of the
Buddha that he would carve for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
searched on Google, found an image that captured my attention, and printed it
out to show him. He then asked what Buddha this was. In my haste, I’d forgotten
to look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I returned to my computer and
read the caption, Kamakura Buddha Daibutsu, a statue of…<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I cannot
explain this fraction of a second moment, but my life turned upside down as I
read the name AMIDA BUDDHA. I knew I had been graced with salvation, I knew
that Amida was a true reality. I sat for several moments, weeping and repeating
AMIDA BUDDHA, not yet comprehending why, but profoundly certain that I had been
embraced by the all-encompassing compassion I had been seeking all my life…<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">After
recovering from this experience, I immediately searched to learn more about who
Amida Buddha was and found <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2017/12/paul-roberts-went-to-pure-land.html" target="_blank">Paul Roberts</a>’s Yahoo group. Paul and the group were
where I took my first steps in learning about the Jodo Shinshu faith. Paul
explained to me that what I had experienced was shinjin. It was also Paul who,
in 2014, introduced me to <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2021/05/the-path-between-thorns-my-spiritual.html" target="_blank">Reverend Josho Adrian Cirlea</a> for whom I’m deeply
grateful for his continued guidance and spiritual support ever since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Namo Amida
Bu<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Hokai Sylvie
Kirsch<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Hokai Cook
Islands</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p>Hokai works on<a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/p/artic.html" target="_blank"> the French translation of Amidaji books into French </a> . She also has a blog - <b><a href="https://www.shakuhokai.com/" target="_blank">Hokai's Notes</a></b> where she shares her personal reflections on the Dharma. </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-47152776050361730932024-03-02T08:30:00.002+02:002024-03-02T21:49:40.309+02:00Selected Teachings from Honen Shonin with Commentary (free edition and printed edition for sale)<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMulbIJ6UKrFGOwa40D4uwXAxtlH8D425PopXN_pe6yK0rCzbUCguLmYVaNaUl3EeyCzhWLXEP7aG8tZ-_zkP2AdXg5hXsf9f__msD5kC47p_TJcV35WQAe5H102_FX-ZAf9igd7xUvHcYI6SV3OlI_LP6rb_r1FsaOWsrzANSQ0_Mac3ovqG-vE5MgQ/s1093/COVER.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1093" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMulbIJ6UKrFGOwa40D4uwXAxtlH8D425PopXN_pe6yK0rCzbUCguLmYVaNaUl3EeyCzhWLXEP7aG8tZ-_zkP2AdXg5hXsf9f__msD5kC47p_TJcV35WQAe5H102_FX-ZAf9igd7xUvHcYI6SV3OlI_LP6rb_r1FsaOWsrzANSQ0_Mac3ovqG-vE5MgQ/s320/COVER.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The role of a teacher is to make things simple and this is exactly what
I’m trying to do through my books. I pick and choose that which is easy to
understand from the many volumes of the sacred texts and organize and explain
them in such a way so that both the idiot and the scholar can understand and
receive faith (shinjin). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I also try to make useful connections between various Masters and their
teachings. For example, in this book I show that Honen and his disciple
Shinran, spoke the same language of faith and essentially taught the same
teaching although sometimes the words and context are different.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /> </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Among the many sayings of Honen, I chose a few in this book and my other
books, that I consider to be very important and which can serve as a standard
of reading and understanding him in our <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">Amidaji branch of Jodo Shinshu
Buddhism.</a></span><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank"> </a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Click here if you wish to download the free online edition in pdf,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t8CY1PZ48oZUJ2GS82gJJ7-zokr2j86N/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Google drive</a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.academia.edu/115632397/SELECTED_TEACHINGS_OF_HONEN_SHONIN_WITH_COMMENTARY" target="_blank"><b>My page on Academia</b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Click the donation box if you wish to make a DONATION to support me and Amidaji temple, and especially <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2024/02/plans-for-amidaji-in-year-2024-water.html" target="_blank">the recent project about water and sewage system (click here to read about it),</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><input alt="Donate with PayPal button" border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" title="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" type="image" /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you wish to order a printed copy from Amazon you can click on one of these links,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWXRH13N" target="_blank">Click here to order it in US Dollars on Amazon.com</a><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CWXRH13N" target="_blank">Click here to order it CDN on Amazon Canada</a></div><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CWXRH13N" target="_blank">Click here to order it on Amazon Australia </a><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CWXRH13N" target="_blank">Click here to order it in British pounds on Amazon.com/uk</a><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0CWXRH13N" target="_blank">Click here to order it in Euro on Amazon Germany</a><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0CWXRH13N" target="_blank">Click here to order it in Euro on Amazon Italy</a><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0CWXRH13N" target="_blank">Click here to order it in Japanese yen on Amazon Japan</a><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0CWXRH13N" target="_blank">Click here to order it in Euro on Amazon France</a><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0CWXRH13N" target="_blank">Click here to order it on Amazon Spain</a></div><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><a href="https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0CWXRH13N" target="_blank">Click here to order in Euro from Netherlands</a></div><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><a href="https://www.amazon.pl/dp/B0CWXRH13N" target="_blank">Click here to order from Poland</a></div><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><a href="https://www.amazon.se/dp/B0CWXRH13N" target="_blank">Click here to order from Sweden </a></div><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><br /></div><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">The book is also posted in <a href="http://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2010/12/buddhist-books-for-sale.html">AMIDAJI BOOKSTORE</a> where you can order all the printed edition of my books.</div><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" /></div></div>
Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-59476952333979490582024-02-26T00:03:00.000+02:002024-02-26T00:03:55.461+02:00Plans for Amidaji in the year 2024 - water and sewage system<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAnudpJG8VFhGKG-XLMw09P5x901C9NS-tboD28T_aQrnzIA9CUoW-9nj4AlO4PjkOzUNKp277xY7RVeZc6Y0lwSWpCZcDwR0lZKfE4hq51WMMYc6SV8539lF5Aa0-Btg3WnzrZOdIqtT7Y0uL_DJODohhLcq2np1u1luveNdu1Osgpj5tBYNohh4mxg/s2048/5.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAnudpJG8VFhGKG-XLMw09P5x901C9NS-tboD28T_aQrnzIA9CUoW-9nj4AlO4PjkOzUNKp277xY7RVeZc6Y0lwSWpCZcDwR0lZKfE4hq51WMMYc6SV8539lF5Aa0-Btg3WnzrZOdIqtT7Y0uL_DJODohhLcq2np1u1luveNdu1Osgpj5tBYNohh4mxg/s320/5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2013/07/support-construction-of-amida-ji-temple.html#more" target="_blank">Click here to go back to Amidaji work plan </a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2013/07/support-construction-of-amida-ji-temple.html#more" target="_blank">and progress</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>Until now in the village where Amidaji temple is located there has been no water
and sewerage system, so the inhabitants (including Amidaji) need to use the
public or private wells, and to build their own peasant style toilets in the backyard
which mainly consists of a hole in the ground with a wooden cabin on top. Some
wells had problems and dried up or became difficult to use, so the county and
local officials finally decided to make a contract with a company and recently
brought the main water pipes in the village and placed secondary ones in front
of each property. However, from this main and secondary water pipes each owner
has to pay for installing its own pipes and build its own water system through
which to bring the water inside his property and house.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Amidaji
has a few buildings on its property so I need lots of pipes and a few
professional workers to bring the water in. The total costs for the first phase
of work (pipes and other materials as well as the workers) are around 1000
euros. From this, around 600 euros is only to pay the workers and the rest is
for various materials. If I successfully raise the amount needed, I will do the
first phase and make a report with photos after which I will continue with the
second step.<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Any
little help is welcomed and very much needed so, if you wish to DONATE, you can
use the PayPal box and/or the Bank accounts mentioned at this link,<br /></span><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/p/donation.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/p/donation.html<br /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
names of donors as well as those in whose name a donation was made will be
mentioned in a dedication list of my next book and at the end of the video
teachings posted on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcphHvQND1A9PEpZ6gN5Cyw" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>.<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJE3jU_DMgQH4lz-Fp0p4SYX0bhnLGArIw4SRcvAT1oE7XneJP_8hFgI_ocAwI7y27RCLbdQSmVMVopttVm2zKDFetIIeGhXyyFYeOj1rrWYpBp8QRBbFWzb7eGrL4FEwwSAprDYdAKkHqGuGD38yCxD3NVO1vOrMIh_UhNnob5TdB7E-K_KSXWFmLrXI/s2000/500bf9a3-b485-455f-842d-b9bb6ca64457.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJE3jU_DMgQH4lz-Fp0p4SYX0bhnLGArIw4SRcvAT1oE7XneJP_8hFgI_ocAwI7y27RCLbdQSmVMVopttVm2zKDFetIIeGhXyyFYeOj1rrWYpBp8QRBbFWzb7eGrL4FEwwSAprDYdAKkHqGuGD38yCxD3NVO1vOrMIh_UhNnob5TdB7E-K_KSXWFmLrXI/s320/500bf9a3-b485-455f-842d-b9bb6ca64457.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Amidaji temple courtyard. The water pipes must come from the </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">house in the distance to the one in the top right (kitchen).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">A bathroom with shower and toilet will be built between the </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">house in the top left (library and guest room) and the house</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">in the distance. In the foreground is Amidado (Hall of Amida)</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></o:p></span></div>
Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-35857385145243712242024-02-22T00:06:00.000+02:002024-02-22T00:06:11.451+02:00A big nenju has been gifted to Amidaji temple<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR9SIVKa2C0nMkC5sMxQr4DFyBfMTU_pQKH3wRRBQBGvK_41QuD85fjpEq7kwqLw5CaJebLyyscXCOensUT8tubs0W3cruqT7Mpwrt_o7KXaW7Hv2KzI-o_pOFsBFlOhyphenhyphenZfWsuc5-O2w26x1WcVAxGEDusz6bDCxAN38ilRajvrmk75zys22K-EfzzSM/s2000/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-02-21%20at%2012.42.54.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR9SIVKa2C0nMkC5sMxQr4DFyBfMTU_pQKH3wRRBQBGvK_41QuD85fjpEq7kwqLw5CaJebLyyscXCOensUT8tubs0W3cruqT7Mpwrt_o7KXaW7Hv2KzI-o_pOFsBFlOhyphenhyphenZfWsuc5-O2w26x1WcVAxGEDusz6bDCxAN38ilRajvrmk75zys22K-EfzzSM/s320/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-02-21%20at%2012.42.54.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>My
Dharma friend Cheusa Wend (77) from USA donated this beautiful big nenju (mala/Buddhist
rosary) of around one meter and a half to Amidaji temple Romania in the name of
her late husband Koun Eb Whipple, and her parents Phyllis Latham Stoner and
William Richard Stoner. May all their obstacles be removed and may they create
indestructible connections with Amida Buddha, entrust to Him, say His Name and
wish to be born in His Pure Land!<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
nenju now adorns the hands of the statue of Amida Buddha in the Amidado (Amida
Hall) of Amidaji temple Romania until we decide where to keep it. We intend to
use it in some ceremonies, perhaps in chanting the Nembutsu in a circle, and
other <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2009/12/nembutsu-of-faith-and-gratitude.html" target="_blank">liturgies to express faith in Amida Buddha and our gratitude</a> for being
saved as we are.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">As you
might know, in our Amidaji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, the nenju
represents <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2016/10/some-elements-of-genuine-faith-shinjin.html" target="_blank">faith in Amida Buddha and the Nembutsu of faith.</a> It shows our
devotion and connection with Him.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Namo Amida
Bu<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-65635235785228930602024-02-18T00:26:00.000+02:002024-02-18T00:26:52.032+02:00Remember to say the Nembutsu <p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HBRlcJHYiF9twEnEBZsY6m6KbvR9IaiUPVH0kA5vSO8yiGbp0au87bJf4583tXSog9vnx3pg89czF7dIxkxUPWB0lqn_e6e0pFWVc_CNKGvEV7VGGuEVBfCwi9H8inoEhU6UXt6ah7Td-g9qQI0tk9LWEhhf5Ss2Q0KRs2fOTepIMFKBm4xk_t1n/s1600/292169432_555447839578323_4874756030996450749_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1375" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HBRlcJHYiF9twEnEBZsY6m6KbvR9IaiUPVH0kA5vSO8yiGbp0au87bJf4583tXSog9vnx3pg89czF7dIxkxUPWB0lqn_e6e0pFWVc_CNKGvEV7VGGuEVBfCwi9H8inoEhU6UXt6ah7Td-g9qQI0tk9LWEhhf5Ss2Q0KRs2fOTepIMFKBm4xk_t1n/s320/292169432_555447839578323_4874756030996450749_n.jpg" width="275" /></a></i></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">last revised February 18th, 2024</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2022/05/selected-passages-from-honen-shonin.html" target="_blank">Click here to return to </a></b></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2022/05/selected-passages-from-honen-shonin.html" target="_blank">Selected passages from Honen Shonin </a></b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2022/05/selected-passages-from-honen-shonin.html" target="_blank">with commentary</a></b></span></div><p><i>You must believe that
Nembutsu possesses supreme merit and that Amida Buddha with His great
compassion of the Primal Vow, will come to embrace one who recites Nembutsu
even ten times or just</i> <i>once. Thus
believing this, practice Nembutsu for your entire lifetime without negligence”</i><a href="file:///D:/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/READING%20MASTER%20HONEN%20THROUGH%20THE%20EYES%20OF%20FAITH/READING%20MASTER%20HONEN%20THROUGH%20THE%20EYES%20OF%20FAITH.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: RO;">[1]</span></span></span></a>. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Commentary:<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">As
I showed in chapter <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-nembutsu-is-true-and-real.html#more" target="_blank">“The Nembutsu is true and real”</a> from my book <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/08/new-book-simple-teachings-on-emptiness.html" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Simple Teachings on Emptiness and Buddha
nature</i>,</a> by quoting many sacred texts, the Name contains the merits of Amida
and all Buddhas, as well as the virtues of all Buddhist teachings and practices.
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“It is the treasure-sea of merits of true
Suchness, ultimate reality”<a href="file:///D:/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/READING%20MASTER%20HONEN%20THROUGH%20THE%20EYES%20OF%20FAITH/READING%20MASTER%20HONEN%20THROUGH%20THE%20EYES%20OF%20FAITH.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></i>,
as Shinran said.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Also,
Amida protects and embraces those who entrust to Him both in this life as well
as in the moment of death when He welcomes them into His Pure Land of Bliss. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">After
pointing out that the number of recitations is not important for our birth in
the Pure Land, Master Honen encouraged us to say the Name for our entire
lifetime. Just as one who was saved from fire will always be grateful to his
savior, we should also not be negligent in expressing our gratitude to Amida Buddha
for saving us from the repeated births and deaths. This is the reason why
sometimes Honen, but also Shinran and Rennyo, insisted on remembering to say
the Nembutsu. <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2018/02/elements-of-genuine-faith-7-to-say-name.html" target="_blank">It was NOT that the number of recitations is important (it isn’t!)</a>,
but because we should remember to say “thank you” to the one who assured our
liberation from samsara. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
Nembutsu is also the expression of faith, so if we really entrusted ourselves
to Amida, we’ll surely like to express it by saying His Name. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="file:///D:/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/READING%20MASTER%20HONEN%20THROUGH%20THE%20EYES%20OF%20FAITH/READING%20MASTER%20HONEN%20THROUGH%20THE%20EYES%20OF%20FAITH.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Teachings of Honen</i>, translated by Yoko Hayashi and Joji Atone,
Bukkyo University, Los Angeles, p 243-245<br /></span><a href="file:///D:/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/READING%20MASTER%20HONEN%20THROUGH%20THE%20EYES%20OF%20FAITH/READING%20MASTER%20HONEN%20THROUGH%20THE%20EYES%20OF%20FAITH.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;">Shinran
Shonin, Kyogyoshinsho, chapter II, Kyogyoshinsho – On Teaching,
Practice, Faith, and Enlightenment, translated by Hisao Inagaki, Numata Center
for Buddhist Translation and Research, Kyoto, 2003, p. 9</span></div></div><div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-81247048538673260332024-01-28T12:04:00.002+02:002024-01-28T12:04:38.466+02:00On those who deny the basics of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism while calling themselves "innovators" (video discussion)<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NaQukqrHLsI?si=PHmQWsHlGDoKFwUs" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-52025345807119675982024-01-24T12:27:00.004+02:002024-01-24T13:25:16.350+02:00On the "here and now" spiritual trap<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKbhKsAX-Z9wgScWY921aNvZrz9ALK0EIO6_5ypjebqoAO31jSWBfiRFWSHx1b3AzspMEonhnXc_VZDLt7ajyMfrteYpl38Fao6pEBTphW-lF5YVJ6BgGfMq4YEefr_0dJyzVDY_k-rU_fn4vb4X_bKBnSsuaBJwBjhHKyG2KBppEhfg2RbnsWgkARXU/s1984/194.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1984" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKbhKsAX-Z9wgScWY921aNvZrz9ALK0EIO6_5ypjebqoAO31jSWBfiRFWSHx1b3AzspMEonhnXc_VZDLt7ajyMfrteYpl38Fao6pEBTphW-lF5YVJ6BgGfMq4YEefr_0dJyzVDY_k-rU_fn4vb4X_bKBnSsuaBJwBjhHKyG2KBppEhfg2RbnsWgkARXU/s320/194.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>Some
people say that the Nembutsu of faith is too much related with death and
afterlife and that they prefer something (a practice or teaching) for the
"here and now”. The world of spiritual seekers is filled with such ideas
of "here and now" being a supreme goal, that we must learn to live in
the "here and now", and not think about death or after death. But
this separation is only a delusion. In truth, death is not separated from the
"here and now” as breath which comes out might not be followed by the breath
which comes in. In the "here and now” we can lose everything; in the
"here and now” we and our loved ones can stop breathing, in the "here
and now” we may suddenly find ourselves in the afterlife, losing <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2017/08/1-preciousness-of-human-birth.html" target="_blank">this humanform</a>, the chance of listening the Amida Dharma and receive faith.</div></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Like in the good movie, "Groundhog day” , the minds of unenlightened
people dwell constantly in an ever repeating "here and now”.
Unfortunately, they like this "here and now" so much that they even
create spiritual ideologies to keep them focused on it. Being extremely
attached to the "here and now”, they refuse to speak about death and
rebirth, or the aspiration to be born in Amida’s Pure Land, calling it a
reminiscent of folk religion or a distraction from the "here and
now". Unfortunately, they will also die one day, in the exact moment they
dream about ‚"here and now" and will be </span></span><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-six-realms-of-samsaric-existence.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">born again</a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, in another
"here and now" - the same here and now, but painted differently. How
sad this is…<span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I know that the Buddhas always live in the here and now, because they
transcended life and death, as well as any limitations of time and space, but
are those practitioners whose mouths are filled with "here and now",
really living in the here and now of the Buddhas? It is important to understand
that unenlightened beings never dwell in the "here and now”, but only
dream in the "here and now”. They move, they live, they die and are born
again in the "here and now” dream and slavery of </span></span><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-six-realms-of-samsaric-existence.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">samsara</a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. Without </span></span><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-benefits-of-being-born-in-pure-land.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">birth in the enlightened realm of Amida Buddha</a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, ordinary beings cannot hope for true
awakening. </span></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
Children should not behave like adults. Similarly, unenlightened beings should
not imitate the speech and actions of Buddhas or Enlightened Masters of the
past. Until we actually transcend birth and death and attain Buddhahood, we
should not speak too much about "here and now" and forget death. </span></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
Again, I urge all my Dharma friends to realize that there is NO time for the
so-called spiritual evolution. All we have is this fragile moment, this short
break before death and another uncertain rebirth. In this moment we either
accept Amida’s helping hand or refuse it and waste our human life so hard to
obtain. </span></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
There's no time, no time! There's no time for your so called "spiritual
evolution"! </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
All you really have is this fragile moment between life and the next uncertain
rebirth, so please, don't rely on the "achievements" or
"virtues" of your deluded ego! </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
As you cannot make a mirror by polishing a brick, you also cannot transform
yourself into a Buddha!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
Understanding the two types of impermanence, of your body and your <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2018/02/elements-of-genuine-faith-4-twofold.html" target="_blank">so-called
"spiritual </a></span><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2018/02/elements-of-genuine-faith-4-twofold.html" target="_blank">realizations</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2018/02/elements-of-genuine-faith-4-twofold.html" target="_blank">"</a>, don't lose your time in vain, and <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2016/10/some-elements-of-genuine-faith-shinjin.html" target="_blank">entrust to Amida</a>.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
Only by being born in His Pure Land after death you can safely get out of
samsara and be able to benefit all sentient beings.<o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p>Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-79930096469610567192024-01-14T23:27:00.000+02:002024-01-14T23:27:08.623+02:00The relation between hearing the Name, faith and saying the Name of Amida Buddha<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFGZzi2CKCnmOSo4PMmjMJtnXqzwIPIkQo9US7Xt7V5uVg1WjzIHVhzEd8nS-HDdaRfKuIGraCpB8zVPpJWyVdeV8pd5FQu4nbiX2gIW99d-qfuibS55IMgY8qsCZxafE5WK5At4H6CM4_qFgt8vaT4C7NzvN8H3mLKjy1VsHdBBM3V6Rf2nqOin96Ww/s2048/384101894_886889782802773_4956383528142734954_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1698" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFGZzi2CKCnmOSo4PMmjMJtnXqzwIPIkQo9US7Xt7V5uVg1WjzIHVhzEd8nS-HDdaRfKuIGraCpB8zVPpJWyVdeV8pd5FQu4nbiX2gIW99d-qfuibS55IMgY8qsCZxafE5WK5At4H6CM4_qFgt8vaT4C7NzvN8H3mLKjy1VsHdBBM3V6Rf2nqOin96Ww/s320/384101894_886889782802773_4956383528142734954_n.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>Amida
Buddha promised in His Primal Vow that those who entrust to Him, say His Name
and wish to be born in His Pure Land <i>(“sincerely entrust themselves to me,
desire to be born in my land, and <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2018/02/elements-of-genuine-faith-7-to-say-name.html" target="_blank">say my Name perhaps even ten times</a><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/Hearing%20the%20Name%20in%20our.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>”)</i>
will be born there.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
reason <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2016/10/some-elements-of-genuine-faith-shinjin.html" target="_blank">faith (“entrust to me”), desire to be born in the Pure Land, as well as the saying of the Name (Nembutsu)</a> are mentioned in the same Vow is because they cannot
be treated separately. One who has faith in Amida Buddha will naturally say His
Name and wish to be with Him in the Pure Land. Thus, there can be no faith
separated from Nembutsu, and no Nembutsu separated from faith. Also, there can
be no faith and no Nembutsu of faith without the desire to be born in the Pure
Land.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Recently,
a reader expressed the opinion that to say the Name of Amida Buddha is
secondary to “hearing the Name”. This is a grave misunderstanding of the Jodo
Shinshu teaching which cannot arise if we properly understand the term “hearing
the Name”. So, <b>to hear the Name means to have faith (shinjin)</b>, as
Shinran clearly explained,<span><a name='more'></a></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">"'Hear
the Name': is to hear the Name that embodies the Primal Vow. ‘Hear’ means to
hear the Primal Vow and be free of doubt. Further, it indicates shinjin (faith)”<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/Hearing%20the%20Name%20in%20our.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Hearing
the inconceivable selected <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2018/02/a-detailed-explanation-of-primal-vow-of.html" target="_blank">Primal Vow</a> and the Holy Name of supreme wisdom
without a single doubt is called true and real shinjin (faith).”<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/Hearing%20the%20Name%20in%20our.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Also,
<b>to have faith (hear the Name) means to say the Name (Nembutsu)</b>,<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">"<i>There
is no Nembutsu separate from shinjin (faith), nor is the one moment of shinjin
separate from the one moment of Nembutsu".<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/Hearing%20the%20Name%20in%20our.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></i></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Master
T’an-luan was of the same opinion,<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“All
beings, having heard Amida’s virtuous Name,<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Attain
joyful faith, rejoice in what they hear,<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
call His Name even once.'”</span></i><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/Hearing%20the%20Name%20in%20our.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]<br /></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
can be no faith (shinjin) without the saying of the Name and no genuine saying of
the Name without faith, as Shinran said,<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="RO">"Amida
vowed to take into the land of bliss those who say the Name, and thus, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">to entrust oneself deeply and say the Name is
to be in perfect accord with the Primal Vow</span>. <b>Though a person may have
shinjin (faith), if he or she does not say the Name it is of no avail</b>. And
conversely, even though a person fervently says the Name, if that person's
shinjin is shallow he cannot attain Birth. Thus<b>, it is the person who both
deeply entrusts himself to Birth through the Nembutsu and undertakes to say the
Name who is certain to be born in the true fulfilled land</b>."<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/Hearing%20the%20Name%20in%20our.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="RO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: RO; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: RO; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[6]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></i><o:p> <br /></o:p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Rennyo
Shonin had the same understanding of the Nembutsu (Namo Amida Butsu) being the
same with faith,<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><i><span lang="RO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: RO;">"'Namo' means 'to take
refuge in'; it means to entrust yourself to Amida with the assurance of your
salvation."<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/Hearing%20the%20Name%20in%20our.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="RO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: RO; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Logical
conclusion: Hearing the Name is faith (shinjin) and faith is to say the Name. None
is secondary to another because they cannot be separated.<br /> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Question:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> In relation with
the above, what is the meaning of the following sentence,<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Neither
those who say the Name more than ten times nor those who only hear the Name are
omitted or excluded from birth in the Pure Land”.<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/Hearing%20the%20Name%20in%20our.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span></i><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
answer:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
The passage above may refer to people of faith who either live long and can enjoy
vocal Nembutsu many times, or die before saying at least one Nembutsu with
their lips. In the latter case, hearing means to hear the Primal Vow in faith and
turn one’s thought automatically towards Amida Buddha. To think or turn one’s
thoughts towards Amida is the same as saying/reciting His Name. Thinking to
Amida Buddha with thoughts of faith equals the vocal saying of the Name in
faith. Thinking is the same with saying, as one who says the Nembutsu actually
thinks to Amida, and the one who thinks to Amida will move his lips to say the
Name if he does not die before being able to do that or if he is not mute.<br /> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Please
do not complicate your mind unnecessarily.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><hr size="1" style="text-align: left;" width="33%" /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/Hearing%20the%20Name%20in%20our.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">What is the
meaning of <i>“say my Name perhaps even ten times”</i> from the Primal Vow? Shinran
Shonin explained:<o:p></o:p></span><br /><i><span lang="RO" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">"In the
Primal Vow are the words:</span></i><br /><i><span lang="RO" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">
'Saying my Name perhaps even ten times'.</span></i><br /><i><span lang="RO" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">
Know from the words 'ten times' that appear from the beginning in the Vow
itself that saying the Name is not limited to one utterance. And the word
'perhaps even' makes it clearer still that there is no set number of times one
should say the Name." </span></i><span lang="RO" style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shinran Shonin, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Notes on Once-Calling and Many-Calling</i>, <i>The Collected Works of
Shinran</i>, Shin Buddhism Translation Series, Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha,
Kyoto, 1997, p.482</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/Hearing%20the%20Name%20in%20our.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Shinran Shonin, Notes
on Once-calling and Many-calling, The Collected Works of Shinran, Shin Buddhism
Translation Series, Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, Kyoto, 1997, p.474</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/Hearing%20the%20Name%20in%20our.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Shinran Shonin, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Notes on the Essentials of Faith Alone</i>,<i>
The Collected Works of Shinran</i>, Shin Buddhism Translation Series, Jodo
Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, Kyoto, 1997, p.454</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/Hearing%20the%20Name%20in%20our.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Shinran
Shonin, Lamp for the Latter-Ages, letter 11, The Collected Works of
Shinran, Shin Buddhism Translation Series, Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, Kyoto,
1997, p.538</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/Hearing%20the%20Name%20in%20our.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Hymns in Praise of
Amida Buddha (Tsan ami t’o fo chieh) [composed by Master T’an-luan], as quoted
by Shinran in his Kyogyoshinsho – On Teaching, Practice, Faith, and
Enlightenment III, translated by Hisao Inagaki, Numata Center for Buddhist
Translation and Research, Kyoto, 2003, p. 88</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/Hearing%20the%20Name%20in%20our.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="RO"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="RO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: RO; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: RO; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="RO" style="font-size: 10.0pt;"> Shinran Shonin, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lamp for the Latter-Ages</i>, letter 12, <i>The Collected Works of
Shinran</i>, Shin Buddhism Translation Series, Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha,
Kyoto, 1997, p.539</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/Hearing%20the%20Name%20in%20our.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Thus
I Have Heard from Rennyo Shonin (Rennyo Shonin ‘s Goichidaiki Kikigaki)</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">, translated by Hisao Inagaki,
Dharma Lion Publications, Craiova, 2008, p.18</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/Hearing%20the%20Name%20in%20our.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Shinran Shonin, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Notes on the Inscriptions on Sacred Scrolls</i>,<i>
The Collected Works of Shinran</i>, Shin Buddhism Translation Series, Jodo
Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, Kyoto, 1997, p.506</span></div>
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</div>Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-55802779774334618652024-01-08T22:22:00.002+02:002024-01-08T22:28:31.926+02:00We do not rely on personal vows but on Amida's Primal Vow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVce5x55fIXfQLe3_UVDn90PQ5Ey68UNa6rdSNZZ0UM4RGl6V798oipq0Rtrj9Sg5fSFDG_roySkzoxXhgSsbVqlzctHqn_KAqKha9VcKBhAJSex_Zv4AwfmOY_MqPC5zkv1J9U9_AMNs/s1600/20190726_130346.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="527" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVce5x55fIXfQLe3_UVDn90PQ5Ey68UNa6rdSNZZ0UM4RGl6V798oipq0Rtrj9Sg5fSFDG_roySkzoxXhgSsbVqlzctHqn_KAqKha9VcKBhAJSex_Zv4AwfmOY_MqPC5zkv1J9U9_AMNs/s320/20190726_130346.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Last update - January 8th, 2024</span></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Scroll down to watch the video teaching on this topic</span></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>
I heard many times the idea that we need to make a vow to be born in the Pure Land. This is said under the influence of various Chinese Pure Land groups that place a lot of emphasis on self-power, a view which is totally rejected in our school.<br />
<br />
I will state it clearly and I ask all of you to please listen deeply:<br />
We do not need to make a personal vow to be born in the Pure Land because birth in the Pure Land does NOT depend on our personal power, but on Amida's Power.<br />
This is extremely important - you can be born in the Pure Land by the Power of Amida Buddha, and NOT by your self power! The vows you make have ZERO importance. What matters is that you give up any idea of self power and entrust completely to Amida Buddha.<br />
<br />
In <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2018/02/a-detailed-explanation-of-primal-vow-of.html" target="_blank">His Primal Vow (18th Vow)</a> Amida mentioned three conditions to be born in His Pure Land : "say my Name, entrust to me and wish to be born in my land". He did not mention that you must make any vows or <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-transference-of-merit-from-amida.html" target="_blank">transfer any merits</a>! To wish to be born is not the same as a vow which can easily make one think that he goes to the Pure Land through his own act of will. So, if we do the above three simple things in the Primal Vow, we become karmically connected to Amida's Power and we are <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-ten-benefits-of-faith-in-amida.html" target="_blank">assured of birth in the Pure Land.</a><br />
<br />
Our Jodo Shinshu is the school of the Primal Vow, of total and exclusive reliance on Amida Buddha. Nothing inside our unenlightened minds can bring us closer to the Pure Land. Only Amida's Power and His Primal Vow (His Main Promise) are reliable. We will reach His Pure Land because He vowed that He will bring us there if we entrust to Him and say His Name in faith, and NOT because we make any personal vows or we transfer our pitiful "merits" to birth there.<br />
<br />
The promises and vows made by unreliable and unenlightened minds mean nothing, while the Promise and Vow of Amida is everything.<br />
Namo Amida Bu</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/popW6V6boLE?si=ykLakVuaw3HCntQG" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-70288595855932796382024-01-08T17:09:00.001+02:002024-01-08T17:09:05.916+02:00The Pure Land is in harmony with all beings<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53Vsv19u4mLgQIQkF6wBq3hFRIkkIFSwpu45XKmwed30lKrSE_0I0VYL6T8DJ7YGgCEJPTSGtGXu-x-7D5TYVOPNO_g-ex4NRJBnY8cBZNLosdNpC6OrX4I3PAvc9ar8GBBaSY7yo4_vaR_32UsDbeMzuXD3KwrtW5rrAkiNtmU2mJNqArivBD_Qryjo/s900/402292642_374246005002424_1847853024062375318_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="585" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53Vsv19u4mLgQIQkF6wBq3hFRIkkIFSwpu45XKmwed30lKrSE_0I0VYL6T8DJ7YGgCEJPTSGtGXu-x-7D5TYVOPNO_g-ex4NRJBnY8cBZNLosdNpC6OrX4I3PAvc9ar8GBBaSY7yo4_vaR_32UsDbeMzuXD3KwrtW5rrAkiNtmU2mJNqArivBD_Qryjo/s320/402292642_374246005002424_1847853024062375318_n.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>Master Shan-tao said:<br /><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>“It is regrettable
indeed that sentient beings doubt what should not be doubted;</i><br /><i>The Pure Land is right
before us and never out of harmony with us.<br /></i><i>Do not ponder whether
Amida will take you in or not;<br /></i><i>The question is
whether or not you wholeheartedly turnabout at heart.”<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/COMENTARY%20ON%20SELECTED%20PASSAGES%20FROM%20MASTER%20SHAN.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: RO;">[1]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></i><o:p> </o:p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Commentary:</b><br /> The Pure Land is extremely easy to reach. This is the
meaning of the words <i>“right before us”</i>.
We’ll go there in an instant <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2015/09/a-collection-of-passages-on-true.html" target="_blank">at the moment of our death</a> if we have entrusted ourselves to Amida Buddha during this life. It is the easiest country to
emigrate – no visas, no special requirements, just say Amida’s Name in faith
and wish to be born there, and you will, at the end of your physical body.
Being easy to enter, <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-benefits-of-being-born-in-pure-land.html" target="_blank">the Pure Land is in harmony with all beings </a>as anybody can
go there without discrimination between virtuous and non-virtuous. Harmony mean
accessibility, that is, nothing that can be found within our ignorant mind
constitutes an obstacle for birth there.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /> Thus, you should not doubt Amida Buddha’s capacity to save
you, but ask yourself if you really have faith in Him. To turnabout at heart
means to leave behind any reliance on your self-power and abandon yourself
totally to Amida’s Power. As He is the One who manifested His Pure Land, you
can only go there through Him. An unenlightened mind cannot create within
oneself the cause to birth into the enlightened realm of the Pure Land. </div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/COMENTARY%20ON%20SELECTED%20PASSAGES%20FROM%20MASTER%20SHAN.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Master Shan-tao as quoted by
Shinran in his <i>Kygyoshinsho</i>, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Collected
Works of Shinran, Shin Buddhism Translation Series, Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha,
Kyoto, 1997, p.238</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</div><p> </p>Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-24118223713631972842024-01-03T14:58:00.002+02:002024-01-03T15:30:09.017+02:00There is NO true spirit of compassion in the celebration of Christmas, Easter or other holidays of monotheistic religions<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYzET4MTBTi5HeseHrOyD2rFtHz6Qc6FRviPTbNIj9KNBzw2c5pausuOULZzzsrZ0RN-2TCJyydr1WirNygsgyXWIpkZqd1fmGMa0emP9uTN32WRTEAXg4H4iRvO5xlDz8iRPQn_I_CA6epP-iqgS0g-oKmAvgu5l-3533mgNr7EwLy2GyMJvIZUXYiU/s1920/321568997_559017545714712_2549457637634947201_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1218" data-original-width="1920" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYzET4MTBTi5HeseHrOyD2rFtHz6Qc6FRviPTbNIj9KNBzw2c5pausuOULZzzsrZ0RN-2TCJyydr1WirNygsgyXWIpkZqd1fmGMa0emP9uTN32WRTEAXg4H4iRvO5xlDz8iRPQn_I_CA6epP-iqgS0g-oKmAvgu5l-3533mgNr7EwLy2GyMJvIZUXYiU/s320/321568997_559017545714712_2549457637634947201_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I
think it’s necessary to continue the previous article <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2023/12/we-should-not-make-publicity-to.html" target="_blank"><i>We should not make
publicity to nonBuddhist holidays or the gods and spirits they represent</i>
</a>with a new one in which to explain even more why I think that promoting
nonBuddhist holidays, symbols and so-called “divine figures” associated with
them is creating a subtle obstacle for other people’s encounter with the true
teaching of Buddhism. Many nowadays Buddhists and especially teachers or
aspiring teachers suffer from the illness of political correctness, combined
with an incapacity to use what they already have in Buddhism to promote its
teachings. They are blind for subtle dangers and are unable to raise themselves
above the ideologies or habits of their time and so they support some things
just because the majority do it and it’s nice (and “compassionate”) to do them,
or it pleases people, etc, without being aware that they actually build more
obstacles for people’s encountering the Dharma and receive faith in Amida.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
usually do not read other people’s reactions to my posts, but sometimes their
stupidity helps me to explain things better, which is why I think this article
will be very beneficial to many.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Somebody
wrote a reply to my previous article,<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“The
point I am making is that neither Amida Buddha, nor Shakyamuni Buddha, nor any
other buddha (awakened being) cares whether you celebrate Christmas or not.
Being an American raised in a Protestant Christian family, I personally
celebrate Christmas, and treasure its spirit of forgiveness, charity, and
compassion.”<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Here
is my answer,<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
true spirit of Compassion is to be found in the Buddha Dharma because true
Compassion is always related with true Wisdom which belongs only to Buddhas.
From Infinite Wisdom arises Infinite Compassion, that is, from a real
understanding of ultimate Buddha nature, the emptiness of samsaric phenomena
and of the suffering of all beings drowned in delusion, Infinite Compassion
arises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span><a name='more'></a></span><br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“The
Buddha is the father of the world; all living beings are my sons, ALL is my
domain, and I alone am able to save and protect them.”<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lotus
Sutra<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Rare
is the World-Honored One, hard is it to meet Him, Perfect in infinite merit, able
to save all. Great teacher of gods and men, <b>He has Compassion</b> for the
world. All the living in the universe everywhere receive His aid, the Lord
Buddha is the Holy Lord, king among gods. Now the Buddha has become the eye of
all living beings, the resort of all the world, Savior of all, Father of all
the living, who has <b>Compassion</b> for and does good [to all]”.<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lotus
Sutra, chapter 7 parable of the magic city)<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">A
religion who teaches about <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2015/02/there-is-no-supreme-creator-god-in.html" target="_blank">a so-called creator god </a>and judge of the world
cannot have true compassion. Such a religion, being based on <b><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2017/02/powerful-pretas-hungry-spirits-who-wish.html" target="_blank">the whims and schizophrenic mind of a hungry spirit (hungry for attention) </a></b>does not teach
wisdom or compassion. Jesus was a deluded samsaric being who suffered from
megalomania and deluded others into thinking that he was the son of a supreme
creator and jealous god who said that he punishes the lack of faith in fathers
upon third and fourth generations, and shows mercy only to those who love him<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>.
Certainly, such a limited love and limited wisdom should have NO place of
celebration in the minds of Buddhists and in the Buddhist centers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">There
can be no compassion in those who teach wrong views, which is why there is no
true compassion in Jesus who taught the poisonous wrong view of a creator god
and judge of the world. I do not deny that nonBuddhist teachers can develop
some kind of limited compassion related with helping beings in a limited
physical way, but true Compassion can come only from Buddhas and is manifested
only through teaching the Buddha Dharma to others, helping them receive faith
in Amida Buddha and say the Nembutsu of faith.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><i><span lang="RO" style="mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">"To
spread great Compassion everywhere and guide others<br /></span></i><i><span lang="RO" style="mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Is truly
to repay the Buddha’s benevolence."<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="RO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: RO; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[2]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></i><o:p> <br /></o:p><i><span lang="RO" style="mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">„ 'What
is 'great Compassion'? Those who in their turn encourage others to practice the
Nembutsu are called those who practice great Compassion.'"<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="RO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: RO; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[3]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></i><i><span lang="RO"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Let
those who realize shinjin (faith) that is Other Power,<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">
In order to repay the Buddha's benevolence,<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">
Spread the two aspects of Amida's directing of virtue<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">
Throughout all the ten quarters".<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">As
you see above, Buddhists should aim at transmitting the unlimited, infinite
Compassion of the Buddhas manifested in <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2018/02/a-detailed-explanation-of-primal-vow-of.html" target="_blank">the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha</a> and not
in the deluded samsaric gods and spirits.<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Dharmakara
Bodhisattva is the One who showed great Compassion by making the 48 Vows and
becoming Amida Buddha (words in brackets are my own),<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><i><span lang="RO" style="mso-fareast-font-family: TimesExtRoman;">“I
resolve to become a Buddha, [...]<br /></span></i><i><span lang="RO" style="mso-fareast-font-family: TimesExtRoman;">To
save living beings from birth and death,<br /></span></i><i><span lang="RO" style="mso-fareast-font-family: TimesExtRoman;">And
to lead them all to liberation.”<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="RO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: RO; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: TimesExtRoman; mso-fareast-language: RO; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[6]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></i><span lang="RO" style="mso-fareast-font-family: TimesExtRoman;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="RO" style="mso-fareast-font-family: TimesExtRoman;">“I have made vows, unrivalled in
all the world (there is no Compassion greater than His);<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="RO" style="mso-fareast-font-family: TimesExtRoman;">I shall certainly reach the
unsurpassed Way.<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="RO" style="mso-fareast-font-family: TimesExtRoman;">If these vows should not be
fulfilled,<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="RO" style="mso-fareast-font-family: TimesExtRoman;">May I not attain perfect
Enlightenment.<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="RO" style="mso-fareast-font-family: TimesExtRoman;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="RO" style="mso-fareast-font-family: TimesExtRoman;">If I should not become a great
benefactor<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="RO" style="mso-fareast-font-family: TimesExtRoman;">In lives to come for immeasurable
</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="RO" style="mso-fareast-font-family: TimesExtRomanItalic;">kalpa</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="RO" style="mso-fareast-font-family: TimesExtRoman;">s<br /><o:p></o:p></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="RO" style="mso-fareast-font-family: TimesExtRoman;">To save the poor and the
afflicted everywhere,<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="RO" style="mso-fareast-font-family: TimesExtRoman;">May I not attain perfect
Enlightenment.”<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="RO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: RO; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: TimesExtRoman; mso-fareast-language: RO; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[7]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></i><span lang="RO" style="mso-fareast-font-family: TimesExtRoman;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span lang="RO" style="mso-fareast-font-family: TimesExtRoman;"><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-story-of-dharmakara-becoming-amida.html" target="_blank">In the section 4 – 10 from the Larger Sutra (click here)</a> you can see the practices
and supernatural efforts Dharmakara Bodhisattva made in order to become Amida
Buddha and transform His vows into effective ways of Liberation for all
sentient beings. How can a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist think that <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2017/02/powerful-pretas-hungry-spirits-who-wish.html" target="_blank">a deluded samsaric person like Jesus (or Muhhamad and various monotheistic prophets and teachers,including those of Judaism and Old Testament) </a>who taught wrong views can ever
be associated with the word <b>compassion</b> after studying the deeds and vows
of Shakyamuni, Dharmakara/Amida as well as the various Buddhist Masters from
India, China and Japan who transmitted to us the teaching about the Primal Vow
of Amida Buddha!<br /> </span><span lang="RO">All Buddhas showed great compassion by helping
us receive true faith (shinjin) in Amida,<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Sakyamuni
and all the other Buddhas<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">
Are truly our compassionate father and mother.<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">
With various compassionate means they lead us to awaken<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">
Supreme shinjin (faith) that is true and real.”<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span lang="RO">and instead of celebrating them through
specific holidays, some „Buddhists” are amazed at the so-called ”compassionate
spirit” of the birthday of a deluded samsaric being (Jesus)!<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Wake
up, dear brothers and sisters in the Dharma! Only the Buddhas and Buddhist
Masters<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>deserve our celebration because
only they own the spirit of forgiveness, Dharma charity (the gift of Dharma is
the highest as it brings beings to Liberation) and Compassion. Buddhists should
aim at helping people escape the false teachings of monotheistic religions that
keep beings prisoners of samsara, and not make them look better and nicer than
they actually are.</span> <br /> <o:p> <br /></o:p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
am a Romanian raised in an Orthodox Christian environment and I have lots of
fun with my Christian relatives and friends, some of them even visiting me at
my temple, but I NEVER celebrate Christian holidays, just as they do not
celebrate Buddhist holidays. They don’t do that because they do not want to
promote Buddhism just as I don’t do that because I refuse to promote
Christianity. To see some Buddhists celebrating nonBuddhist holidays, use
nonBuddhist symbols and images or taking photos on the knees in front of
Christian icons as Dalai Lama in a famous photo, is for many nonBuddhists a
sign of lack of faith and dedication towards Buddhism on our part, so if
Buddhists don’t take themselves too seriously, why should nonBuddhists take us
seriously! This is exactly why many nonBuddhists in the West come with the
wrong idea that Buddhism is not a religion to be taken seriously but some kind
of a philosophy, or a way of life, without any creed or faith, or why <a href="https://youtu.be/CskY_bIcA_Y?si=aE_HMQaD_RP-VKTy" target="_blank">others think that Buddhists believe in Jesus themselves as some kind of bodhisattva (I counteracted this stupidity in a video teaching)!</a><br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">It's
not about Amida Buddha being upset or caring that you as a Buddhist celebrate
Christmas or not. It’s about promoting a nonBuddhist holiday and the so-called
god it represents, because no matter how some might view Christmas, it cannot
be denied that this celebration is actually about Christ/Jesus, and is filled
with Christian symbols, Christian related songs, etc. Also, MANY do take it as
a celebration of Christ as not all who celebrate it are atheists or secularists</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">. This is why, I
repeat, that in this deluded world filled with the mixing of various religious
elements and even some famous (fake) “Buddhist teachers” <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2019/12/an-example-of-false-teachings-of-thich.html" target="_blank">like TNH who promote ideas that all religions are the same or that you can be a Buddhist and a Christian</a>, those deluded Buddhists who celebrate Christmas or Easter and
promote Christmas/Easter songs with Jesus or images with him as well as
Christian symbols, are adding more fuel to the fire of confusion.<br /> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Here
is another reply to my previous article,<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“The
Buddha’s only care is how all beings, no matter their religion, nationality,
sexual orientation<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>,
gender, etc. etc. might attain everlasting peace and happiness. To this end he
made his great Vow, the fulfillment of which is expressed in the LARGER SUTRA
OF IMMEASURABLE LIFE as follows:<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“All
sentient beings, as they hear the Name, realize even one thought-moment of
shinjin and joy, which is directed to them from Amida’s sincere mind, and
aspiring to be born in that land, they then attain birth and dwell in the stage
of nonretrogression.”<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">That
is all.”<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">My
answer,<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">There
are a few subtle dangers here so I need to explain some things carefully.<br /></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Everlasting
peace and happiness cannot be attained outside the Buddha Dharma.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Yes, the Buddhas
want all people, no matter who they are, to attain everlasting peace and
happiness, that is Nirvana or perfect Enlightenment, but without abandoning
their false nonBuddhist religions and fully embracing the Primal Vow of Amida
Buddha, saying His Name in faith, they will never be able to do that, as
Shinran himself clearly stated,<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Without
entrusting themselves to the Tathagata’s compassionate Vow,<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">No
sentient beings of these times - the last Dharma-age, and<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
fifth five-hundred-year period since Sakyamuni’s passing –<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Will
have a chance of parting from birth-and-death.”<br /></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Our
goal as Pure Land followers should be to guide people to the teaching about
Amida, to help them make indestructible connections with Him, <b>not with other
gods</b>, so it’s a great skillful mean to be an example of a dedicated Amida
devotee who is promoting only the Buddha Dharma, especially in our days when
confusion and mixing of various paths is rampant. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shinran Shonin never put the teaching of the
Buddha on the same level with nonbuddhist teachings,<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="RO">"The
ninety-five nonbuddhist teachings<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="RO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: RO; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: RO; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[10]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
defile the world;<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="RO"><b>The Buddha's path alone is pure</b>.<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="RO">
Only by going forth and reaching Enlightenment can we benefit others<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="RO">
in this burning house; this is the natural working of the Vow".<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="RO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: RO; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: RO; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[11]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="RO"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">"<b>Based
on the true intent of the Buddha’s teaching</b> <b>and the expositions made and
transmitted by the masters of the past</b>, I will clarify that the path of
sages is provisional and the Pure Land path is true, and <b>caution people
against non-Buddhist teachings, which are perverted, false, and wrong</b>".<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[12]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="RO"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span></i><span lang="RO" style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwTrjXGvlF1YNMenQ5c9ttK_XNLERxRorK64ATkdHf6JbbgDOXo8yAgTdyPM70toqE5JUWaREyGHPWxLYaFyDRv7Kc4PzFEHskohfb_bXdm5s43h406t3800SF47tETUgjz9h-4x5vrdQfxqVX1B8bvr5cYA7Lx3ZI7J7-zHqIWn22DISPmjEDyUfeXQ/s2000/188.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="2000" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwTrjXGvlF1YNMenQ5c9ttK_XNLERxRorK64ATkdHf6JbbgDOXo8yAgTdyPM70toqE5JUWaREyGHPWxLYaFyDRv7Kc4PzFEHskohfb_bXdm5s43h406t3800SF47tETUgjz9h-4x5vrdQfxqVX1B8bvr5cYA7Lx3ZI7J7-zHqIWn22DISPmjEDyUfeXQ/s320/188.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Also,
Shakyamuni Buddha said,<br /></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="RO">"The
emancipation of non Buddhist ways is called impermanent; <b>the emancipation of
Buddhist ways is called eternal</b>".<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="RO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: RO; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: RO; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[13]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></i><span lang="RO"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span lang="RO" style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The passage
from the </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="RO">Larger
Sutra</span></i><span lang="RO" style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> the guy above
mentioned shows exactly the Path to Liberation which is faith (shinjin) and the
Nembutsu of faith. Once people entrust themselves to Amida Buddha, they enter
the stage of nonretrogression. Wonderful! <b>Let’s celebrate that</b> and help
people through various skilful means, like teaching the Dharma as it was taught
by Shakyamuni, do Buddhist celebrations, use Buddhist symbols and Buddhist
iconography as much as possible, etc<br /> <o:p></o:p></span><span lang="RO" style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span lang="RO" style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Don’t use
your energy with celebrations who have zero Buddhist meaning or zero meaning
related with Amida Buddha or that are closely related with nonBuddhist
religions. Don’t celebrate holidays related with nonBuddhist religions about
which Shakyamuni Buddha himself as well as Shinran Shonin said that <b>they
defile the world and are perverted, false and wrong!</b> How could you do that
if you are a true Buddhist disciple! What genuine Buddhist disciple would ever
celebrate or show even the smallest painting or image of a monotheistic
so-called „divine” figure after hearing the warnings of the Buddha and the
Masters!<br /> </span><span lang="RO" style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span lang="RO" style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Namo Amida
Bu<br /> </span><span lang="RO" style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span lang="RO" style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PS: This is
my last take on this topic as I think I said enough for those with little dust
in their eyes that are called to be teachers and examples of faith in Amida
Buddha. People endowed by Amida with a deep understanding of skilful means in
promoting His Dharma will have no problem in understand my words and use them
in their missionary activities. As a teacher who constantly contemplates on how
to be useful for others awaken to faith (shinjin), I consider even the smallest
action and wether that is good and useful or not good and not useful. For many my
insistence to stop the celebration of nonBuddhist holidays among Buddhists and to
focus exclusively on Buddhist celebrations, images and symbols, may seem ridiculous,
but for those who are able to see the whole picture, understand subtle causal
relations as well as the long term effects of such things, my article will
prove very beneficial.<br /> </span><span lang="RO" style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span lang="RO" style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">It is
important to mention, and I will develop that in a future article, that I do
not write to convince the non-teachable, closed minds of the modernists, but to
offer a doctrinal basis, arguments and teaching material for devotional people
of true faith to help others <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>receive
faith. We all have our target audience and my target audience is not the target
audience of the modernists and vice-versa.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span lang="RO" style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"></span><hr size="1" style="text-align: left;" width="33%" /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt;">„For I, the Lord
your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the
children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me, but showing
mercy to thousands, to those who love me and keep my commandments.”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Bible.com
https://www.bible.com</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt;">Master Shan-tao
quoted by Shinran in Kyogyoshinsho, chapter III, Kyogyoshinsho – On
Teaching, Practice, Faith, and Enlightenment, translated by Hisao Inagaki,
Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, Kyoto, 2003, p. 130</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt;">Kyogyoshinsho – On
Teaching, Practice, Faith, and Enlightenment, chapter III, translated by Hisao
Inagaki, Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, Kyoto, 2003, p.
129</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt;">As you know,
to „spread the two aspects of Amida's directing of virtue” means
to convince people of the truth that Amida can save them by bringing them to
His Pure Land where they attain Buddhahood/perfect Enlightenment (the first
aspect of Amida’s directing of virtue) and that once they become Buddhas in the
Pure Land they are able to return in various samsaric realms to guide others to
the Pure Land (the second aspect of Amida’s directing of virtue).</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt;">Shinran
Shonin, <i>Hymns of the Dharma Ages</i>, <i>The Collected Works of
Shinran</i>, Shin Buddhism Translation Series, Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha,
Kyoto, 1997, p.419</span><o:p> </o:p><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="RO"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="RO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: RO; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: RO; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><i><span lang="RO">The
Three Pure Land Sutras</span></i><span lang="RO"> - <i>A Study and Translation
from Chinese</i> by Hisao Inagaki in collaboration with Harold Stewart, Bukkyo
Dendo Kyokai and Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, Kyoto,
2003, p.11<o:p></o:p></span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="RO"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="RO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: RO; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: RO; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><i><span lang="RO">The
Three Pure Land Sutras</span></i><span lang="RO"> - <i>A Study and Translation
from Chinese</i> by Hisao Inagaki in collaboration with Harold Stewart, Bukkyo
Dendo Kyokai and Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, Kyoto,
2003, p.20-21<o:p></o:p></span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt;">Shinran
Shonin, Hymn of the Two Gateways of Entrance and Emergence, The
Collected Works of Shinran, Shin Buddhism Translation Series, Jodo Shinshu
Hongwanji-ha, Kyoto, 1997, p.629</span><o:p> </o:p><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="RO"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="RO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: RO; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: RO; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="RO"> </span>Here the author is doing a well-known kiss in
the ass to the LGBTQ fake members who come to Jodo Shinshu temples not as
sinners looking for salvation (in which case they are saved by Amida) but for
justification, denying the Buddhist morality to feel good with their
degenerated sexuality and using the temples for promoting their sexual agenda.
I explained this in my articles <i><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2021/08/question-can-lgbtq-people-be-born-in.html" target="_blank">Can LGGTQ members be born in the Pure Land?</a></i>
And <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/10/a-response-to-fake-buddhist-followers.html" target="_blank"><i>A Response to fake Buddhist Followers Blinded by Worldly Ideologies</i>.</a>
You can find these articles on Amidaji website. <o:p></o:p><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="RO"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="RO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: RO; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: RO; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="RO">
Shinran explained that by <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">„ninety-five
nonbuddhist teachings”</i> he meant not a fixed number but that the nonbuddhist
paths are divided into numerous kinds.</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="RO"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="RO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: RO; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: RO; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="RO">
Shinran Shonin, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hymns of the Dharma Ages<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">, The Collected Works of Shinran</span></i>,
Shin Buddhism Translation Series, Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, Kyoto, 1997, p.401</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt;">Shinran
Shonin, Kyogyoshinsho, VI, Kyogyoshinsho – On Teaching,
Practice, Faith, and Enlightenment, translated by Hisao Inagaki, Numata Center
for Buddhist Translation and Research, Kyoto, 2003, p. 274</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/There%20is%20no%20true%20spirit%20of%20compassion%20in%20the%20celebration%20%20VARIANTA%20A%20DOUA.docx#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="RO"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="RO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: RO; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: RO; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="RO"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nirvana Sutra</i> quoted by Shinran, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kyogyoshinsho</i>, chapter V,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Kyogyoshinsho - <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The Collected Works of Shinran</span></i>, Shin Buddhism Translation
Series, Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, Kyoto, 1997, p.182</span></div>
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</div>Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-12455025796320903992023-12-31T16:53:00.006+02:002024-01-01T09:07:52.415+02:00A great year for Amidaji <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhgzIjxh77zLHy95i-ygjtaW1Ys_6qFnCzlWj-mqIoVqyM07xQEvi-ri-8MxYnafo_1Yrvp1hWUvQAnKdoMFt928ouNNPS8afF3-93E78dxHkRUAhjwBp4USBz7-QBRCXX8y1pHuKemGTCtM1NY7vpDjTlMGBwKLbDFiJmqLMrtvsPr_9dDu2hafFwls/s2000/184.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="2000" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhgzIjxh77zLHy95i-ygjtaW1Ys_6qFnCzlWj-mqIoVqyM07xQEvi-ri-8MxYnafo_1Yrvp1hWUvQAnKdoMFt928ouNNPS8afF3-93E78dxHkRUAhjwBp4USBz7-QBRCXX8y1pHuKemGTCtM1NY7vpDjTlMGBwKLbDFiJmqLMrtvsPr_9dDu2hafFwls/s320/184.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It
has been a great spiritual pleasure for me that this year when we had the 850<sup>th</sup>
anniversary of Shinran Shonin’s birth in this world, and 20 years have passed since
my ordination, our <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">Amidaji international sangha</a> has grown in quality with
people of faith who are active in both learning and teaching. We are indeed a
genuine Sangha where faith in Amida Buddha can be received and those who don’t
have faith yet, can be guided and helped to receive it.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Also,
this year has been very auspicious in the sense that I successfully examined
and <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2023/09/the-first-monk-ordination-in-amidaji.html" target="_blank">ordained Rev Kosho Arana of Colombia as a Buddhist monk (priest).</a> He and
our lay teachers, together with various lay members, are doing their best in
their respective parts of the world to promote the orthodox teaching of Amidaji
branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. I also try my best to do my duty, inspired as
I am by Amida Buddha and my fellow travelers on the Nembutsu Path. After so
many years of struggle, which I explained in my autobiography, <i><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2021/05/the-path-between-thorns-my-spiritual.html" target="_blank">The Path Between the Thorns</a></i>, I am finally at home in a Sangha which is a reflection
of Amida’s Light in the world.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
often say that NOBODY has the monopoly on the Jodo Shinshu teaching <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2021/09/nobody-has-any-monopoly-on-jodo-shinshu.html" target="_blank">(and ordinations)</a>, as there are people of genuine faith in all branches of Jodo
Shinshu Buddhism or without any official affiliation at all. They are
themselves reflections of Amida’s Light in the world and future Buddhas who
will, sooner or later, be able to manifest an infinite number of Nirmanakaya (accommodated)
bodies all over the samsaric universes to guide all beings, while in the same
time dwell forever in Sambhogakaya form in the Pure Land of Peace and Bliss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">To
Amida Budha, to Amida Dharma, and to all people of faith from inside or outside
of Amidaji,<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
bow in gratitude with my head touching the ground and worship them as the Three
Treasures.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Namo
Amida Bu <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Josho
Adrian Cirlea – Daisojo of Amidaji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Amidaji
International Temple)<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><b>Links of Amidaji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism</b></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><b>( except this website)</b></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><i><a href="https://vk.com/amidaji" target="_blank">Amidaji group in Russian language </a></i></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><i><a href="https://temploamidaji.org/" target="_blank"> Amidaji website in Spanish maintained by our members in Latino America</a></i></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvdYwy87nyPoSeSm51YksUQ" target="_blank"><i>Youtube page of Amidaji in Spanish</i></a></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcphHvQND1A9PEpZ6gN5Cyw" target="_blank"><br /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcphHvQND1A9PEpZ6gN5Cyw" target="_blank">Youtube channel in English (Rev Josho Adrian Cirlea)</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@shakujoshin473" target="_blank">Youtube channel of Joshin from USA </a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://josho-adrian.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Website in Romanian </a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-49801046593257490222023-12-28T15:34:00.008+02:002024-01-03T15:01:44.746+02:00We should not make publicity to nonBuddhist holidays or the gods and spirits they represent <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHmuR2nJi5PHkbwGpj0IhWscTBeF3tUxZ2QHLINTzyq5qp1dSL8TBpmDei9mctXReHM_zFOXRhthJp9DGg3LwLg2x1I2suUuGrh0WygzZZMuTUhz1flxOLwcc0uLRWUIA18MkbosfcS6lGpGlAyckPTSom7qoEoo4_jqjqqvvfNAH8JYHC0Vh7rr4Fq8/s2048/322010545_1483957515445944_7429185352317773690_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHmuR2nJi5PHkbwGpj0IhWscTBeF3tUxZ2QHLINTzyq5qp1dSL8TBpmDei9mctXReHM_zFOXRhthJp9DGg3LwLg2x1I2suUuGrh0WygzZZMuTUhz1flxOLwcc0uLRWUIA18MkbosfcS6lGpGlAyckPTSom7qoEoo4_jqjqqvvfNAH8JYHC0Vh7rr4Fq8/s320/322010545_1483957515445944_7429185352317773690_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Some
time ago I posted this message advising Buddhists to stop making publicity to
nonBuddhist holidays:</span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Being
respectful towards our nonBuddhist neighbours and friends does NOT mean that we
should pray to or make publicity to false, nonBuddhist gods. As Pure Land
Buddhists we should promote only Amida Buddha and encourage people to entrust
only to Amida Buddha. By making publicity to <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2017/02/powerful-pretas-hungry-spirits-who-wish.html" target="_blank">nonBuddhist gods and spirits</a> you
create the evil karma of offering false teachings to sentient beings. I very
much dislike how fake Buddhists post images (and even praises) of nonBuddhist
gods and spirits on various nonBuddhists celebrations, including Christmas,
Easter and even pre-Christian holidays. Remember, respect does NOT mean
promotion! Respect means working together with your neighbors, helping them in
times of need, etc. Promoting the images of their gods and spirits is a
mistake, not a sign of respect. Pull yourselves together and stop being stupid
when you try to be nice.<span><a name='more'></a></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Then a frustrated
snowflake who is obsessed with Amidaji and constantly upset by our orthodox
teaching style said that by calling such Buddhists fake we are guilty of the gravest
offence of causing disharmony in the sangha. Well, in the chapter on shinjin
from the <i>Kyogyoshinsho</i>, the offence of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">disrupting
the harmony of the sangha is quoted like this: <i>"disrupting the
harmony of the sangha through one's inverted views".</i> How can one in
his right Buddhist mind do not understand that praying or making publicity to false
nonBuddhist gods is actually making publicity to the fake religious teachings taught
by those gods or in the name of those gods? How can this be the behavior of <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-three-refuges-in-jodo-shinshu.html" target="_blank">a genuine Buddhist?</a> Read carefully what I said above - </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">By making publicity to nonBuddhist
gods and spirits you create the evil karma of offering false teachings to
sentient beings</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">.
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, if
you do that as a Buddhist, you are actually promoting “inverted views”
(nonBuddhist views) to both your sangha members and nonBuddhists who know you. Bad
example is spreading like wildfire especially in an environment like here in
the West which is filled with many false teachings and mixing of various elements
from different religions. I have met so many deluded Europeans or Americans saying,
“look Buddhists also believe in God or recognize Jesus” after they saw or met
nice smiling Buddhist monks and teachers who supported the stupid idea that one
can be a Buddhist and a Christian <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2019/12/an-example-of-false-teachings-of-thich.html" target="_blank">(like Thich Nhat Hanh for example, etc)</a> or not
being very clear and strict on the differences between Buddhism and
monotheistic religions. This and Christmas wishes and parties in Buddhist
temples contribute even more to the deluded atmosphere of mixing teachings which
do not help anybody.<br /> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">To the idea expressed
by that deluded commentator that he is actually celebrating the “Christmas
spirit” which we should all encourage, and that shinjin is all that matters, I
answered that </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">we
don’t need any "Christmas spirit" when we can find enough spirit of
Compassion in Buddhist holydays which help people make connections with Amida
Buddha and may possibly bring them, sooner or later to shinjin (faith). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYxnx3AWywXbysTHatu7BlI5fVX2pJX_R3UhuVScJpnBNSkfsbNFXg9J8w4oZipohLC7H5u3ihMaSZDeZ-ufGO9D6WWGvNb4EnmHJ5gz70yIb5fpXN0PZA0NmQVw-Qph4HUx4tCR_vFbKdVZFHDr5Y4hu_mF1m9gFOUM8RCJk6GQt2b8S6bpD48uDO2o/s1600/sangha%20meeting%20with%20kosho3.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYxnx3AWywXbysTHatu7BlI5fVX2pJX_R3UhuVScJpnBNSkfsbNFXg9J8w4oZipohLC7H5u3ihMaSZDeZ-ufGO9D6WWGvNb4EnmHJ5gz70yIb5fpXN0PZA0NmQVw-Qph4HUx4tCR_vFbKdVZFHDr5Y4hu_mF1m9gFOUM8RCJk6GQt2b8S6bpD48uDO2o/s320/sangha%20meeting%20with%20kosho3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Shinran Shonin encouraged us to <i>"receive shinjin (faith in Amida
Buddha) and help others receive shinjin"</i>. However, celebrating
Christmas which is the celebration of a fake god, never leads to shinjin.
Turning people's minds towards the Dharma may lead to shinjin. Buddhists and
especially Jodo Shinshu Buddhists should observe Buddhist holidays exclusively
as that can help in our promotion of the Buddha Dharma, creating a specific
Buddhist environment for our own members to grow in the Buddhist faith and be
more imbued with the Dharma and Dharmic related symbols while also letting the
world and nonBuddhists know that there is an alternative for them if they wish
to study it. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">I repeat, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Buddhists who make
publicity to Christian holydays like Christmas or Easter, sending each other
Christian related greetings and even celebrating it in their Buddhist temples and centers as I saw
many doing that, are actually making publicity to fake gods and spirits and
contribute to the confusion that is prevalent in our times. <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-true-disciple-of-amida-and-all.html" target="_blank">A true Amida Buddha devotee</a> NEVER makes publicity to fake gods of any monotheistic religion because
he knows that connections with fake or samsaric gods and spirits never leads to
liberation.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /> <o:p></o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJFaSbJu7137UNLWc3EAa9nOKGetJhjrkICY5Dhap-LYV4b1caKQNG13NH07Hx8C610bcdjtdR66TVjYPk7gNtjeWDKCo_DPY6QnfsXkirgExAYCmaqzEI1tlRE0tUkI3yLXF7zu2OoQT7HLcXG5kLhSxxmCKNBKGXZocw_HNqODhGzKaqs93ESgYUt8/s2048/375310252_334796615614030_1447014005468761048_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJFaSbJu7137UNLWc3EAa9nOKGetJhjrkICY5Dhap-LYV4b1caKQNG13NH07Hx8C610bcdjtdR66TVjYPk7gNtjeWDKCo_DPY6QnfsXkirgExAYCmaqzEI1tlRE0tUkI3yLXF7zu2OoQT7HLcXG5kLhSxxmCKNBKGXZocw_HNqODhGzKaqs93ESgYUt8/s320/375310252_334796615614030_1447014005468761048_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
also received the following question:<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Can
we, as Buddhists, attend family meetings and meals with our nonBuddhist friends
and relatives if they invite us on the occasion of Christmas, for example?<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">To
this I answered without hesitation:<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">YES,
of course you can! Why not! My advice is not intended to disrupt families or
friendships, but only to make Buddhists and especially Jodo Shinshu Buddhists
aware of themselves and the Path they follow, as well as the consequences of
the promotion of nonBuddhist gods, spirits and teachings. You can attend meals
and celebrations of your relatives and friends without actually making
publicity to those holydays and the gods who are celebrated there and without
venerating them. You should also invite your nonBuddhist friends and relatives
to your Buddhist holidays and events while also not force them to venerate
Amida, but simply share a meal or a dance with them.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sometimes
celebrations of different religions fall in the same time. I remember how one day
in the past Hanamatsuri (Shakyamuni’s birthday) which is on April 8<sup>th</sup>
coincided with both Orthodox Christian and Catholic Christian Easter. Me and my
Catholic and Orthodox Christian friends (as well as some atheists) ordered lots
of pizza and drinks and we spent a wonderful night in a rock bar until morning.
For them it was Easter and for me it was Hanamatsuri. I could drink, eat and
have fun with them without saying the specific Christian words “Jesus resurrected”
to which you have to answer traditionally with “Indeed he resurrected” because
they knew that I am a Buddhist. I also did not ask them to say Namo Amida Bu.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">We
also have in our Amidaji branch of Jodo Shinshu, the celebration called <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2019/12/new-amidaji-holiday-winter-ohigan.html" target="_blank">Winter Ohigan</a>, so you can join with your nonBuddhist friends and relative while they
celebrate Christmas and you celebrate Ohigan.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thus,
as you can see, there is a better way to be friendly without doing things that go
against our Buddhist teaching and the dedication we must have towards our
religion. I repeat what I said at the beginning of this article - respect does
NOT mean promotion! Respect means working together with your neighbors, helping
them in times of need, etc.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Promoting
the images of their gods and spirits is a mistake, not a sign of respect. Pull
yourselves together and stop being stupid when you try to be nice.<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Namo
Amida Bu<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2024/01/there-is-no-true-spirit-of-compassion.html#more" target="_blank">Please also read on the same topic,</a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2024/01/there-is-no-true-spirit-of-compassion.html#more" target="_blank">There is no true spirit of compassion in the celebration</a></i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2024/01/there-is-no-true-spirit-of-compassion.html#more" target="_blank">of Christmas, Easter or other holidays of monotheistic religions</a></i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></b></div></span></div></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-24016540711820274792023-12-28T11:23:00.007+02:002023-12-29T08:35:21.157+02:00 Question and Answer - the True Teaching of Shakyamuni on Amida Buddha and His Pure Land <p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61yy1CGTSPGK8qUn-IeBZz92UuzuHkyUqYfKPFg9cX3vtjW11inROV9dQF2f9RKoaeC7RC8EFAJYLugaOpTwCo5ZdcMEyw9kT4S-XiJuIdSme2ezMiuQ7XeJpTIQmALk1SEAYAF6FNTTRaROfij7jPiNngECfzVbR_NyxWLAVsgxsy8_95VI44gtfYSY/s1600/kosho%20outdoor%20altar%20light4.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61yy1CGTSPGK8qUn-IeBZz92UuzuHkyUqYfKPFg9cX3vtjW11inROV9dQF2f9RKoaeC7RC8EFAJYLugaOpTwCo5ZdcMEyw9kT4S-XiJuIdSme2ezMiuQ7XeJpTIQmALk1SEAYAF6FNTTRaROfij7jPiNngECfzVbR_NyxWLAVsgxsy8_95VI44gtfYSY/s320/kosho%20outdoor%20altar%20light4.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2023/09/the-first-monk-ordination-in-amidaji.html" target="_blank">Rev Kosho Arana at Amidaji</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <b><i><a href="https://temploamidaji.org/2023/12/14/pregunta-y-respuesta-la-veracidad-y-profundidad-de-la-ensenanza-del-buda-shakyamuni-sobre-el-buda-amida-y-su-tierra-pura-de-acuerdo-a-los-sutras-y-los-grandes-maestros-del-mahayana-y-vajrayana/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://temploamidaji.org/2023/12/14/pregunta-y-respuesta-la-veracidad-y-profundidad-de-la-ensenanza-del-buda-shakyamuni-sobre-el-buda-amida-y-su-tierra-pura-de-acuerdo-a-los-sutras-y-los-grandes-maestros-del-mahayana-y-vajrayana/" target="_blank">Click here for the Spanish versio</a></i></b><i><a href="https://temploamidaji.org/2023/12/14/pregunta-y-respuesta-la-veracidad-y-profundidad-de-la-ensenanza-del-buda-shakyamuni-sobre-el-buda-amida-y-su-tierra-pura-de-acuerdo-a-los-sutras-y-los-grandes-maestros-del-mahayana-y-vajrayana/" target="_blank">n</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2023/09/the-first-monk-ordination-in-amidaji.html" target="_blank">by Rev Kosho Arana </a></b></span></div></span><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I recently received this question from a
Facebook contact Fatih</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Ozkan:</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> I would like to ask some questions:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> Was Amitabha Buddha actually preached by
Shakyamuni Buddha or was he later invented as an Upaya by the Mahayana saints? Are
Amitabha Buddha and The Pure Land literally real or an archetype? Buddha-Dharma
says that all dharmas (phenomena) are sealed with three realities: pain,
impermanence and selflessness. How can Sukhavati be an eternal realm now?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> Sincerely, A-Mi-To-Fo</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">*<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hello Dear Ozkan, Namo Amida Bu</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> Thank you for your questions. They are
very important.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I will answer them as best I can. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The teachings about Amida Buddha (Amitabha
Buddha) are an essential part of more than 290 Sutras in the Mahayana Canon, especially
<a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2019/01/commentary-on-sutra-on-buddha-of.html" target="_blank">the Sukavativyuha or the Larger Sutra on the Buddha of Infinite Life</a> which was
preached by Shakyamuni Buddha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
teaching has been praised by many Mahayana masters including but not limited to
Bodhisattva Nagarjuna, Bodhisattva Vasubandhu, Bodhisattva Asanga, Master Tan
Luan, Master Tao Ch’o, Master Shantao, Master Honen and Master Shinran.
Shakyamuni Buddha Himself taught in many sutras the existence of innumerable
Enlightened Realms outside Samsara, called Pure Lands which are created by
different Buddhas according to their specific vows.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">We can also add to this list many
Vajrayana Masters who have praised Amida Buddha in verses and have taught their
disciples about the reality of Amida Buddha and His Pure Land, these include
but are not limited to Master Padmasambhava, Marpa, Milarepa, Master Dolpopa,
Several of the Karmapas and Master Tsongkhapa. The list goes on and on in
India, China, Tibet and Japan (and many other countries in which there have
been great Buddhist teachers who have had faith in Amida Buddha). The tantras
and shastras that mention Amida Buddha are many. (Must be also near the
thousands actually). Just based on this simple point, saying that Amida Buddha
was mysteriously added by later disciples makes no sense, especially when we
consider the dozens of great Bodhisattvas and Enlightened beings who have praised
Amida Buddha throughout many centuries in Buddhist history.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Shakyamuni Buddha <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2011/08/reason-for-western-location-of-pure.html" target="_blank">gave us a precise direction in the universe to locate Amida Buddha’s Pure Land.</a> He is NOT talking
about a metaphor but about another Buddha, just as as real as Him, only that
this Buddha is not in a samsaric plane of existence preaching in a Nirmanakaya
Body (body of accommodation) but <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2018/12/is-amida-buddha-real-person-or.html" target="_blank">a Living Buddha in Sambhogakaya form</a> outside
Samsara in His respective Pure Land, in this case, Amida Buddha’s Land of
Utmost Bliss and Peace - Sukhavati in Sanskrit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Samsara is emanated by the three poisons
of anger, greed and delusion, whereas the Realms of the Buddhas are created by
enlightened minds filled with compassion and wisdom. In the Mahayana Nirvana
Sutra, Lotus Sutra and many other sutras and tantras Shakyamuni Buddha taught
that beyond the three marks of samsaric phenomena (no-self, suffering and
impermanence) there is a Buddha Nature all beings have within which is True
Self, True Bliss and permanent, which is everything that samsara is not. This
Buddha Nature is what Buddhas awaken to and since they dwell in the natural
compassion and wisdom of Buddha Nature they are constantly and eternally active
for the benefit of all sentient beings. <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/07/buddha-nature-is-not-empty-of-itself.html" target="_blank">Buddha Nature is not empty of itself, it is only empty of samsaric phenomena</a>, empty of greed, anger and delusion and
filled with innumerable virtues, powers, qualities and splendor, just like a
jewel shines once you remove the dust that covers it. It is from this Buddha
Nature that Buddhas emanate Enlightened Realms called Pure Lands for the
benefit of sentient beings. Sukhavati is the most important of this Pure Lands
as this was the Pure Land <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-story-of-dharmakara-becoming-amida.html" target="_blank">Shakyamuni preached the most about </a>in the sutras
simply because it is the one Pure Land all beings can go to regardless of their
spiritual capacities by just relying on the power of Amida Buddha to be born
there and then attain Buddhahood.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Shakyamuni Buddha said about Amida Buddha:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>“The Buddha then said to Elder Sariputra:
‘If you travel westward from here, passing a hundred thousand kotis of
Buddha-lands, you will come to the land called Utmost Bliss, where there is a
Buddha named Amitayus. He is living there NOW, teaching the Dharma”.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So Amida Buddha is preaching the Dharma
there in Sukhavati right NOW. This is NOT a metaphor but the truth according to
Shakyamuni Buddha.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">He also said:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>“For what reason, Sariputra, do you think
that Buddha is called Amitabha? Sariputra, the Buddha’s light shines
boundlessly and without hindrance over all the worlds of the ten directions. It
is for this reason that He is called Amitabha. Again, Sariputra, the lives of
the Buddha and the people of His land last for innumerable, unlimited, and
incalculable kalpas. It is for this reason that the Buddha is called Amitayus.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2019/07/the-testimony-of-ananda-and-audience.html" target="_blank">Shakyamuni Himself revealed Amida Buddha before Ananda, Shariputra, Maitreya, and many other noble beings in the Larger Sutra:</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>“The Buddha said to Ananda, ‘Rise to your
feet, rearrange your robes, put your palms together, and respectfully revere
and worship Amitayus (Amida). Buddha Tathagatas in the lands of the ten
directions always praise with one accord that Buddha’s virtue of non-attachment
and unimpeded activity.’”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ananda stood up, rearranged his robes,
assumed the correct posture, faced westward, and, demonstrating his sincere
reverence, joined his palms together, prostrated himself on the ground, and
worshiped Amitayus. Then he said to Śhakyamuni Buddha, ‘World-honoured One, I
wish to see that Buddha, His Land of Peace and Bliss, and its hosts of
bodhisattvas and sravakas’<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>As soon as he had said this, Amitayus
emitted a great light, which illuminated all the Buddha-lands. The Encircling
Adamantine Mountains, Mount Sumeru, together with large and small mountains and
everything else shone with the same [golden] colour. That light was like the
flood at the end of the period of cosmic change that fills the whole world,
when myriads of things aresubmerged, and as far as the eye can see there is
nothing but the vast expanse of water. Even so, was the flood of light
emanating from Amitayus. All the lights of sravakas and bodhisattvas were
outshone and surpassed, and only the Buddha’s light remained shining bright and
glorious. At that time Ananda saw the splendour and majesty of Amitayus
resembling Mount Sumeru, which rises above the whole world. There was no place
that was not illuminated by the light emanating from His body of glory
[Sambhogakaya or Dharmakaya as compassionate means – Amida’s transcendent
body]. The four groups of followers of the Buddha in the assembly saw all this
at the same time. Likewise, those of the Pure Land saw everything in this
world.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Shakyamuni Buddha is very interested in us
accepting Amida Buddha as a real and living Enlightened being. He asked Ananda three
times about what everybody in the audience had seen:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>“Then the Buddha said to Ananda and
Bodhisattva Maitreya, ‘Have you seen that land filled with excellent and
glorious manifestations, all spontaneously produced from the ground to the
Heaven of Pure Abode?’<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>Ananda replied (in his name and in the
name of Maitreya and all the audience),‘Yes, I have’.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>The Buddha asked, ‘Have you also heard the
great voice of Amitayus expound the Dharma to all the worlds, guiding sentient
beings to the Way of the Buddha?’<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>Ananda replied, ‘Yes, I have’.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>The Buddha further asked, ‘Have you also
seen the inhabitants of that land move freely, riding in seven-jewelled
airborne palaces as large as a hundred thousand yojanas, to worship the Buddhas
of the lands in the ten directions?’<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>‘Yes, I have’, replied Ananda.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>Shakyamuni Buddha made it very clear to us
that the Pure Land is a real enlightened place in which we can aspire to be
reborn after death. He said:<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>“However hard you may practice in this life,
it can only be for a short while. In the life to come, you will be born in the
land of Amitayus (Amida) and enjoy endless bliss there. Being forever in accord
with the Way, you will no longer be subject to birth and death and be free of
the afflictions caused by greed, anger, and ignorance”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Not only this but being born in the Pure
Land also implies attaining lots of spiritual powers that are not found in our
current samsaric bodies:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>“That Buddha-land, like the realm of
unconditioned Nirvana, is pure and serene, resplendent and blissful. The
sravakas, Bodhisattvas, heavenly beings, and humans there have lofty and
brilliant wisdom and are masters of the supernatural powers. They are all of
one form, without any differences, but are called ‘heavenly beings’ and
‘humans’ simply by analogy with states of existence in other worlds. They are
of noble and majestic countenance, unequalled in all the worlds, and their
appearance is superb, unmatched by any being, heavenly or human. They are all
endowed with bodies of naturalness, emptiness, and infinity.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In many other sections of the Sutra,
Shakyamuni Buddha said that t<a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2019/06/virtues-and-activities-of-bodhisattvas.html" target="_blank">hose born in the Pure Land possess limitless compassion and wisdom and they also possess innumerable spiritual powers</a> such
as remembering all their past lives and also reading the minds of all beings in
the universe without any effort. There are so many more things to be said about
this, but you can see by now that being in Amida Buddha’s Pure Land is VERY
different than being in samsara. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So in conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">1. Amida Buddha is not a symbol or
archetype but a true, real living Buddha who is NOW teaching the Buddha Dharma
in His Pure Land. This was taught by Shakyamuni Buddha in the Larger
Sukhavativyuha Sutra and in many many other sutras.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">2. Amida Buddha’s Pure Land is a real
enlightened realm where we can (and should) aspire to be born into after death
and this was also preached by Shakyamuni Buddha Himself in many sutras and this
was also a very famous, relevant and important teaching that was supported and
promoted by many Mahayana and Vajrayana Masters. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I hope this answer helps you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">May all living beings Entrust Themselves
to Amida Buddha, Say His Name and Wish to be born in His Pure Land.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Namo Amida Bu,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2023/09/the-first-monk-ordination-in-amidaji.html" target="_blank">Kosho Arana, Amidaji Colombia</a><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div>Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-34365895971796266532023-12-27T11:19:00.000+02:002023-12-27T11:19:12.910+02:00I take refuge in Amida NOT in God or Jesus (video by Joshin of Amidaji)<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WrijL_z1XHc?si=zO-_EY2jiUl4rHty" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><div style="text-align: left;">This video was posted by <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/10/amidaji-members-joshin-dave-kruemcke.html" target="_blank">Joshin Dave Kruemke</a> of our Amidaji Sangha<br /> <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/10/amidaji-members-joshin-dave-kruemcke.html" target="_blank">(click here to read his short biography)</a> .</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />You can visit his YouTube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@shakujoshin473" target="_blank">at this link (click here)<br /></a>Namo Amida Bu 🙏</div><p><br /></p>Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-72852996743674444582023-12-14T22:17:00.000+02:002023-12-14T22:17:27.681+02:00Nembutsu - the Path of the Last Dharma Age (commentary on the words of Bodhisattva Manjushri)<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHGOwdm_B9M0p5QdZSQxHIwXuDMlWgSnksN8yWR39zrFp1eS3E0jlXx9QpLPBV1GgxyI_6NdVozKGNA9zk0i6fNM2q5mwWQR10lhn8umNg_esYzuWU0fmv5q-fZoU1h16X7lsSDAwueEy2JM_M6O4q_UDEC464Qpn07S_Az8pKXadkIep2lmgGyUc/s768/Buddha_Ammida-05.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHGOwdm_B9M0p5QdZSQxHIwXuDMlWgSnksN8yWR39zrFp1eS3E0jlXx9QpLPBV1GgxyI_6NdVozKGNA9zk0i6fNM2q5mwWQR10lhn8umNg_esYzuWU0fmv5q-fZoU1h16X7lsSDAwueEy2JM_M6O4q_UDEC464Qpn07S_Az8pKXadkIep2lmgGyUc/s320/Buddha_Ammida-05.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 529f7bdefd34e47c---subset-of-De;">"In the </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 0b8b71580ca419da---subset-of-De;">Record
of Holy Chu-lin Temple</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 529f7bdefd34e47c---subset-of-De;">, it is
recorded: 'While Bodhisattva Samantabhadra and Bodhisattva Manjusri sat facing
each other in the east and west and were revealing the wondrous teachings to a
multitude of sentient beings in the great hall of Chu-lin Temple on Mount Wut'ai,
the meditation master Fachao kneeled and asked Bodhisattva Manjusri, 'What sort
of teaching would make it possible for common mortals of the future defiled
world to depart from the delusive triple realms forever and to be born in the
Pure Land?'<br /><o:p></o:p></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 529f7bdefd34e47c---subset-of-De;">Bodhisattva Manjusri
replied, 'There is no practice superior to the recitation of the Name of Amida
Buddha for birth in the Pure Land. Even in the path for the instantaneous
realization of<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 529f7bdefd34e47c---subset-of-De;">Enlightenment,
there is the sole teaching of Nembutsu. Therefore, the acclaimed holy teachings
from the lifetime of Buddha Shakyamuni are the teachings of Amida Buddha,
particularly for the common people in the defiled world of the future.' </span></i>”<a href="file:///D:/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/7.%20SIMPLE%20TEACHINGS%20ON%20EMPTINESS%20AND%20BUDDHA%20NATURE/The%20universal%20application%20of%20Nembutsu.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 529f7bdefd34e47c---subset-of-De; mso-fareast-language: RO;">[1]<br /></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 529f7bdefd34e47c---subset-of-De;">Commentary:<br /></span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 529f7bdefd34e47c---subset-of-De;">“Common mortals
of the future defiled world”</span></i> are us, people living in <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2009/09/three-dharma-ages.html" target="_blank">the Last Dharma Age</a>,
far removed from the presence in human form of the historical Buddha and His
direct disciples.<span><a name='more'></a></span><o:p> <br /></o:p><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 529f7bdefd34e47c---subset-of-De;">“There is no
practice superior to the recitation of the Name of Amida Buddha for birth in
the Pure Land”.<br /></span></i>No
method for birth in the Pure Land is superior to the Nembutsu of faith because
that alone was selected by Amida Buddha in His Primal Vow. As Amida knows
better than us how to reach the enlightened realm He himself created, we should
simply do what He told us: “entrust to me, say my Name and wish to be born in
my land”. More than this, the Name of Amida contains the merits of all
practices, so by saying it as an expression of faith we automatically include
them all and receive their merits. Master Honen and Master Shantao <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-nembutsu-is-true-and-real.html" target="_blank">explained this very clearly</a>:<br /><o:p> <br /></o:p><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"The Japanese
designation for Amitabha - Amida - consists of only three characters (A-MI-DA).
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Within this Name, however, is the merit
of the inner realization of Tathagata Amida and His external activities</b>, as
well as the merit of Buddha Shakyamuni's extremely profound teachings, which
are as numerous as the grains of sand in the Ganges. Who can fathom this?<br /></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Master Shan-tao, in
the chapter 'Essentials of the Commentary' of the 'Commentary on the Meditation
Sutra', interpreted this Name thus:<br /></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">'The Chinese term for
Amida Buddha, 'A-mi-t'o-fo', is a transliteration of the language of India. It
was interpreted into Chinese as 'Enlightened One Whose Life Is Immeasurable
(Wu-liang-shou-chiao)'. 'Immeasurable Life (Wu-liang-shou) points to the
Dharma, and 'Enlightened One (chiao)' is a person. Both the Dharma and the
person are combined into 'Enlightened One Whose Life Is Immeasurable'.
Accordingly, He is referred to as 'A-mi-t'o-fo'.’ […]<br /></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Therefore, all of the
merits of the teachings, the meditative practices on the phenomenal aspect of
reality and the noumenal principle, the unmatched power acquired through
meditation and wisdom, the wisdom of inner realization, and the merit of
external activities, as well as all of the virtues and undefiled
Enlightenmentof Tathagata Amida, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, Bodhisattva
Mahasthamaprapta, Bodhisattva Samanthabhadra, Bodhisattva Manjusri,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, Nagarjuna,
and the Bodhisattvas<a href="file:///D:/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/7.%20SIMPLE%20TEACHINGS%20ON%20EMPTINESS%20AND%20BUDDHA%20NATURE/The%20universal%20application%20of%20Nembutsu.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: RO;">[2]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> and Sravakas<a href="file:///D:/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/7.%20SIMPLE%20TEACHINGS%20ON%20EMPTINESS%20AND%20BUDDHA%20NATURE/The%20universal%20application%20of%20Nembutsu.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: RO;">[3]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> of the Pure Land are
encompassed in the three characters of the Name of Amida. This being so, would
there be any Dharma not included in the teaching for birth in the Pure Land?<a href="file:///D:/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/7.%20SIMPLE%20TEACHINGS%20ON%20EMPTINESS%20AND%20BUDDHA%20NATURE/The%20universal%20application%20of%20Nembutsu.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: RO;">[4]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>”<a href="file:///D:/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/7.%20SIMPLE%20TEACHINGS%20ON%20EMPTINESS%20AND%20BUDDHA%20NATURE/The%20universal%20application%20of%20Nembutsu.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: RO;">[5]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></i><o:p> <br /></o:p><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 529f7bdefd34e47c---subset-of-De;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdcRlq0l5YMPftFvDseOJ9tCMdIQMEv96ljqMqeF_Oohvybrg-67CxYqecawb1NXyTzATsGOtzzoHMtLKIxUF6OsNyn63jG7zFPVVROwOPFH2DkrEj4RFf4LefLpfJlMaRspoVW1uTyykGsy8OUKCXy9__sp36yCuV8x1ZY1lOazRRZEUd0pRQY2z/s957/manjushri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="820" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdcRlq0l5YMPftFvDseOJ9tCMdIQMEv96ljqMqeF_Oohvybrg-67CxYqecawb1NXyTzATsGOtzzoHMtLKIxUF6OsNyn63jG7zFPVVROwOPFH2DkrEj4RFf4LefLpfJlMaRspoVW1uTyykGsy8OUKCXy9__sp36yCuV8x1ZY1lOazRRZEUd0pRQY2z/s320/manjushri.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>“Even in the
path for the instantaneous realization of Enlightenment, there is the sole
teaching of Nembutsu”</span></i>.<br /><o:p></o:p>Nembutsu
alone can bring instant Enlightenment when one leaves his samsaric body and
enters the Pure Land. There is no other Path except the Nembutsu who does that
so easily for anybody, no matter how low they are on the scale of spiritual
evolution.<br /><o:p> <br /></o:p><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 529f7bdefd34e47c---subset-of-De;">“Therefore, the
acclaimed holy teachings from the lifetime of Buddha Shakyamuni are the
teachings of Amida Buddha, particularly for the common people in the defiled
world of the future.” <br /></span></i><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2018/11/shakyamuni-buddhas-supreme-appearance.html" target="_blank">The true intention of Shakyamuni in coming to this world</a> was to teach about the Primal
Vow of Amida Buddha. This is because He knew that the time when people could
easily achieve liberation by themselves through following His and His direct
disciple’s example was very short by comparison with the long and difficult era
that followed after that<br /> <o:p> <br /></o:p>As
the intention of any Buddha is to save EVERYBODY, not only the spiritual elites,
what other Path than the Nembutsu of faith is effective in doing this? What
other Dharma Gate <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2018/03/the-one-vehicle-of-primal-vow-ultimate.html" target="_blank">can save the wise and the idiot, the saint and the sinner </a>if
not the Nembutsu of faith? It is in the logic of infinite Compassion that teachings
and practices which can be followed by a limited group of gifted people with high
spiritual capacities are not the main intention of a Buddha.<br /> Just
like a mother of one special children and nine mentally retarded will focus
more on the retarded ones because the special can take care of himself alone, the
Buddhas who are the spiritual Parents of sentient beings, will focus more on
those who cannot save themselves. Thus, a practice that can be followed by anybody,
no matter their capacities, like the Nembutsu of faith, will always be the
priority of all Buddhas in the ten directions when teaching the Dharma in their
respective universes.<br /> <o:p> </o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><hr size="1" style="text-align: left;" width="33%" /><a href="file:///D:/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/7.%20SIMPLE%20TEACHINGS%20ON%20EMPTINESS%20AND%20BUDDHA%20NATURE/The%20universal%20application%20of%20Nembutsu.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The
Promise of Amida Buddha - Honen's Path to Bliss</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">; English translation of the Genko
edition of the works of Honen Shonin - <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Collected
Teachings of Kurodani Shonin: The Japanese Anthology (Wago Toroku)</i>,
translated by Joji Atone and Yoko Hayashi, Wisdom Publications, Boston, 2011,
p.149</span><br /><a href="file:///D:/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/7.%20SIMPLE%20TEACHINGS%20ON%20EMPTINESS%20AND%20BUDDHA%20NATURE/The%20universal%20application%20of%20Nembutsu.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Bodhisattvas in the Pure Land
refer to those who attained Enlightenment in the Pure Land and are now Buddhas
who manifest as Bodhisattvas. For a better understanding of this idea read
<a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-qualities-of-bodhisattvas-in.html" target="_blank">chapter “The qualities of Bodhisattvas in the audience”</a> from my book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2019/01/commentary-on-sutra-on-buddha-of.html" target="_blank">Commentary on the Sutra on the Buddha of Infinte Life</a>.</i></span><br /><a href="file:///D:/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/7.%20SIMPLE%20TEACHINGS%20ON%20EMPTINESS%20AND%20BUDDHA%20NATURE/The%20universal%20application%20of%20Nembutsu.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Here “sravaka” is not used with
the sense of a Hinayana follower, but of a close enlightened disciple of Amida
in His Pure Land.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><a href="file:///D:/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/7.%20SIMPLE%20TEACHINGS%20ON%20EMPTINESS%20AND%20BUDDHA%20NATURE/The%20universal%20application%20of%20Nembutsu.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: RO;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 529f7bdefd34e47c---subset-of-De;">I present more passages as the above in
<a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-nembutsu-is-true-and-real.html" target="_blank">chapter “Nembutsu is true and real”</a> from my book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">S<a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/08/new-book-simple-teachings-on-emptiness.html" target="_blank">imple Teachings on Emptiness and Buddha nature</a></i><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/08/new-book-simple-teachings-on-emptiness.html" target="_blank">.</a> Please read it
carefully and be amazed at the supreme merits of Nembutsu.</span><br /><a href="file:///D:/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/7.%20SIMPLE%20TEACHINGS%20ON%20EMPTINESS%20AND%20BUDDHA%20NATURE/The%20universal%20application%20of%20Nembutsu.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Honen Shonin, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Commentary on the Three Sutras of Pure Land Buddhism</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Promise of Amida Buddha - Honen's Path
to Bliss, The Promise of Amida Buddha - Honen's Path to Bliss</i>; English
translation of the Genko edition of the works of Honen Shonin - <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Collected Teachings of Kurodani Shonin: The
Japanese Anthology (WagoToroku)</i>, translated by Joji Atone and Yoko Hayashi,
Wisdom Publications, Boston, 2011, p.81-82</span></div>
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<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-22642313885579006132023-12-03T18:16:00.002+02:002023-12-03T18:16:08.276+02:00There is no need to develop special feelings of gratitude towards Amida Buddha in order to be saved (video teaching)<p> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OFY-PIe6rXg?si=AEdbl7DlTZ7uO9jc" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><div><p><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1TmuLHxJGTMK1hBrPqw--CvWwlhv_zb0" target="_blank">Click here to watch more videos in the DHARMA TALK playlist. </a>There are more than 170 videos there until now, so you'll certainly find one that is useful to you. </p><p><br /></p></div>Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-70301058355449153102023-12-02T21:46:00.000+02:002023-12-02T21:46:25.764+02:00The Path of the 19th Vow and the explicit and implicit (hidden) meaning of the Contemplation Sutra<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamUGGnGOdvbLBLnnxptmGGdzw_o1VoldJi_ysDt0p8z_2w5iJ1Clkw1SebQNTJSX5T3Asl22s76qN9_Z57VcN8u5FM1W9l9LpR350mtrObFJk-c_SazYchV7tGMsYQU4os-D1SKf5hsY/s556/tai-zentai.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="477" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamUGGnGOdvbLBLnnxptmGGdzw_o1VoldJi_ysDt0p8z_2w5iJ1Clkw1SebQNTJSX5T3Asl22s76qN9_Z57VcN8u5FM1W9l9LpR350mtrObFJk-c_SazYchV7tGMsYQU4os-D1SKf5hsY/s320/tai-zentai.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2021/11/commentary-on-contemplation-sutra.html" target="_blank"><b>Fragment from my Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra. It is a work in progress and under constant revision. Click here to read the other chapters.</b></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>- last revised December 2nd, 2023 -</i></p><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">According to Shinran Shonin, and as I
mentioned previously, the <i>Contemplation
Sutra</i> is explicitly guiding people to the 19<sup>th</sup> Vow, while
implicitly referring to the Primal Vow (18<sup>th</sup> Vow)<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>:<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“When I consider
the Sutra of Contemplation on the Buddha of Immeasurable Life, taking into
account the interpretation of the commentator [Shan-tao], I find <b>there is an explicit meaning and an
implicit, hidden, inner meaning.<br /><o:p></o:p></b></span></i><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">‘Explicit” refers
to presenting the meditative and non-meditative good acts and setting forth the
three levels of practicers and the three minds. The two forms of good and the
three types of meritorious acts, however, are not the true cause of birth in
the fulfilled land (center of the Pure Land). Further, the three minds that
beings awaken are all minds of self-benefit that are individually different and
not the mind that is single, which arises from [Amida’s] benefiting of others.
They are roots of good with which to aspire for the Pure Land that [Sakyamuni]
Tathagata taught as a distinct provisional means. This is the import of the
sutra; it is its “explicit” meaning.<span><a name='more'></a></span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">‘Implicit’ refers
to disclosing the Tathagata’s universal Vow and revealing the mind that is
single, to which [practicers of the three minds] are led through [Amida’s]
benefiting of others. Through the opportunity brought about by the grave evil
acts of Devadatta and Ajatasatru, Sakyamuni, with a smile<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>,
disclosed His inner intent. Through the condition brought about by the right
intention in Vaidehi’s selection, Amida’s Primal Vow of great compassion was
clarified. This is the hidden, implicit meaning of the sutra.”<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[3]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Simply
stated, those who can’t entrust themselves completely to Amida Buddha and can’t
accept that their birth in the Pure Land is possible entirely through His Power
are offered a path on where they can use their so-called merits and virtues. Unlike <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2018/02/a-detailed-explanation-of-primal-vow-of.html" target="_blank">the Primal Vow </a>where only faith, the
Nembutsu of faith and the wish to be born in the Pure Land are all that
matters, the 19<sup>th</sup> Vow speaks about the necessity of meritorious
deeds and to be in a good state of mind at the moment of death so that we can
have a vision with Amida coming to welcome us:<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“If, when I attain
Buddhahood, sentient beings in the lands of the ten directions, who awaken
aspiration for Enlightenment, do various meritorious deeds and sincerely desire
to be born in my land, should not, at their death, see me appear before them
surrounded by a multitude of sages, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.”<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[4]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
a detailed explanation of the 19<sup>th</sup> Vow please refer to my book<i>,
<a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2019/01/commentary-on-sutra-on-buddha-of.html" target="_blank">Commentary on the Sutra on the Buddha of Infinite Life</a></i><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>. In short, the 19<sup>th</sup>
Vow is about doing various good deeds and practices through your self-power
while focusing on Amida and wishing to be born in His Pure Land. The result is
that due to Amida’s help you will be born in the Pure Land, but because of
clinging to your own self-power and your so-called merits and virtues you will
stop (you stop yourself) at the borderland of the Pure Land<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>. Contrary to this, <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2018/02/a-detailed-explanation-of-primal-vow-of.html" target="_blank">the
Primal Vow (18<sup>th</sup> Vow)</a> requires that you rely entirely on Amida’s
Power and say the Nembutsu as an expression of faith. The result is that because
of Amida’s help you will be born in the Pure Land. As your mind relies entirely
on Amida’s Power and you don’t believe you have any merits and virtues you will
advance to the <i>“fulfilled land” </i> or center of the Pure Land<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Although
the sutra contains explicit instructions on doing various good deeds and
practicing the visualizations, we can see hints to the Primal Vow (some of
which I already explained in the previous chapter) in the fact that actually
Vaidehi depends totally on the Buddha’s Power and is constantly helped by
Shakyamuni and Amida to see, understand (seeing also means understanding) and
attain complete trust in accordance with the Primal Vow. <b>Thus, the explicit meaning is – “do good deeds, practice the
visualizations and you will be born in the Pure Land”, while the implicit,
hidden meaning is “actually, you are ordinary beings and your so-called merits
and virtues are nothing compared to the supramundane merits of Amida, so you
should better entrust completely to His Infinite Power to reach the Pure Land.”<br />
<o:p></o:p></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shakyamuni
was presenting the meditative (the visualizations) and non-meditative practices
<i>(“the two forms of good and the three
types of meritorious acts”)</i> to help those who are not yet ready to accept
that Amida Buddha can do everything for them. To those who wish to be born in
the Pure Land but cannot depend totally on Amida (as they should) and are
deluded into thinking (like emperor Wu in the previous chapter<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>) that they can really have
merits, Shakyamuni and Amida decided to give them something to play with so
that they do not give up, while waiting for the time when they will be ready to
accept the Primal Vow<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>. As Shinran said,<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Based on Amida’s
Vow to appear at the time of death,<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
Sakyamuni presented all the various good acts<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
In one scripture, the Contemplation Sutra,<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
To encourage those who perform meditative and non-meditative practices.”<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[10]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">These
being said, lets read and understand the meditative practices and
non-meditative practices. I will repeat this quote because it contains a very
important element:<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Then the
World-honored One said to Vaidehi, ‘Do you know that Amitayus (Amida) is not
far away? Fix your thoughts upon and contemplate that Buddha land. Then you
will accomplish the pure acts. I shall describe it to you in detail with
various illustrations, so that all ordinary <b>people in the future</b> who wish to practice pure karma may also be
born in that Western Land of Utmost<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bliss.”<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[11]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
does it mean that Amida is not far away? First and foremost, it means that
Amida exists. No matter you chose to follow<a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2021/11/the-three-vows-of-salvation.html" target="_blank"> the 18<sup>th </sup>(Primal Vow),
the 20<sup>th</sup> or the 19<sup>th</sup> Vow</a>, you must first and foremost
believe in Amida’s existence. The followers of the Primal Vow have faith in
Amida’s existence and in Amida’s Power to save them, while the followers of the
19<sup>th</sup> Vow also believe in Amida’s existence but doubt His Power to
take them to the Pure Land in the sense that they think their own pitiful
merits are important and can somehow help Amida to help them.<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
non-meditative practices are explained by Shakyamuni as follows:<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“’Whoever wishes
to be born there should practice the three acts: first, caring for one’s
parents, attending to one’s teachers and elders, compassionately refraining
from killing, and doing the ten good deeds; second, taking the Three Refuges,
keeping the various precepts, and refraining from breaking the rules of
conduct; and third, awakening aspiration for Enlightenment (bodhicitta),
believing deeply in the law of causality, chanting the Mahayana sutras, and
encouraging people to follow their teachings. These three are called pure
karma.’<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Buddha further
said to Vaidehi, ‘Do you know that these three acts are the pure karma
practiced by all the Buddhas of the past, present, and future as the right
cause of Enlightenment?”<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[12]<br /></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Everybody,
no matter they rely exclusively on Amida in accordance with the Primal Vow or
they chose the 19<sup>th</sup> Vow, should try to do the above good deeds.
However, the followers of the Primal Vow (18<sup>th</sup> Vow) do not relate
this trying with birth in the Pure Land as they know that they’ll go there
through Amida’s Power alone while the followers of the 19<sup>th</sup> Vow are
convinced that the better they are at observing the above non-meditative
practices, the more chances they have to be born there. Also, for the followers
of the Primal Vow, the Three Refuges are an expression of their complete faith
in Amida, and their aspiration for Enlightenment/Buddhahood (Bodhicitta/Bodhi
Mind) is fulfilled by relying on His Power and Compassion. As Master Shan-tao
said, <i>“awake your Bodhi Mind to Amida’s
Compasion”, </i>that is, aspire to your and other beings Liberation by relying
on the Compasion of Amida (His Primal Vow). In the case of the Primal Vow, the
awakening of the Bodhi mind is the complete faith in Amida, as Shinran
explained:<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“The mind that
aspires to attain Buddhahood<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
Is the mind to save all sentient beings;<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
The mind to save all sentient beings<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
Is true and real shinjin (faith), which is Amida's benefiting of others."<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[13]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
in the case of the followers of the 19<sup>th</sup> Vow the aspiration for
Enlightenment or Buddhahood is done while clinging to their self-power which is
the very reason they don’t attain it upon birth in the Pure Land like the
followers of the Primal Vow, but remain in an unenlightened state of mind in
the border land of the Pure Land.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Those
who became Buddhas through their self-power indeed relied on the above
non-meditative practices as karmic causes for Enlightenment, but who is really
capable of perfectly keeping all the precepts and never make any mistake?
Certainly, not the <i>“ordinary people in
the future”</i> mentioned in the Contemplation
Sutra. However, because these ordinary people in the future <b>will believe they are superior people</b>,
capable to accomplish the spiritual task of birth in the Pure Land on their
own, they are given the 19<sup>th</sup> Vow as a way to escape. If they strive
hard and are constant in their efforts, they may achieve, with Amida’s help,
birth in the border land of the Pure Land.<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Next,
Shakyamuni started to explain the meditative practices.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“The Buddha said
to Ananda and Vaidehi’, ‘Listen carefully, listen carefully and ponder deeply.
I, the Tathagata, shall discourse on pure karma for the sake of all sentient beings
of the future who are afflicted by the enemy, evil passions. It is very good,
Vaidehi, that you have willingly asked me about this. Ananda, you must receive
and keep the Buddha’s words and widely proclaim them to the multitude of
beings. <b>I, the Tathagata, shall now
teach you, Vaidehi, and all sentient beings of the future how to visualize the
Western Land of Utmost Bliss</b>. By the power of the Buddha all will be able
to see the Pure Land as clearly as if one were looking at one’s own reflection
in a bright mirror. Seeing the utmost beauty and bliss of that land, they will
rejoice and immediately attain insight into the non-arising of all dharmas.’<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Buddha said to
Vaidehi, ‘You are unenlightened and so your spiritual powers are weak and
obscured. Since you have not yet attained the divine eye, you cannot see that
which is distant. But the Buddha Tathagatas have special ways to enable you to
see afar.’<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Vaidehi said to
the Buddha, ‘World-honored One, <b>through
the Buddha’s power</b>, even I have now been able to see that land. But after
the Buddha’s passing sentient beings will become defiled and evil and be
oppressed by the five kinds of suffering. How then will those beings be able to
see the Land of Utmost Bliss of Amitāyus?”<br /></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shakyamuni
said: <i>“<b>By the power of the Buddha</b> all will be able to see the Pure Land as
clearly as if one were looking at one’s own reflection in a bright mirror”</i>.<br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thus,
nothing can be accomplished through self-power alone, and even those who still
cling to their own power are helped by Amida <i>(“by the power of the Buddha”)</i>
to see the Pure Land, have insight into the non-arising of all dharmas (samsaric
phenomena)<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
and attain birth in the border land of the Pure Land.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Amida
helps all beings to come to His Pure Land but because of clinging to their
self-power some keep themselves in the border land while the followers of the
Primal Vow allow Amida to take them to the center of the Pure Land (fulfilled
land of the Pure Land). It’s not the fault of Amida that you do not arrive to
the center of the Pure Land, because you keep yourself in the border land by
your own self-power attitude. <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
the next chapter I will discuss the visualization methods to be practiced by
those who wish to be born in Amida’s Land but cling to their self-power. As
already explained, these instructions were not destined to Vaidehi who was
actually helped by Shakyamuni to see, understand and entrust to Amida Buddha.
Her name is thus mentioned only for convenience.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><hr size="1" style="text-align: left;" width="33%" /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> The words in brackets (….) in the
quoted passages are my own.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Remember the
passage from the Contemplation Sutra mentioned by me in the previous chapter
where Shakyamuni Buddha smiled and helped King Bimbisara receive faith and
enter the stage of nonreturner or nonretrogression:<o:p></o:p></span><br /><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">“<b>The
World Honored One smiled</b>, and from His mouth came five-colored rays of
light, each shining on King Bimbisara’s head. Although the old king was
confined, with his unhindered mind’s eye he saw the World-honored One in the
distance. He knelt down in homage to the Buddha and effortlessly made spiritual
progress until he reached the stage of non-returner”.</span></i><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The Collected Works of Shinran</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">, Shin Buddhism Translation Series,
Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, Kyoto, 1997, p.212</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Three Pure
Land sutras, translated into English by Hisao Inagaki in collaboration with
Harold Stewart, revised second edition, BDK English Tripitaka12-II, II, IV,
Numata Center for Buddhist translation and Research, 2003, p.16<o:p></o:p></span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">See my
explanations of section 7 of the Larger Sutra – chapter “Vows made for those
who still cling to their own power - explanation of the 19th Vow and 20th Vow”.</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">There is also the
20<sup>th</sup> Vow which requires that you do Nembutsu as an exclusive
practice and rely on your self-power. The result – because of Amida’s help you
will be born in the Pure Land but because of clinging to your own self-power
and your so-called merits and virtues you will stop (you stop yourself!) at the
borderland of the Pure Land. Read the chapter mention in the previous footnote
for an in depth explanation.</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Your mind doesn’t become an
obstacle to your birth in the center of the Pure Land, so Amida can take you
there very easily. Imagine that the coast guard is trying to save you by
helicopter with a rope from a wreck in the ocean. If you stay still and allow
them to take you out of there it will be easier for them to bring you to
safety.</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> See the footnote related with the
supramundane roots of good in the previous chapter.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Some convert to the Primal Vow in
this life while some do it in the border land where they realize the stupidity
of relying on self-power and turn to the Infinite Power of Amida. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Shinran Shonin, <i>Hymns of the Pure Land</i>, <i>The Collected Works of Shinran</i>, Shin
Buddhism Translation Series, Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, Kyoto, 1997, p.342</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The Three Pure Land Sutras</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> - <i>A Study and Translation from
Chinese</i> by Hisao Inagaki in collaboration with Harold Stewart, Bukkyo Dendo
Kyokai and Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, Kyoto, 2003, </span><span lang="RO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: RO;">p.78</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The Three Pure Land Sutras</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> - <i>A Study and Translation from
Chinese</i> by Hisao Inagaki in collaboration with Harold Stewart, Bukkyo Dendo
Kyokai and Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, Kyoto, 2003, </span><span lang="RO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: RO;">p.78 </span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Shinran Shonin, <i>Hymns on the Patriachs,</i> The
Collected Works of Shinran, Shin Buddhism Translation Series, Jodo Shinshu
Hongwanji-ha, Kyoto, 1997, p.365</span><br /><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/14.COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20CONTEMPLATION%20SUTRA/COMMENTARY%20ON%20THE%20SUTRA%20ON%20CONTEMPLATION.docx#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> Here to have an insight into the
non-arising of all dharmas means to understand that because the samsaric
phenomena (dharmas) are empty, they do not have a real existence. <o:p></o:p></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">
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Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-2060199019881050972023-11-24T11:52:00.002+02:002023-11-24T11:52:20.618+02:00The merits transferred by Amida Buddha are not ours to use for personal goals<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1eHVNw050ebRrKF0ePFqAxFwcDG7mkiuO8Rd4f8clSXzdbiouSPY9rs7lzO9I37ELLjWVbLUu-qvgvKakDLtVYvxzWVF2Ze7g4mPBfUD-ficiLlzG7JEmIxpL8mPO_3iPmCyQWuRmDgQ21N8xZbs0x2VGa4HSFbb9FIPUQJ_obcknmepWEUqSRHy-vk/s461/d6362fbeab13778c73e8a04f92222f74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="222" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1eHVNw050ebRrKF0ePFqAxFwcDG7mkiuO8Rd4f8clSXzdbiouSPY9rs7lzO9I37ELLjWVbLUu-qvgvKakDLtVYvxzWVF2Ze7g4mPBfUD-ficiLlzG7JEmIxpL8mPO_3iPmCyQWuRmDgQ21N8xZbs0x2VGa4HSFbb9FIPUQJ_obcknmepWEUqSRHy-vk/s320/d6362fbeab13778c73e8a04f92222f74.jpg" width="154" /></a></div><br />Question
by a Dharma friend: If Amida transfers His karmic merits to us, why can we not
dedicate them to others?<br /> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
answer: <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-transference-of-merit-from-amida.html" target="_blank">The transference of merits from Amida Buddha </a>does NOT mean these merits
become our property. They still remain Amida’s merits but working from inside
us. And these merits have only one goal - to lead us to His Pure Land. It is
like being carried to a wonderful place by your best friend in his car. The car
is not yours and will never become yours because you are carried in it by your
friend. It’s the same with Amida’s transference of merit. Just like you cannot
do what you want with the car of your friend who leads you to destination, you
cannot do what you want with Amida’s merits.</span></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-5875668515734647412023-11-15T15:49:00.003+02:002023-11-15T15:49:38.315+02:00Amidaji simple style of teaching Jodo Shinshu Buddhism<p> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xUO_tda-a3c?si=bJ9S1nzaZ5-Om1WX" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p><a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1TmuLHxJGTMK1hBrPqw--CvWwlhv_zb0" target="_blank">Click here to watch more videos in the DHARMA TALK playlist. </a>There are more than 170 videos there until now, so you'll certainly find one that is useful to you. </p><p><br /></p>Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-89332400710258175392023-11-13T13:22:00.001+02:002023-11-13T13:22:44.510+02:00To what kind of people is Jodo Shinshu Buddhism intended for? (video discussion)<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D8CXCgTZktY?si=DtpexN9_cSIvQRVi" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Here is a new video in the series of <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2023/07/video-presentation-of-71-topics-of.html" target="_blank">the 71 topics of examination</a> for those who want to be ordained in <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">Amidaji branch</a> of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. The main speaker is my student Rev <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2023/01/why-amidaji-testimony-of-member-who-re.html" target="_blank">Kosho Arana</a> from Colombia. <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2023/10/being-ordained-and-training-as-jodo.html" target="_blank">He already received monk (priest) ordination </a>in our school, in September this year. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The links mentioned in the video are posted in its description on my youtube channe.</span></p><p>Namo Amida Bu </p></div>Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-88340792543927960202023-10-10T22:00:00.006+03:002023-10-13T10:28:27.166+03:00Being ordained and training as a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist monk in Amidaji Temple - my experience, by Rev Kosho Arana (Colombia)<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2023/09/the-first-monk-ordination-in-amidaji.html" target="_blank">This article is related with the first monk (priest) ordination held</a></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2023/09/the-first-monk-ordination-in-amidaji.html" target="_blank"> in Amidaji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism (click here to read)</a></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ih5YbYDLAC86ZmROe8-ck40riUx85bY5/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><b>download this article in pdf here</b></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://temploamidaji.org/2023/10/12/ser-ordenado-y-entrenar-como-un-monje-jodo-shinshu-en-el-templo-amidaji-mi-experiencia-por-rev-kosho-arana/" target="_blank"><b>click here for the Spanish version of this article</b></a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0B0qAo7dKAp7XFLZhPw5x_N5HeKeJY9uCGApTeYLBQV31L-_CkNa9t3ps8WJGlwgN6L5hZ8b571rl1QA2PGcbix1WydifvZ22zXvv3_shffJvMb5vh9eyAmENc1576Bx9zhkhMDMgByG6eG9ukDQjpEs2eVCY3XEkBxMQ6kZnKoOtCwVZqFgaMf2jr0/s2000/ordination10.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0B0qAo7dKAp7XFLZhPw5x_N5HeKeJY9uCGApTeYLBQV31L-_CkNa9t3ps8WJGlwgN6L5hZ8b571rl1QA2PGcbix1WydifvZ22zXvv3_shffJvMb5vh9eyAmENc1576Bx9zhkhMDMgByG6eG9ukDQjpEs2eVCY3XEkBxMQ6kZnKoOtCwVZqFgaMf2jr0/s320/ordination10.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I stumbled upon <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/p/the-true-teaching-on-amida-buddha-and.html" target="_blank">Reverend Josho Adrian Cirlea’s books on Jodo Shinshu Buddhism</a> around 2018. It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that
my life was never the same after that. This is not because Josho Sensei is some
kind of great guru or great spiritual master but simply because he expressed
the Jodo Shinshu teaching with great simplicity and clarity and every page he
writes on Jodo Shinshu doctrine is not based on his personal ideas but on the
Sutras and the teachings of Shinran, Rennyo and the Jodo Shinshu Patriarcs.</span></div></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/p/the-true-teaching-on-amida-buddha-and.html" target="_blank">Josho Sensei’s books</a> contain the nectar of the sutras
and shastras, because they are full to the brim with quotes from the words of
Shakyamuni Buddha, Shinran Shonin, Honen Shonin and Rennyo Shonin, and the
great Mahayana Patriarchs. There is no room for wrong views or half-truths in
his writings. You can sense he is just an ordinary guy doing his best to
explain to himself and others the wonderful treasure of the Buddha Dharma in
general and Jodo Shinshu in particular, and that is priceless in our day and
age in which there are thousands of self-proclaimed gurus, masters,
“venerables” and mystics of all sorts who don’t blink twice at combining Buddhism
with worldly ideologies, and samsaric religions just to make them more
appealing to the masses. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2021/05/the-path-between-thorns-my-spiritual.html" target="_blank">Josho Sensei</a> simply could not care less about numbers
or pleasing people. I could sense that from the first emails we exchanged. All
his words and deeds as a Jodo Shinshu monk are just ways to say, “entrust
yourself to the real and living Amida Buddha, say His Name with faith and
gratitude and wish to be born in His Pure Land after death so that you scape
the painful cycle of birth and death and attain Buddhahood, and then you
yourself will eternally return to Samsara so save all beings in the 10
directions with perfect wisdom and compassion”. This clear, honest and
uncompromising way to teach the Dharma is rarely found in Jodo Shinshu nowadays
and I would say it is also scarce for Buddhism in general. “Feel good talks”,
dangerous and misleading spiritual combinations, mundane entertainment and pop
self-help teachings is what most temples thrive on nowadays. It’s fairly easy
to find so-called Buddhist teachers and temples that never or rarely mention
basic Buddhist teachings </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">such as karma, samsara, Buddhahood, faith and
morality. So, I am truly grateful to have found in this life an honest teacher
who puts the Dharma above his own opinions and who tries to understand and
explain the Dharma in simple terms for ordinary people living ordinary lives.<span><a name='more'></a></span></span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/p/articulos-en-espanolarticles-in-spanish.html" target="_blank"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/p/articulos-en-espanolarticles-in-spanish.html" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BhR_NodJtJiA0-4rXt4np0qG6whT7QIew0MxGn2AYXcbU95zjEqZxeHa9fFSFbKTL3akmCAKU_ocMfaAv0o8jGKGKqnxKMsYFD0LOAQ0PJixrGiYU1WtQh0J6SB9j1wpcnRuHnjsoak8Jpf7MGVi8dGdGTRGp8FLl2StdWvKE7lFJhrsjMhNFOWjOrQ/s890/AMIDAJI%20LOGO%20OFICIAL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="890" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BhR_NodJtJiA0-4rXt4np0qG6whT7QIew0MxGn2AYXcbU95zjEqZxeHa9fFSFbKTL3akmCAKU_ocMfaAv0o8jGKGKqnxKMsYFD0LOAQ0PJixrGiYU1WtQh0J6SB9j1wpcnRuHnjsoak8Jpf7MGVi8dGdGTRGp8FLl2StdWvKE7lFJhrsjMhNFOWjOrQ/s320/AMIDAJI%20LOGO%20OFICIAL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Translating Josho Sensei’s books into Spanish also
gave me a good chance to let the teaching on Amida Buddha’s Primal Vow sink in.
This good experience also allowed me to pass <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2021/08/topics-of-examination-for-those-who.html" target="_blank">the demanding 71 topics of examination (see link) </a>for those who want to be monks, nuns and lay teachers in
the Amidaji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Later I created <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvdYwy87nyPoSeSm51YksUQ" target="_blank">the AmidajiYouTube Channel in Spanish</a> and I also started <a href="https://temploamidaji.org/" target="_blank">sharing Amida Dharma on social media</a> which allowed me to meet many great Dharma siblings such as Daigan Sensei
(Uruguay), Jishin Camila (Argentina) Chikai Ana Galo (Uruguay) Yuishin Alondra
(Mexico), Dodatsu Nerio (Argentina) and other people from Latin America who
taught me I was not alone in my continent as a Jodo Shinshu follower. Knowing
the value of having a good teacher and Dharma friends I recall the words of
Shakyamuni Buddha who said:</span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“(A monk said to the Buddha): Venerable One, I thought a great deal and
reached the conclusion that spiritual friendship is half of the spiritual
life!”</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Buddha answered: “Don’t talk this way, Ananda. <b>Spiritual friendship is everything in the spiritual life!”</b>
(Samyutta Nikaya)</span></i></div></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">After many difficulties and challenges to my personal
and spiritual life I finally decided to dedicate my life to spreading the
Teaching on Amida Buddha’s unconditional salvation <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2022/07/monks-and-nuns-of-last-dharma-age.html" target="_blank">as a Jodo Shinshu monk</a>. I
feel that just like a great swordsman can use an old stick to defeat 5 armed men
or just like a great musician can produce beautiful sounds with a poor musical
instrument, so to Amida Buddha can use sinners and fools like me to spread the
Dharma not because of ourselves but in spite of ourselves. This is all due to
the Other Power of Amida Buddha who uses all sorts of seen and unseen
circumstances and karmic connections to teach <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2018/02/a-detailed-explanation-of-primal-vow-of.html" target="_blank">the Primal Vow.</a> After many
economic challenges and several months of planning I decided to travel to
Amidaji Temple in Romania along with Dharma friends who also want to get ordain:
Daigan Alejandro Sensei and Jishin Camila.</span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As many of you know <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/09/on-amidaji-branch-of-jodo-shinshu-and.html#more" target="_blank">Amidaji became an independent branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in 2020.</a> Amidaji Sangha declared
t<a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2023/09/the-first-monk-ordination-in-amidaji.html" target="_blank">he right to have its own ordination platform independent from Hongwanji,</a> Japan.
Its Hongwanji’s leaders allowed many wrong views to be spread in the Sangha
contrary to the teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha and Shinran Shonin. I have always
thought that the true richness of a Buddhist lineage lies not in riches, big
temples or numbers but in the quality of the understanding and the honesty of its
teachers and students.</span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Thus, Amidaji International Temple, a new and humble
leaf in the very old tree of the Mahayana and Jodo Shinshu was born for the
benefit of all beings who want to hear Amida Dharma without it being mixed with
worldly ideologies and philosophies. A simple organization in which faith in
Amida Buddha according to The Primal Vow and a simple and comprehensive
understanding of the most basic Mahayana teachings is the center and the end of
all activities and efforts. Amidaji empowers its monks, nuns and lay teachers
to ordain people in their own countries without relying on stiff central
authorities as long as they abide by the contents of t<a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/07/constitution-of-amidaji-international.html" target="_blank">he Amidaji Constitution</a>
and <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/03/amida-dharma-basics-of-jodo-shinshu.html" target="_blank">the book Amida Dharma. </a>I felt excited to make history by being part of a
Jodo Shinshu organization that wants to spread the Dharma in such a direct and
energetic manner all over the world by relying on the Dharma alone. It was with
great enthusiasm then that Daigan, Jishin and I planned everything in order
receive ordination from Reverend Josho in late September 2023.</span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><v:shape id="Text_x0020_Box_x0020_1" o:gfxdata="UEsDBBQABgAIAAAAIQC75UiUBQEAAB4CAAATAAAAW0NvbnRlbnRfVHlwZXNdLnhtbKSRvU7DMBSF
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</tbody></table></v:textbox></v:shape><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_s1053" style="height: 139.7pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 5.5pt; position: absolute; text-align: left; visibility: visible; width: 186.75pt; z-index: -251656192;" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/shaku/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image003.jpg"><w:wrap anchorx="margin" type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Unexpectedly Daigan Sensei (now a lay teacher) had an
accident at work a month prior to our trip and he had to undergo an ankle
surgery which prevented him from traveling along with me. Jishin Camila
(Daigan’s fiancée) stayed with him in Uruguay to take care of him after the
surgery so I had to travel alone to Amidaji. Daigan and Jishin will travel to
Amidaji in the near future and both will receive Tokudo (Ordination) so there
will be two ordained Latin-American members of Amidaji! May it be for the
benefit of all beings!</span></div></span><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSM0__5mzP61ZajXWqtT-G4qluD9-bh6M0ovvOcPkhXdE6vUwG8NIudSSlTckmlD0eDZFQfCFE6mUIxMOKH0owuOH2wz85c1wJC5rVNhjy3Efyql5gICgZiTEiW24SDT7EoMQzoYKBIaiXfaO3pDccVhXDtLl6VT3PX4mpC-B73EoDO8jgzGmL5f9-LQE/s1600/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-09-21%20at%2008.08.06.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSM0__5mzP61ZajXWqtT-G4qluD9-bh6M0ovvOcPkhXdE6vUwG8NIudSSlTckmlD0eDZFQfCFE6mUIxMOKH0owuOH2wz85c1wJC5rVNhjy3Efyql5gICgZiTEiW24SDT7EoMQzoYKBIaiXfaO3pDccVhXDtLl6VT3PX4mpC-B73EoDO8jgzGmL5f9-LQE/w187-h140/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-09-21%20at%2008.08.06.jpeg" width="187" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Train from the airport to Buchares</span>t</td></tr></tbody></table> Arriving at Romania</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> I arrived to Bucharest, Romania on September 30</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> at night. Josho Sensei greeted me warmly at the airport and we laughed like
playful kids as it was the first time we were seeing each other in person (at least in this life) after more than four years of Dharma friendship. We ate pizza in that warm night and we exchanged laughs, stories and expectations, both mundane and Dharmic. As Rennyo Shonin said:</span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEnnNDOga7f93uZa67F3z-T9YMFn9YMIG1r_YNXAfoKnVeUmbGsXsfAZpU47iYktXC97SfM_FGHN8Df2W2TGpv4KWNnGJaplLVfybgqKPjbBKDNkfm_YGhKIxjm92lk6fg_0cLUhPUxsPzhAoD2h7Tvol_31VSSO50PR7LHdbOJxYgQoSd72lY-tpIS4/s2048/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-09-21%20at%2008.08.07.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEnnNDOga7f93uZa67F3z-T9YMFn9YMIG1r_YNXAfoKnVeUmbGsXsfAZpU47iYktXC97SfM_FGHN8Df2W2TGpv4KWNnGJaplLVfybgqKPjbBKDNkfm_YGhKIxjm92lk6fg_0cLUhPUxsPzhAoD2h7Tvol_31VSSO50PR7LHdbOJxYgQoSd72lY-tpIS4/w200-h150/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-09-21%20at%2008.08.07.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"You lose nothing when you make friends with devout Buddhists. <b>Even if they do strange things or crack
jokes</b>, <b>they have the Buddha-Dharma
deep in their hearts; in befriending them, you will gain much benefit</b>. So
it is said."</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"></i></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">At Amidaji Temple - Ordination Ceremony and first couple of days of
training</span></b></div></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The following day, early in the morning we took the
train to Craiova and then a taxi to the village where Amidaji Temple is located. That very day I was about to be ordained in
the evening. We did not want to wait a single day or hour more. Time is
precious and impermanence in samsara can always surprise us. This sense of
impermanence in Jodo Shinshu is rooted in a powerful and beautiful story of
Shinran Shonin. He had lost his parents at a very young age and was put in the
care of his uncle who, upon seeing his potential, brought him at age 9 to
Shoren-in Temple to become a monk in the evening and the head monk at the time,
Jien, told them to wait for the next day for ordination. However, the young boy
wrote a poem about the precious moments all beings have:</span></div> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOXsftquqL72HzvGtS6IeOj1WGts-6k5gYGLtLe_7J1SoXoRxPzjLYmH9u4RhqoDH3fcbfDMmQnPUblwKPJMcrRl1INIYWmJNB7oxggT2eHZvMXRSAeg-bqbgSYuR95TxImLRcZDIEBByXcGvESG5BXShLZIWZeSI5sXxjXLWT-d2n6Em7vJ3t9VWRSw/s1600/ordination4.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOXsftquqL72HzvGtS6IeOj1WGts-6k5gYGLtLe_7J1SoXoRxPzjLYmH9u4RhqoDH3fcbfDMmQnPUblwKPJMcrRl1INIYWmJNB7oxggT2eHZvMXRSAeg-bqbgSYuR95TxImLRcZDIEBByXcGvESG5BXShLZIWZeSI5sXxjXLWT-d2n6Em7vJ3t9VWRSw/s320/ordination4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Like cherry blossoms are the minds</span></i></div></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">That think there is a tomorrow;</span></i></div></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But who can tell, there may be</span></i></div></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A tempest in the night.</span></i></div></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Upon reading this, Jien the head priest understood the
grasp the youth had on life and had him ordained that night and he took the Buddhist
name Hannen.</span></div> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jodo Shinshu is not a path of patience and wishful
thinking but a path in which we recognize the impermanence of our bodies and
our so-called spiritual realizations. Everything can be lost in a second,
especially if we are ordinary sentient beings. This human life is precious and
using it to study Amida Dharma, receive faith and helping others to receive
faith is the rarest treasure and the most important thing in our lives as Jodo
Shinshu teachers. With these kind of reflections on impermanence Josho Sensei
ordained me on that warm evening. Dressed in white to represent the death of my
past, I let Josho Sensei cut the last hairs on my head as he energetically
pronounced the vow of a Jodo Shinshu monk to help all beings be born in Amida
Buddha’s Pure Land through the three elements of Amida Buddha’s Primal Vow,
faith, Nembutsu and the wish to be born in Amida Buddha’s Pure Land after
death.</span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWccrttCg5Q2VWO3ZaNgsljJpIohXR2Slct2h9zVyjrgao9wBTSF3SXgHJRl3Ppm68VkIKr9zKQxbKGsXeJDpydHi_FQdUsDLqMU0lWFEUrNHyW7_AL7ghFF7kWEnuM_C4Fw1r3R1EAEGbczlKxu6zSjtOhczvgp1cIU3xNGOw1RT_Fs_NURa8CpShi1c/s2000/ordination1.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWccrttCg5Q2VWO3ZaNgsljJpIohXR2Slct2h9zVyjrgao9wBTSF3SXgHJRl3Ppm68VkIKr9zKQxbKGsXeJDpydHi_FQdUsDLqMU0lWFEUrNHyW7_AL7ghFF7kWEnuM_C4Fw1r3R1EAEGbczlKxu6zSjtOhczvgp1cIU3xNGOw1RT_Fs_NURa8CpShi1c/s320/ordination1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Josho Sensei pronounced this with a determined voice:</span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The first cut is to have faith in Amida Buddha and help all beings
entrust to Him.</span></i></div></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The second cut is to say the Name of Amida Buddha and help all beings
say His Name.</span></i></div></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The third cut is to wish to be born in the Pure Land of Amida Buddha and
help all beings to be born there.</span></i></div></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I felt a tremendous energy
that filled the room. Josho Sensei’s strong and lively voice emanated a strong
sense of faithfulness, sincerity and determination. As he was reciting the
Three Refuges, The 8 Precepts of Faith, the rules implied in the Ryogemon and
the 18 rules for monks and nuns of the Amidaji Branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism,
I felt truly inspired and determined to put myself in the Hands of Amida Buddha
for the benefit of all beings. The image of a mirror came to my mind. We are
not the creators of the Primal Vow, we cannot give anyone Shinjin (Faith in
Amida Buddha) nor are we the owners of the Buddha Dharma. We are just
transmitters of the Dharma. Amida Buddha is the source of True Faith and He is
the creator of the Pure Land and The Primal Vow. He is the creator of both our
destination (the Pure Land) and the method to get there (The Primal Vow). Just
like a mirror itself does not have any light of its own can nevertheless
reflect the light of the sun to others, </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">we as Jodo Shinshu followers just reflect the
light of the true Amida Dharma teaching to others without mixing it with any of
our opinions or so-called “merits”. I said to Amida Buddha “Please let my body,
speech and mind be an instrument so that you can take beings to the Pure Land
through the Primal Vow”. True and real compassion is to guide beings to attain
Buddhahood. In this Dharma Ending Age the only way to attain liberation for
ordinary and foolish beings like us is to entrust ourselves to Amida Buddha,
say His Name and wish to be born in His Pure Land. Teaching the Primal Vow to
others is in accordance with Shinran Shonin’s teachings.</span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As Shinran Shonin taught:</span></div> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIv8X9eK_bLDNy2GKrH6QYSHlpdSdeyzTvBPZxGkwshoCKxphS9DFaMPcqPTexrirg1se_xdFgz7wnKz3z7f6ynPURssM9Lx124XkS81qN5bU-RyXyJLhco4Ny7jGrqvLfBhO_17hWG0K_Nr-BuqXhYt_hZdQ7q2-4MgscVWx_7vS9Nm0-vpziKYF_oIo/s2048/e1ccb2d5-b5c5-40ed-93e8-fbafaac82b33.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1763" data-original-width="2048" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIv8X9eK_bLDNy2GKrH6QYSHlpdSdeyzTvBPZxGkwshoCKxphS9DFaMPcqPTexrirg1se_xdFgz7wnKz3z7f6ynPURssM9Lx124XkS81qN5bU-RyXyJLhco4Ny7jGrqvLfBhO_17hWG0K_Nr-BuqXhYt_hZdQ7q2-4MgscVWx_7vS9Nm0-vpziKYF_oIo/s320/e1ccb2d5-b5c5-40ed-93e8-fbafaac82b33.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>"To spread great compassion everywhere and guide others</span></i></div></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Is truly to repay the Buddha’s benevolence."<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/AMIDAJI/ORDINATIE%20AMIDAJI/AMIDAJI%20TOKUDO%20ARTICLE%20REVISED.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[1]</span></b></span></span></a></span></i></div></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">„ 'What is 'great compassion'?
Those who in their turn encourage others to practice the Nembutsu are called
those who practice great compassion.</span></i></b><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">'<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/AMIDAJI/ORDINATIE%20AMIDAJI/AMIDAJI%20TOKUDO%20ARTICLE%20REVISED.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[2]</span></b></span></span></a></span></i></div></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">How can we ignorant sentient
beings teach Amida Dharma to others if not by the influence of Amida Buddha
Himself on our ordinary lives? With this thought in mind I felt reassured by
Amida Buddha and all Buddhas that even ordinary and foolish beings can be
instruments of Amida Buddha’s wish to benefit all beings. How wonderful is the
Jodo Shinshu Path!</span></div> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">After the Ceremony we relaxed
and enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by Mrs Tamira Cirlea, Josho Sensei’s
mother who was very kind to us during my stay at Amidaji. Josho Sensei cultivates
tomatoes, figs and peppers at Amidaji, so we enjoyed a variety of vegetarian
dishes during my stay. Josho Sensei is also very fond of Turkish black tea, and
we enjoyed talking after our meals a lot while we drank this delicious hot
beverage. We talked about the Dharma and we also discussed about the present
and future of Amidaji International Temple. We also exchanged stories and
shared jokes of all kinds. This reminded me of the fact that Jodo Shinshu is a
relaxed path for ordinary beings. We don’t pretend to have virtues or wisdom of
our own, we are just our ordinary foolish selves and we just let Amida Buddha
take us to the Pure Land. However, being a monk in this Path means to make
Amida Dharma the priority in our day to day lives. It means that we are totally
committed to teaching the Primal Vow to others 24/7. It means that nothing is
more important than teaching Amida Dharma to others. Family obligations,
relationships and hobbies can wait, but not Amida Dharma. The life of a monk
and nun ordained in the Amidaji Branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism is a life that
is lived only to help others receive faith in Amida Buddha. We are relaxed
because we know Amida Buddha guides us.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOW5EHlZkVDeCCtdNXuMQqTClUxlCZUH8TUUyMygOl3ZOQWwfaLEvKkP0X6JDxD2FFGVnhVnusZjImM5G8pPeN1GoVmvRvSHdK2k4_OGmLvp_qRfYhJXG3jPqJy6YcBFH23dUpBRaAfMi9Ocx4n6Zrg69Y4S0aYDQM78uCtB8ij-uz1sb7JArLS-x4tbA/s1771/ordination6.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1771" data-original-width="1500" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOW5EHlZkVDeCCtdNXuMQqTClUxlCZUH8TUUyMygOl3ZOQWwfaLEvKkP0X6JDxD2FFGVnhVnusZjImM5G8pPeN1GoVmvRvSHdK2k4_OGmLvp_qRfYhJXG3jPqJy6YcBFH23dUpBRaAfMi9Ocx4n6Zrg69Y4S0aYDQM78uCtB8ij-uz1sb7JArLS-x4tbA/w262-h309/ordination6.jpeg" width="262" /></a></div><br />However, we also work hard and
are disciplined in all Dharma related matters. We need to study the basics of
the Buddha-Dharma well and we also need to fully explain all aspects of Jodo
Shinshu to others. It also means we should learn well how to bow, how to do prostrations,
how to properly fold our robes, kesa (piece of precious cloth which represents
the transmission of the teaching to us) and zagu (sitting matt, which
represents the protection of all Buddhas and all Dharma protectors) and how to
eat from your monk’s bowl (which means to eat for the Path to help others). These
things need your full attention and cannot be learned overnight, so you need to
practice again and again. Josho Sensei explained to me (I paraphrase him)
“These rules are not just formalities but they express our commitment in the
Jodo Shinshu Path. All aspects of training, from the way we eat, bow and recite
a liturgy or hymn express our seriousness and determination, so they cannot be
taken lightly.”</span></div> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz6xUinZA1PiJ3RXF4zXlRosZiS38buruJnYXOvGE9G6Y7hQsOpMyza2NWXqHCwTS9NTZFd2e82MrbejBxmMcVMMzjrIHg7i-1Bh3DND-XE-8dLA2XLf04q_2Ir2STH5vkcDBNbz0rPBhAWmu040QyEbiIeLR6KEA_9QS3VIMOEiSa8cNHeBlzeXXx-E/s2000/ordination9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz6xUinZA1PiJ3RXF4zXlRosZiS38buruJnYXOvGE9G6Y7hQsOpMyza2NWXqHCwTS9NTZFd2e82MrbejBxmMcVMMzjrIHg7i-1Bh3DND-XE-8dLA2XLf04q_2Ir2STH5vkcDBNbz0rPBhAWmu040QyEbiIeLR6KEA_9QS3VIMOEiSa8cNHeBlzeXXx-E/s320/ordination9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><o:p><br /></o:p></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></b><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Contemplating Amidado (Amida Hall)</span></b></div></b><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85VuB1KylsWtKKW9uYnnlOIYDPFLs56VHiKgH40eckTabByFxh-HlaC3uoLfdvlrQXQj6SkBQdPJLqbWskSgUPkMGJz39bmB8WhgpTv7IKsnCU_qkLL-ldEQalb39QBVnO9PkcsmoIS5mDD0HNt-OGB8Nxs6Q83anfw_pfUuO7tfazAEEBGP1vEd93bg/s1600/Kosho1.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85VuB1KylsWtKKW9uYnnlOIYDPFLs56VHiKgH40eckTabByFxh-HlaC3uoLfdvlrQXQj6SkBQdPJLqbWskSgUPkMGJz39bmB8WhgpTv7IKsnCU_qkLL-ldEQalb39QBVnO9PkcsmoIS5mDD0HNt-OGB8Nxs6Q83anfw_pfUuO7tfazAEEBGP1vEd93bg/s320/Kosho1.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>The next couple of days were almost solely dedicated
to learning how to wear and properly fold the ceremonial robes. The next days
were mostly dedicated to the proper recitation of the Juseige (the hymn of
Amida Buddha’s vows) and the Nembutsu Liturgy. I practiced very hard during
several hours, even without Josho Sensei who sometimes had to go and answer
questions to students using his PC at night.</span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Late at night I felt very inspired contemplating the
Amidado (Amida Hall) at Amidaji. It is filled with images of Buddhas and Great
Bodhisattvas. I remembered how Josho Sensei explained to me the story of each
one of the adornments and images in the Amidado the first day we arrived to the
Temple. I fondly remember Amidado’s main Amida Buddha statue. This a golden
statue of tremendous beauty and elegance. The more I stared at this Amida statue
the more beautiful it looked. It was like a never-ending fountain of beauty and
power. It was given as a gift by a Japanese priest from Osaka, Japan (Rev Oku
of Zuikoji temple).</span></div> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEixSeorGEOEaFJb1lEv-IocRca-PY_9aanoXsBPa-BH_9RoqflOnx8rfYShNUQQ0G_Ph07VaAl2g4E5FQ4c52GI8WXP5ozAVALWgyDBG-Tps9TnDzbL9p62YXd1IHFIw1RnXmg1UdoYnGvJGVIEv17YrB9NbKPrZlM_5-PqfBeggfg-QwDtGzh5fwkJs/s1600/69f06a86-8f47-48af-bae6-d149b2b268f4.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEixSeorGEOEaFJb1lEv-IocRca-PY_9aanoXsBPa-BH_9RoqflOnx8rfYShNUQQ0G_Ph07VaAl2g4E5FQ4c52GI8WXP5ozAVALWgyDBG-Tps9TnDzbL9p62YXd1IHFIw1RnXmg1UdoYnGvJGVIEv17YrB9NbKPrZlM_5-PqfBeggfg-QwDtGzh5fwkJs/s320/69f06a86-8f47-48af-bae6-d149b2b268f4.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>I also fondly remember a wheel
of samsara thangka at the entrance of the Amidado that was given as a gift to
Josho Sensei by a Vajrayana practitioner friend and was also blessed by the
sister of the Head of the Sakya lineage from Tibet. A beautiful and auspicious
gift that reminds us of the dangers of the six realms of samsara and the
aspiration to be born in Amida’s Pure Land. The image also features a Tibetan
representation of Amida Buddha’s Pure Land on the top left corner and the
mantra of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.</span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Josho Sensei also showed me a beautiful
Tibetan treasure vase that was also given as a gift and was blessed by a
Tibetan Lama to bring protection and blessings to the Temple. Josho Sensei also
showed some images of Mahakala, the ferocious Dharma Protector. He told me many
experiences he had had in which he sensed the protection of Mahakala in
Amidaji. It is important to mention that at Amidaji we worship and focus
exclusively on Amida Buddha, while the images of other Buddhas and Enlightened
Bodhisattvas are present as <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2012/02/short-explanation-of-17th-vow-of-amida.html">a visual representation of the 17</a></span><sup><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2012/02/short-explanation-of-17th-vow-of-amida.html">th</a></sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2012/02/short-explanation-of-17th-vow-of-amida.html"> Vow
</a>where Amida promised that all Buddhas praise His Name, thus encouraging us to
say it in faith, and of <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2018/04/the-ten-benefits-in-this-life-4-benefit.html" target="_blank">the protection that all Buddhas offer</a> to the followers
of the Primal Vow of Amida.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigG7UC-9PGhygvr0DwzVBO9SJ2GDP1rCA2-mQd0ZwO1cRCgkoeUQhfCSjgLkUyDdWoasgWS9wo0MBTiNTUTBHVHR_8tp8_YtS-GdcAG_41cOf3ytOj4CCVC-S0hi69vViOKgBGFUQzkkuo4HCEMSMCJKxtncg6w0NO89EluCPCP9wXJPzAEeSUdB-geVU/s1600/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-09-22%20at%2020.36.47.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigG7UC-9PGhygvr0DwzVBO9SJ2GDP1rCA2-mQd0ZwO1cRCgkoeUQhfCSjgLkUyDdWoasgWS9wo0MBTiNTUTBHVHR_8tp8_YtS-GdcAG_41cOf3ytOj4CCVC-S0hi69vViOKgBGFUQzkkuo4HCEMSMCJKxtncg6w0NO89EluCPCP9wXJPzAEeSUdB-geVU/w200-h150/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-09-22%20at%2020.36.47.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>Josho Sensei has a beautiful
and colorful Thangka of Padmasambhava. He once told me about <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2023/03/my-experience-with-padmsambhava-as.html" target="_blank">an auspicious dream he had had some years ago</a>: After a Dharma talk in which he explained to a
student that saying the Name of Amida Buddha is saying and praising the Names
of All Buddhas, he dreamed of Padmasambhava and His Pure Land, Zandokpalri.
Josho Sensei told me he said to Padmasambhava that whenever he says Nembutsu to
venerate Amida, he automatically venerates Him, and Padmasambhava agreed
reassuring Josho Sensei that this was indeed a correct understanding. I also
had an experience with Padmasambhava in the past before becoming a Jodo Shinshu
Buddhist and I also felt Him guiding me towards Amida Buddha.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw81PT2lbNmkjBi2g6cA1NsHrFWvw66wpIomCMSpj985zMQh9-Hsoi0Z8MRU7MtVveTz2n8kVQDXN8WGdChyphenhyphenptaC3Bbu_PNLhD0FIPMyZkK4xjDtz-ObCPggtnAjyqL8Xh1yFkmeWKOjqSBKKO0jNxZWgaF2g_yZaqpcaWuzoDjK1slxfOZfst13plCZk/s1600/e6c7a0c2-b63f-4a4c-9339-2e63cc12c2e4.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw81PT2lbNmkjBi2g6cA1NsHrFWvw66wpIomCMSpj985zMQh9-Hsoi0Z8MRU7MtVveTz2n8kVQDXN8WGdChyphenhyphenptaC3Bbu_PNLhD0FIPMyZkK4xjDtz-ObCPggtnAjyqL8Xh1yFkmeWKOjqSBKKO0jNxZWgaF2g_yZaqpcaWuzoDjK1slxfOZfst13plCZk/w200-h150/e6c7a0c2-b63f-4a4c-9339-2e63cc12c2e4.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div></div> </span><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Josho Sensei also showed me a beautiful
picture of Benzaiten-sama (Sarasvati in Sanskrit), </span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">a Vajrayana deity who in esoteric Buddhism is considered
an enlightened being related to eloquence and fine arts.</span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Josho Sensei told me he also
had a dream in which he felt a strong presence and heard the clear words
“Benzaiten”- he had never heard that name before. He looked it up and found out
this was an Enlightened Being of great importance in esoteric and tantric
Buddhism, so he took it as a sign this Enlightened being wanted to protect and
bless Amidaji. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAWHtf_LVpLv5U_Fv8H7VGxPxyan1Jfd2mcp27FXxlg7_3L5AVqtjFniPDbsxSBmvCRImjpPrStg4UR7Y7K4_S16mb4U5URJvTVaPbEVE7NzKDWkkCNl8fIYckVk83ua9ebQuiX0KlFjSWqzeNPlnZJluuNoACDMsoabITs5FHgsrI9D58_dAhfKBfGs/s1600/5f01eca8-58c4-4cdb-809d-4fed9978d556.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAWHtf_LVpLv5U_Fv8H7VGxPxyan1Jfd2mcp27FXxlg7_3L5AVqtjFniPDbsxSBmvCRImjpPrStg4UR7Y7K4_S16mb4U5URJvTVaPbEVE7NzKDWkkCNl8fIYckVk83ua9ebQuiX0KlFjSWqzeNPlnZJluuNoACDMsoabITs5FHgsrI9D58_dAhfKBfGs/w200-h150/5f01eca8-58c4-4cdb-809d-4fed9978d556.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Near the breathtaking Amida golden statue with open arms
welcoming all beings to the Pure Land we can also find Avalokitesvara and
Mahasthamaprapta, White Tara and Green Tara, and each one with an Amida Buddha
on their crown, signifying the importance of the 17</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Vow of Amida
Buddha, in which He promised all Buddhas would praise and support all those who
say Amida Buddha’s name with faith. We also find a beautiful image of Shinran
Shonin with a little image of Avalokitesvara and Amida inside the same picture,
signifying the belief of many Jodo Shinshu disciples that consider him to be an
emanation of Amida and Avalokitesvara. We also find an image of Rennyo Shonin
and the 7 Jodo Shinshu patriarchs. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The first day we arrived I gave to Josho
Sensei a small gift on behalf of the Latin-american Sangha of Amidaji. It was
an image of Amida Buddha in Japanese style. On the back we put the names of all
the members of Amidaji Latin America. Josho Sensei was pleased and he told me
he would find a good place to put it in one of the Amidaji buildings.</span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Gift to Josho Sensei on behalf
of the latin American Sangha. An image of Amida Buddha in Japanese Style. On
the back there are the names of the members of Amidaji from Latin America.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonCKI11IapxFRJz4yHXyiB9tLnELoE3VoiAvbmkpvsmcOmr3ZmnWtLRl2Ew2WdNwktUAyT_R3tMP7sqmnybWm-_sGty6uRQZdK3BOkvaVrWAyVRyD2eF-3Cp-K5grp_z9DNamX5QUI5z2rtsAfszCn5jSVhWURBvjZJ6B4TF0S7qYqwCOnAQvhJJ15rg/s2398/LATIN%20AMIDAJI%20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2398" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonCKI11IapxFRJz4yHXyiB9tLnELoE3VoiAvbmkpvsmcOmr3ZmnWtLRl2Ew2WdNwktUAyT_R3tMP7sqmnybWm-_sGty6uRQZdK3BOkvaVrWAyVRyD2eF-3Cp-K5grp_z9DNamX5QUI5z2rtsAfszCn5jSVhWURBvjZJ6B4TF0S7qYqwCOnAQvhJJ15rg/s320/LATIN%20AMIDAJI%20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Visit of two Amidaji Members from Craiova - </span></b><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mushu and Gansen Catalin to
Amidaji Temple</span></b></div></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDeAroVDNFpdxgcliPE33nqdaqj-lgW6e6saKuoQI0D4tuiKx-ud5tC0KJWtuTwJorjxb80xupKui4ulzggW1GEKkwZNeRXFuW2fqT2Ur3pXgCQJ-bctr8cncIX1TE9xcyOo3evhAVMCvv03PIbJMEcSkO_DTvgJL-oUDRJOO2aIFgLF8MBdHUDQpxL8/s1600/sangha%20meeting%20with%20kosho2.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDeAroVDNFpdxgcliPE33nqdaqj-lgW6e6saKuoQI0D4tuiKx-ud5tC0KJWtuTwJorjxb80xupKui4ulzggW1GEKkwZNeRXFuW2fqT2Ur3pXgCQJ-bctr8cncIX1TE9xcyOo3evhAVMCvv03PIbJMEcSkO_DTvgJL-oUDRJOO2aIFgLF8MBdHUDQpxL8/s320/sangha%20meeting%20with%20kosho2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>A couple of days after my ordination Munshu and Gansen
Catalin, two members of Amidaji Temple from Romania came to visit Josho Sensei
and I. I was glad I could meet them. It was my first time as monk in front of
people besides Josho Sensei and his mother Tamira, so naturally the day before
I practiced until late how to wear and fold my robes and kesa and I also worked
on my recitation and voice strength. Josho Sensei always stressed the fact that
my voice needs to be strong in order to lead a liturgy with people as it is the
monk’s job to encourage unity among the followers and lead them in terms of
rhythm and recitation style. Once they arrived, we entered the Amidado and
recited the Nembutsu Liturgy together.</span></div> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bg8SkJY5pw_JiPo4l_MwaMbjVlreL9-2jAtZbXt_R558zXJfKPvVI0RDpJ-sKqdwu70bI7A2BbMygiH2yINllXuU2PtiN0olEj0P-qcVyjNGQzda2UE9qa6qfc6xULfcSEp4_2pcZsLS45LCd37xglD5i7ndngDm-0f8WFq7jBr_QPUuXiUe386D0cw/s1600/sangha%20meeting%20with%20kosho8.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bg8SkJY5pw_JiPo4l_MwaMbjVlreL9-2jAtZbXt_R558zXJfKPvVI0RDpJ-sKqdwu70bI7A2BbMygiH2yINllXuU2PtiN0olEj0P-qcVyjNGQzda2UE9qa6qfc6xULfcSEp4_2pcZsLS45LCd37xglD5i7ndngDm-0f8WFq7jBr_QPUuXiUe386D0cw/s320/sangha%20meeting%20with%20kosho8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I also gave my very first
Dharma Talk in front of this small congregation. I felt energized and calmed and
after a brief sermon we bowed in respect and gratitude to one another and then
we exited Amidado.</span></div> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">That day was Josho Sensei’s
birthday. A happy coincidence. So, there was naturally lots of food and
non-alcoholic beer for us. Gansen and Mushu also drank some Colombian Coffee I
had brought to Josho Sensei and his mother as a gift. We also ate fresh tomatoes,
cheese and other delicious vegetables. We also had 3 types of cake that Mrs.
Cirlea had kindly baked for us, so we ate like Persian kings and enjoyed a
conversation on a sunny afternoon bellow the beautiful trees of Amidaji that
provided shade.</span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcq_jbyyBGZfAUYFTEv_pCAZzth8_8a5gia5tLwlfS3dGv06D0BYIkfZROBe-_zxgUpu7dC-Uu3-QIIy1jz6F0nZ82M2wkJiJYh_qzcn210c-tvkIbV4YEBnf7ntsi_6jLreF-ngq7_i2K1ozbttfTDJtvBnw9Seltbg1EI9NGKd8oTYzPTrs8SvfPJ4/s1600/sangha%20meeting%20with%20kosho6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcq_jbyyBGZfAUYFTEv_pCAZzth8_8a5gia5tLwlfS3dGv06D0BYIkfZROBe-_zxgUpu7dC-Uu3-QIIy1jz6F0nZ82M2wkJiJYh_qzcn210c-tvkIbV4YEBnf7ntsi_6jLreF-ngq7_i2K1ozbttfTDJtvBnw9Seltbg1EI9NGKd8oTYzPTrs8SvfPJ4/s320/sangha%20meeting%20with%20kosho6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSvt2xf-O8VTR3w0GiAHP1J94Z1Thd1jNNA8b0jetdeC7RsJZWUAuJChmOoWVUcD7GKXUaw8ZMzhDzA2yVwodxPv7bHhdzkl7q53JwVw0thE3PGF17QWqYB2YFQDQinzH5GHsNdm4CGqN1xxV6nPEPQCv3xCzwQ2orTFW9zIQv2g56Y90GrwN9G-TgG0/s1600/sangha%20meeting%20with%20kosho3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSvt2xf-O8VTR3w0GiAHP1J94Z1Thd1jNNA8b0jetdeC7RsJZWUAuJChmOoWVUcD7GKXUaw8ZMzhDzA2yVwodxPv7bHhdzkl7q53JwVw0thE3PGF17QWqYB2YFQDQinzH5GHsNdm4CGqN1xxV6nPEPQCv3xCzwQ2orTFW9zIQv2g56Y90GrwN9G-TgG0/s320/sangha%20meeting%20with%20kosho3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div></o:p></span></b></div></b><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A raging storm and blackout while I was inside Amidado</span></b></div></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYthxCca5hQjv-sezsWf8bTK_PN3T9GGPBZH0D5mIz9ox_8rJ3PndaXtpzgNgv9N_5n_QxJ40WVnMKkSi4Tvh3rCm6IDzuih_KxkfIugtUFQYiYzi8_wIUvLGV2jy1tRLSCXINaIFpRmlvMC7jO0JyoINuNYZvKyq9ebgqJoYOHMFQKBKJexqTK9Tksc4/s1600/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-09-22%20at%2022.22.17.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYthxCca5hQjv-sezsWf8bTK_PN3T9GGPBZH0D5mIz9ox_8rJ3PndaXtpzgNgv9N_5n_QxJ40WVnMKkSi4Tvh3rCm6IDzuih_KxkfIugtUFQYiYzi8_wIUvLGV2jy1tRLSCXINaIFpRmlvMC7jO0JyoINuNYZvKyq9ebgqJoYOHMFQKBKJexqTK9Tksc4/s320/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-09-22%20at%2022.22.17.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>An incident happened that night. I was inside Amidado
practicing the recitation of the Juseige when suddenly a storm was unleashed above
Amidado. It was a heavy rain that caused a blackout for about 15 minutes. The
only light that remained was the electric candle light besides the golden
statue of Amida Buddha. The rest was pitch dark. It was a surreal experience.
My voice was being silenced by the heavy rain and thunder sound above the roof.
However, I continued to chant. As I saw the little light besides Amida Buddha I
felt as though a great Dharma Lesson was being given to me by the Buddhas. This
thought came to my mind “In the midst of the chaos and darkness of samsara,
only Amida Buddha’s light can guide the way of sentient beings. In this Dharma
Age in which evil and ignorance are praised even inside Buddhism then the
Primal Vow is the only light that remains to guide our way.</span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Some meaningful conversations with Josho Sensei </span></b><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">on the future of Jodo Shinshu outside of Japan</span></b></div></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieqw8OnUqkD_VO1ssE1mx4cAohjS5xjxgw_knNHN_wep3SNzG8gfuxUdIfd1YZv5T5RzMkfde9BBK4skiHuWHXnpyrLVrdCYQ4Jn93QSvKwgGMcEEgJpYDESiFeF1IFL8eCNXdF6D4nR9io6tXloIGUIYA3p1-iAKxwkBuoyW_xMYozlNcC1avFpiP_4/s1599/enjoying%20tea.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1599" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieqw8OnUqkD_VO1ssE1mx4cAohjS5xjxgw_knNHN_wep3SNzG8gfuxUdIfd1YZv5T5RzMkfde9BBK4skiHuWHXnpyrLVrdCYQ4Jn93QSvKwgGMcEEgJpYDESiFeF1IFL8eCNXdF6D4nR9io6tXloIGUIYA3p1-iAKxwkBuoyW_xMYozlNcC1avFpiP_4/s320/enjoying%20tea.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">One day we were drinking black tea together as usual
after dinner. We started to talk about the importance of having a decentralized
platform to teach Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. He told me that Kosho Othani, a former
Monshu (Headpriest) of Hongwanji, promoted the first ordinations of European
Jodo Shinshu priests in Europe. Several Jodo Shinshu priests had been ordained
in Europe by Europeans. Josho Sensei said “However, <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2021/09/nobody-has-any-monopoly-on-jodo-shinshu.html" target="_blank">nowadays nobody in Hongwanji likes to speak about this. They do not do it because this undermines the power of the Japanese leadership”.</a> He also told me,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“I do not want to be anyone’s guru or have monopoly
over ordinations. I want to empower monks and nuns in their own countries so
that they can do many things by themselves”. Later he explained the importance
of being resourceful and skillful when it comes to rules and regulations when
it comes to spreading Amida Dharma in different countries. He constantly
emphasized “Each kyodan (region/district) needs to take care of their own affairs and
spread the Dharma in ways that are only known to the inhabitants of a
particular country and culture”. He also emphasized he did not want Amidaji to
revolve around one person and that he wants all monks and nuns to be proactive
and resourceful.</span></div></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11ydt7sDWt0piJMQ683Hx-rK82v5_SO4Wxcu5RkC1c3vNo-e5HsUqQtQkTvKo7yKor-94dqez2clHYCRfd7S8-Kgw1BVSuHHxjqvo4uTTpsAou_S5QX7jvC0J9kWkqZzK6Uc1nDrrYn95fYClzExcgDeIrXpyD7ZNMh-NUrQkn7uIv8Ea_Zntmd-9n2I/s1600/Dharma%20duscussion.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11ydt7sDWt0piJMQ683Hx-rK82v5_SO4Wxcu5RkC1c3vNo-e5HsUqQtQkTvKo7yKor-94dqez2clHYCRfd7S8-Kgw1BVSuHHxjqvo4uTTpsAou_S5QX7jvC0J9kWkqZzK6Uc1nDrrYn95fYClzExcgDeIrXpyD7ZNMh-NUrQkn7uIv8Ea_Zntmd-9n2I/s320/Dharma%20duscussion.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>On having a Dharma-centric Sangha based on meritocracy</span></b></div></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We also reflected together on
the effects of being too obsessed with ranks and prestige and not the Dharma,
and that becoming a Jodo Shinshu monk in Japan nowadays is mostly about smiling
and kissing asses and is not related about your seriousness, determination and
knowledge of the Dharma. We at Amidaji are different. We care about the correct
understanding of the Dharma of each member, lay teacher, monk and nun. A man or
a woman can only be measured in terms of their seriousness, determination and
knowledge of the Dharma. We rejoiced over the fact that everything at Amidaji
has the Dharma at its core. We keep mundane issues outside of the Temple and we
focus on the Dharma alone. However we also admitted that eventually all Sanghas
deteriorate due to many reasons. This is the reason we must work hard and be
very careful with the people we let into the Temple, especially if they have
wrong views. We concluded the only way to help the Sangha was by being
proactive and always asking Amida Buddha for guidance.</span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VM1K6gBSEffwYLFRiKQzmFc0vEB0YKhLlBB8hyb9SWaOJQQICQoJ5PKwuq45JTgWAmGv_JQ6MHJKQuURuEV5Kc_4C7y9tQOFf9qnNi1gbFjCeGEfHKglKfWuum49ojBHXFtIVsoeyiRmNAgG1I1aO4hoRxYGTpPdAYSFnTwRr02sQ89iFoj5_273Cco/s1196/bowing%20to%20one%20another%20kosho%20and%20josho.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="1196" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VM1K6gBSEffwYLFRiKQzmFc0vEB0YKhLlBB8hyb9SWaOJQQICQoJ5PKwuq45JTgWAmGv_JQ6MHJKQuURuEV5Kc_4C7y9tQOFf9qnNi1gbFjCeGEfHKglKfWuum49ojBHXFtIVsoeyiRmNAgG1I1aO4hoRxYGTpPdAYSFnTwRr02sQ89iFoj5_273Cco/s320/bowing%20to%20one%20another%20kosho%20and%20josho.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>“Amidaji
does not care about numbers but about the Dharma” is something that Josho
Sensei also emphasized a lot during our conversations. We talked about the fact
that many temples in Japan and around the world (both in the east and west) had
turned into culture houses that offer all kinds of mundane entertainments:
bazars, food, alcohol and mundane skills like ikebana and martial arts. Jodo
Shinshu Temples around the world like to combine Nembutsu with other practices
in order to attract more people. We concluded this is indeed lamentable and
decadent. I remember Rennyo Shonin who also lamented people using temples for
social mundane gatherings. He said:</span></div> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">For what purpose have there come to be meetings twice
each month? They are [held] for the sake of realizing one’s own faith which
leads to birth in the Land of Utmost Bliss and for nothing else. Although there
have been “meetings” everywhere each month, from the past up until now, there
has never been anything at all that might be called a discussion of faith. <b>In recent years in particular, when there
have been meetings (wherever they have been), everyone has dispersed after
nothing more than sake, rice, and tea. This is indeed contrary to the
fundamental intent of the Buddha-Dharma. Although each of those lacking faith
(fushin) should by all means raise their doubts and discuss what it is to have
faith or be without it, they take their leave without coming to any
conclusions. This is not as it should be. You must carefully reflect on this
matter. In brief, it is essential that each of those lacking faith (fushin)
have discussions of faith with one another from now on.<a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/AMIDAJI/ORDINATIE%20AMIDAJI/AMIDAJI%20TOKUDO%20ARTICLE%20REVISED.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[3]</span></b></span></span></a></b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgmljwKkAiI6yCpMekaA6mKCHmYX-HHWXs55TnGtZ0IP3Xrrenbp5SzIt_-U9g0ag3WvUgXUU9Ov1Ms7sVXKTgiap81SUqihSMoea4aFzB3ZOTmnFyL7jbqBw-C7EQT307ac9_1_OoXoxgixTz2KSUEP5p5Dq6u5oeB1v2lfibDvDhV3XoqgFU0oWDfY/s2000/on%20the%20road%202.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgmljwKkAiI6yCpMekaA6mKCHmYX-HHWXs55TnGtZ0IP3Xrrenbp5SzIt_-U9g0ag3WvUgXUU9Ov1Ms7sVXKTgiap81SUqihSMoea4aFzB3ZOTmnFyL7jbqBw-C7EQT307ac9_1_OoXoxgixTz2KSUEP5p5Dq6u5oeB1v2lfibDvDhV3XoqgFU0oWDfY/s320/on%20the%20road%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Amidaji is an organization that has at its core the
Amida Dharma alone. We don’t care about politically correct teachings meant to
please the ears of those who embrace views contrary to the Dharma. We care
about people receiving Shinjin and we want to create an environment that
supports and honors that.</span></div></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The reason for coming to a Jodo Shinshu temple is to
receive Shinjin. The questions people should ask in a Jodo Shinshu temple are
Dharma questions. “How can I attain Buddhahood if I am an ordinary being?” What
is Amida Buddha’s Primal Vow? What is the meaning of faith and Nembutsu? What
is the law of karma? What is the true meaning of Enlightenment?” These are the
questions that are meant to be discussed in a temple. All entertainments,
mundane affairs and personal opinions should be left outside of the Temple the
same way you leave your shoes outside.</span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Pp5rahltPMQFmIPS_D5dvCCv7VyUD6sf3n_qNQulx4XZdgZsvmlGlfRDcu6fz83fJOm8vjuRP_sv127_iZZ5E4A42gu7uuXvUkWXqc2x1GcWAx61c2otmjJBya7OfYWRZ6wnCQ3iww6BSexwWyGd71lnnoO3Qk2M6y0U27g-FL_dJMQLo5bQnfF9N9A/s1600/Kosho%20garden%20altar%20light6.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Pp5rahltPMQFmIPS_D5dvCCv7VyUD6sf3n_qNQulx4XZdgZsvmlGlfRDcu6fz83fJOm8vjuRP_sv127_iZZ5E4A42gu7uuXvUkWXqc2x1GcWAx61c2otmjJBya7OfYWRZ6wnCQ3iww6BSexwWyGd71lnnoO3Qk2M6y0U27g-FL_dJMQLo5bQnfF9N9A/s320/Kosho%20garden%20altar%20light6.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>The Analogy of the rats and the building</span></b></div></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Josho Sensei also expressed
Amidaji’s determination to protect ALL aspects of the Dharma, not only Jodo
Shinshu Buddhism. During our conversations he once gave me the example of a
building that is attacked by rats:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If you let the rats come to
one floor then they will soon manage a way to invade the other floors. The
building of the Buddha-Dharma has many rooms/teachings. It has teachings on
morality, marriage, meditation, cosmology, faith…etc. <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/10/on-importance-to-defend-all-aspects-of.html" target="_blank">If we let people withw rong views distort one aspect of the Buddha Dharma, then, sooner or later, they will find a way to distort other aspects of the Buddha Dharma. </a>He mentioned
that the attitude of many Jodo Shinshu followers is to only worry about their
own “floor” (the teaching on Amida Buddha and His Pure Land) and they do not
care so much if people with wrong views distort the teachings on morality which
are being attacked now by modernist teachers which promote sexual misconduct,
combine different samsaric religions with the Dharma and deny the basics of
Mahayana Buddhism. However, the reason so many false teachers deny Amida Buddha
and His Pure Land as it was taught in the sutras is because they had also
distorted other aspects of the Buddha Dharma beforehand, the same way a rat
needs to get to some parts of a building before jumping to another area. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This
analogy deeply motivated me defend all aspects of the Buddha Dharma, because as
Josho Sensei explained, the Buddha Dharma is the perfect medicine that was
given to us by the Buddha, and there is no place for unenlightened sentient
beings to accept one aspect of the teaching while discarding other aspects they
dislike. Ordinary sentient beings should accept the Dharma as it was taught by
the Buddha and should present it to others without adding or omitting anything.
A sick person who is ignorant of the science of medicine is not in a position
to alter or mix medications. We as sick samsaric beings should only follow the
instructions of the Doctor (the Buddha) and consume the Medicine (The Dharma)
exactly as it was prescribed.</span></div> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFfynqhWGoHtWiHQoSo1AwFRxDyuO9-VNY5-7aqvcPWM3QThrC_kc5alFfSmrOkaxCLkHNmzlcqoeGnrKgzihD3CCFS3CC4foxLJhowuKjx50pQVhxwcJzBh9fR4wDjJiV_xIw4wPOOE2wahPUh9XjeK8w1U30-ceG5MNdIGWlA6pyXAgQVtzxsiWqus/s1600/learning%20together.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFfynqhWGoHtWiHQoSo1AwFRxDyuO9-VNY5-7aqvcPWM3QThrC_kc5alFfSmrOkaxCLkHNmzlcqoeGnrKgzihD3CCFS3CC4foxLJhowuKjx50pQVhxwcJzBh9fR4wDjJiV_xIw4wPOOE2wahPUh9XjeK8w1U30-ceG5MNdIGWlA6pyXAgQVtzxsiWqus/s320/learning%20together.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Making history
together</span></b></div></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Another thing that Josho
Sensei emphasized a lot was the motto “let’s make history together”.</span></div> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Indeed, Amidaji is only 3
years old as an officially independent Jodo Shinshu branch outside Japan.
<a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/09/on-amidaji-branch-of-jodo-shinshu-and.html#more" target="_blank">Amidaji declared its independence on September 4</a></span><sup><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/09/on-amidaji-branch-of-jodo-shinshu-and.html#more" target="_blank">th</a></sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/09/on-amidaji-branch-of-jodo-shinshu-and.html#more" target="_blank"> 2020</a> and it
already has many members in Russia, western and Eastern Europe, North America
and Latin America. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Of course, <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2021/05/the-path-between-thorns-my-spiritual.html" target="_blank">Josho Sensei has been a monk since 2003, and he has had a proactive career as a Dharma teacher and author</a> ever since, however
in 2020 Amidaji International Temple, a new branch of Jodo Shinshu, became a
reality after Josho Sensei struggled for more than 17 years with the lack of
proper leadership by Hongwanji which he often described as “being run like a
business company”. This is not to say there are not good people and priests
with faith and good understanding in many Jodo Shinshu temples in Japan. Of
course, there are. <b>In Amidaji we do not consider that we have the monopoly over
the true Jodo Shinshu Teaching</b>. That would be nonsensical. However, the
leadership of the most important Jodo Shinshu institutions in Japan and North
America has indeed allowed many wrong views that are contrary to general
Mahayana Buddhism and the true Jodo Shinshu path as taught by Shinran Shonin. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Many of the leaders of BCA (Buddhist Churches of America) Higashi Hongwanji and
Nichi Hongwanji are lovers of atheists/materialists <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2014/10/an-example-of-false-teachings-of.html" target="_blank">thinkers such as Manshi</a>,
Unno and Bloom, who have proved time and time again that they do not have faith
in the Mahayana Sutras or in Amida Buddha as a real living Enlightened Being.
<a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2011/12/those-who-deny-existence-of-amida-dont.html" target="_blank">They call Amida a symbol/metaphor/fictional character</a> and <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2015/09/a-collection-of-passages-on-true.html" target="_blank">the Pure Land a state of mind</a>, ignoring the compassionate warnings of Shakyamuni Buddha, Honen,
Shinran and Rennyo. This is indeed a sorrowful situation, in which a leadership
that is supposed to encourage its priests and members to have faith in Amida
Buddha in accordance with the sutras and the teachings of Shinran is doing the
exact opposite of what it is supposed to be doing. This is like an incompetent
parent who lets his house with his wife and children unprotected and open to
bandits, rats and all sorts of dangers. This is the kind of perverse and
careless attitude that allowed Jodo Shinshu temples in North America and Brazil
to support mundane ideologies such <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/06/all-lives-matter-amidaji-does-not-take.html" target="_blank">as BLM</a> and <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/10/a-response-to-fake-buddhist-followers.html" target="_blank">the LGTBQ movement</a>, even to the
point of using the symbols of such movements with the image of Amida Buddha or
in their kesas!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div> </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In this Dharma
Ending Age, as Josho Sensei pointed out, many demonic and inverted points of
view are present in society and have even found their way inside many temples!
How sad indeed! How pitiful! I am so glad that I could quickly see these
organizations for what they were, and found Amidaji instead. Being ordained in
such organizations with that kind of careless leadership </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">would have been difficult for me. Josho Sensei told about how much he
had to struggle to study the sacred texts himself. He was constantly reading,
comparing and investigating on his own and being always firm in the true faith
even though he was surrounded by many false teachers. Thankfully, early in his
journey in Jodo Shinshu he had found the book of Ryosetsu Fujiwara “A Standard
of Shinshu Faith” which was a manual that guided him to the correct
understanding of the teachings of Shinran Shonin. Fujiwara Sensei had passed
away before Josho Sensei became a monk. After he told me that I thought to
myself “How fortunate I am to have found not only books, but a living teacher
to ask questions to and discuss the Dharma!”</span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div><o:p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bz2FZlyAnHU9kR7YcDRhVaCvvsi-Jrckd83LFk7TYAcLvoRjtvES6X8dUzuQr_LlV4Jmo23EHZZUWoXg0tWs48QoLFXqeTSz9NKSRxBJ-Drorqi-ruWXqBd_T3GlX-Q3Eu1GUNd6QxwTu8RIhu8p7PI3ZKYK99MlY6C7N60mtO_jkRGWy399WoS8Hb0/s2000/on%20the%20road.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bz2FZlyAnHU9kR7YcDRhVaCvvsi-Jrckd83LFk7TYAcLvoRjtvES6X8dUzuQr_LlV4Jmo23EHZZUWoXg0tWs48QoLFXqeTSz9NKSRxBJ-Drorqi-ruWXqBd_T3GlX-Q3Eu1GUNd6QxwTu8RIhu8p7PI3ZKYK99MlY6C7N60mtO_jkRGWy399WoS8Hb0/s320/on%20the%20road.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Josho Sensei admitted to me one night that he wasted
lots of time trying to convince those whose loyalty is solely to politics,
power, shallow customs and modernist philosophers and not loyalty to the Buddha
Dharma and the True Jodo Shinshu Teaching. My gratitude is indeed immense. I am
so glad auspicious past karmic connections have finally brought me to meet
Josho Sensei in this life and that now we can walk a path that needs to be
opened as we walk together. I am eager to make history together with him and
all my dear Amida Dharma friends around the world. We have so many things to do
together! I recorded here just a fraction of the things we talked; however, I
hope these reflections are useful to the readers, especially to those who plan
to become monks, nuns and lay teachers of Amidaji in the future. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">May Amida
Buddha guide their Path for the benefit of all beings!</span></div></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Namo Amida Bu</span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusXIcvkxUbYUSZkRqAtrJlS4rj7rZ6jfLGbr2H_FvC0UsIo04WpF7v4zQzrI948HqWpmCkn47tWrQA6VA0fdoC69kek9TbJWqnSU38PqNygwswdqvEkb3UiYuT_L8w8MQM-B7U8wQAv9ZkEZogL5Soq5sVSS0UBZ4lVb8RhccgHjR4vA1R4yf-COem8Y/s2000/in%20front%20of%20the%20Amidaji%20gate.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusXIcvkxUbYUSZkRqAtrJlS4rj7rZ6jfLGbr2H_FvC0UsIo04WpF7v4zQzrI948HqWpmCkn47tWrQA6VA0fdoC69kek9TbJWqnSU38PqNygwswdqvEkb3UiYuT_L8w8MQM-B7U8wQAv9ZkEZogL5Soq5sVSS0UBZ4lVb8RhccgHjR4vA1R4yf-COem8Y/s320/in%20front%20of%20the%20Amidaji%20gate.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The final days of training at Amidaji</span></b></div></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62Ux7B59Bx88lhDOiBZ1d7Q6u5_WGT1rKDhmu5cU6Ee88dBfPeHigSa7gjHo31kcUfcIRbHmoKu7h2rZO9wGFX0zZTUoAVEfoo_b40pyZBJOvH0DttbWE0JxsYV9s98jwV9cLb6AGjvDQw7OJqt60bx2uTAOpa2xPIZHdU8iUQhHN1B4NWmxAfwrdgXE/s1600/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-09-22%20at%2022.22.22%20(1).jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62Ux7B59Bx88lhDOiBZ1d7Q6u5_WGT1rKDhmu5cU6Ee88dBfPeHigSa7gjHo31kcUfcIRbHmoKu7h2rZO9wGFX0zZTUoAVEfoo_b40pyZBJOvH0DttbWE0JxsYV9s98jwV9cLb6AGjvDQw7OJqt60bx2uTAOpa2xPIZHdU8iUQhHN1B4NWmxAfwrdgXE/s320/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-09-22%20at%2022.22.22%20(1).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>During the last 3 days at Amidaji Josho Sensei focused
on showing me how to recite the Sambutsuge (Hyms in Praise of the Buddha) and
we also focused on perfecting the Amidaji Nembutsu Liturgy and the Juseige. We
also practiced the three prostrations in Amidaji style. We were often surprised
on how many things can only be taught in person! Josho Sensei told me: “It is
vital for a Sangha to meet face to face and practice together” We sincerely
hope many more meetings will come in the future in which Amidaji members,
teachers and monks can meet together and learn from each other.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Time was precious as I could only stay for a week at
Amidaji so Josho Sensei often told me “It is better you properly learn just a
couple of things in a good way instead of knowing many things and making lots
of mistakes”- I agreed with him since this was my very first time in a Buddhist
temple and I had no experience whatsoever in recitation and bowing, not to
mention that folding and wearing the robes and kesa proofed to be particularly
difficult for me, so I had to focus on it A LOT. We also managed to record
together the Nembutsu Liturgy, the Juseige and the Sambutsuge for the our YouTube
channels. Even though it was not perfect I was glad we could chant together.
Josho Sensei’s voice is like a roaring lion, mine was not so strong. However, Josho
Sensei told me that my voice had become stronger during my training. I was
pleased to hear that.</span></div> </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvLP7tCpYfxJEgR2Hjsl23E8T-YFmNs7pb73mHnaSMdh0yLNsW7myZg2gVYwnuwZ2BA6fvfPrGe0jsEiu3FU_83BA6EEJ0uIUdowg4jlCqmFiUZ_6osvaaSEuiDvSX99o4DSTb2zRa5eOjyeyh1Y5bFpUEDe4wFclP298AMNbCsXlWPh4Mo1t2zA8Kbw/s1600/Kosho%20under%20the%20tree2.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvLP7tCpYfxJEgR2Hjsl23E8T-YFmNs7pb73mHnaSMdh0yLNsW7myZg2gVYwnuwZ2BA6fvfPrGe0jsEiu3FU_83BA6EEJ0uIUdowg4jlCqmFiUZ_6osvaaSEuiDvSX99o4DSTb2zRa5eOjyeyh1Y5bFpUEDe4wFclP298AMNbCsXlWPh4Mo1t2zA8Kbw/s320/Kosho%20under%20the%20tree2.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Ceremonies for the benefit of sentient beings and a
funny incident</span></b></div></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I was really eager to practice
the <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/06/ceremony-for-helping-hungry-spirits-and.html" target="_blank">Aroma Offering Ceremony</a> and <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/12/new-book-worshipping-amida-buddha.html" target="_blank">the Smoke Offering</a>. These two ceremonies are
done to help sentient beings create connections with Amida Buddha. The Aroma
Offering is done at night and it is especially dedicated to pretas (hungry ghosts)
and bardo beings who are said to be more active after nightfall. The Smoke
offering is meant to be held early in the morning or at least before noon, as
this is a smoke offering for all sentient beings.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We did the Aroma Offering
Ceremony using honey and milk cookies turned into powder and some charcoals.
Josho Sensei had explained to me that after he founded Amidaji Temple back in
2014 he had told all the unseen spirits and <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2023/04/bhuma-devas-gods-connected-to-same.html" target="_blank">Bhuma Devas</a> (Gods of Nature) that
this temple was also for them and that they could come anytime they wanted to
receive teachings and recite Nembutsu. Josho Sensei has a great enthusiasm <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/06/various-ways-to-help-non-human-beings.html" target="_blank">tohelp pretas, bardo beings and bhuma devas </a>as he often does this ceremonies of
aroma and smoke offering for their benefit. It is said that many beings in the
unseen realms feed on different kinds of aromas, so naturally making aroma and
smoke offerings is a skillful means to attract many of these beings and give
them Dharma Teachings and allow them to hear and recite Amida’s Name. Josho
Sensei and his dear friend Mokugan (himself a veteran Zen priest) often travel
the country side in order to help sentient beings create connections with the
Buddha Dharma. Mokugan often recites Avalokitesvara Dharanis and the Heart
Sutra and Josho Sensei recites Nembutsu and our Amidaji ceremonies to help
sentient beings.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When we did the Aroma Offering
it was a windy and lovely night. We recited all the words in English with a
solemn and strong voice, inviting all beings and specially Bardo beings and
pretas to come and receive the aroma offering and hopefully create a connection
with Amida Buddha. However, as I was seated in a chair besides a small tree I
suddenly fell from the chair and completely fell to the ground along with my
robes. Josho Sensei did not notice me for some seconds as he continued to
recite in a solemn manner. When he saw me down there he burst into laughter. He
even cried with tears because he was laughing so hard. I also laughed and felt
a little embarrassed and hoped that the spirits did not think I was trying to
sabotage the ceremony. We somehow managed to compose ourselves and finish the
ceremony without laughing (we failed several times, lol)</span><b style="font-size: 12pt;"> </b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">but we finally finished.</span></div> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSYNNoj5MxGIUlgzS7YmEeyhPb_A17D1fNdLnNXyh0qEj5lNr0iTQaFi6hKDwt1RTKAEIYQBYJxtudKoW1uxO02btRq4oSBcnrOtLTqI5IpG2G50jZISQBFRtR6qpmvDxXDi6OJEgtLpue0sDQXsy8y9ja_jeMF1ySBBJ3BEoxczv4G0t9sA_tvb7yiY/s1600/Having%20fun.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSYNNoj5MxGIUlgzS7YmEeyhPb_A17D1fNdLnNXyh0qEj5lNr0iTQaFi6hKDwt1RTKAEIYQBYJxtudKoW1uxO02btRq4oSBcnrOtLTqI5IpG2G50jZISQBFRtR6qpmvDxXDi6OJEgtLpue0sDQXsy8y9ja_jeMF1ySBBJ3BEoxczv4G0t9sA_tvb7yiY/s320/Having%20fun.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I tried to learn from this
funny experience as well. I said to myself: Whatever good that comes from such
ceremonies comes from Amida Buddha, we are only there as ordinary beings with
faith in Amida Buddha, so regardless of our stupid thoughts, distractions and
lack of virtue, these kinds of ceremonies for the benefit of sentient beings function
because of Amida Buddha Himself. So far from feeling ashamed, Josho Sensei and
I had a good laugh and we felt relaxed as we knew that <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/10/do-not-worry-about-inner-or-outer.html" target="_blank">Faith and Nembutsu have no relationship whatsoever to the content of our minds, nor are faith and Nembutsu affected by anything from our personality. </a>So, we finished the
ceremony and bowed to our friends in these unseen realms of existence and
sincerely hoped that they create a connection with Amida Buddha.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiDPccqtRAw9mEC5yNgTPv6nQqdiYwTGSRkUgDmwR6c4nQHKJ2YSvt5C910AMskaUlajgBFgM6nYo8yf-riei16hSem6BKljvUdGEn8ZvuCZoSpMDQXVxlwSBWxM1JLTUHA5wT_D1BWshXK0pXG0-KB0V1LlVqPorh72LSGhdQphm85pyJeYgJaz3J0c/s2000/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-09-27%20at%2017.13.35.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiDPccqtRAw9mEC5yNgTPv6nQqdiYwTGSRkUgDmwR6c4nQHKJ2YSvt5C910AMskaUlajgBFgM6nYo8yf-riei16hSem6BKljvUdGEn8ZvuCZoSpMDQXVxlwSBWxM1JLTUHA5wT_D1BWshXK0pXG0-KB0V1LlVqPorh72LSGhdQphm85pyJeYgJaz3J0c/s320/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-09-27%20at%2017.13.35.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">See you later!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxztOufKYTLxXz-4iHNwcGCQJfc2v2_Mr56qKHATla_mTPALxffkegdguzPfkcvIEGWPULaJRD-f-rJ0WMCB4xMDE9h_5-6vuSav9vSNSWNoWUXnZk0rxp82X-cJVtHwjB8hrZG543AU2HfmnP7kCGSLSQ5kTM7lTUMNtnP__UzlITuUdFHWr_SCzr0Yw/s2000/Josho%20Tamita%20and%20Kosho.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxztOufKYTLxXz-4iHNwcGCQJfc2v2_Mr56qKHATla_mTPALxffkegdguzPfkcvIEGWPULaJRD-f-rJ0WMCB4xMDE9h_5-6vuSav9vSNSWNoWUXnZk0rxp82X-cJVtHwjB8hrZG543AU2HfmnP7kCGSLSQ5kTM7lTUMNtnP__UzlITuUdFHWr_SCzr0Yw/s320/Josho%20Tamita%20and%20Kosho.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The last day I was at the
temple (I was there for 7 days) we mostly relaxed and <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2023/10/three-jodo-shinshu-buddhist-hymns.html" target="_blank">recorded the liturgy andthe two hymns that Josho Sensei had taught me during training.</a> Josho Sensei
told me: “You have to practice every day at home, otherwise you will forget.
This is very important”. I showed Josho Sensei some funny Colombian music and
he laughed a lot hearing it. He also showed me some beautiful traditional
Romanian music. I was especially fond of a traditional Romanian song about a
man and a horse walking together and finding a bird that could sing about his
sorrows. I thought it was so whimsical and we joked about it a lot together. We
also enjoyed hearing some traditional gypsy music which was very interesting to
me. Josho Sensei insisted this music was better than the modern gypsy music
some of his neighbors in the village like nowadays. I agreed.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszFGWGUzZmi3H61wkR4yaZa1ePV0Cn_PVQPBXT6yK4yLt-6K0Ch1QDNKdqPeXNOTiodcmKRNEIH5LURe9KLZa22CyKlFtq0CSGlaaVUi6Hz5WKY6MMvnci8h3h-sgxv_xlpuioxjkQE05gk2Q5EsHoLyS8prSZDtIy-9Io_w-Js2ht5GsLAKYmIQAg0s/s1600/Kosho%20Josho%20Jinshin%20si%20Bastet.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszFGWGUzZmi3H61wkR4yaZa1ePV0Cn_PVQPBXT6yK4yLt-6K0Ch1QDNKdqPeXNOTiodcmKRNEIH5LURe9KLZa22CyKlFtq0CSGlaaVUi6Hz5WKY6MMvnci8h3h-sgxv_xlpuioxjkQE05gk2Q5EsHoLyS8prSZDtIy-9Io_w-Js2ht5GsLAKYmIQAg0s/s320/Kosho%20Josho%20Jinshin%20si%20Bastet.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The next day we traveled to Craiova early in the
morning and then we took the train back to Bucharest. My plane back to Colombia
was due to depart the next day at 8 30 pm. I had the chance to meet Josho
Sensei’s wife Jinshin Catalina. I also gave her some Colombian Coffee and
sweets. I also met Josho Sensei’s lovely baby cat Bastet. We walked together in
Bucharest and had a wonderful time. They invited me to have dinner and we
enjoyed ourselves talking and having a good time. I also bought a Turkish
Teapot to make Black Tea as Josho Sensei made me an addict to Turkish black
tea. I guess I also bought it as a souvenir because it reminded me of our
conversations at Amidaji. Besides, Turkish tea is very tasty and good for your
stomach and soothing to the brain. The next day I had lunch with Josho Sensei
in one of Bucharest’s historical neighborhoods. Bucharest stroke me as a lovely
city filled with beautiful old fashioned architecture. On our way to the
Airport we talked about the future ordination of Daigan Sensei and Jishin, our
Dharma friends from Uruguay. Josho Sensei also told me he hoped </span><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-size: 12pt;">to
visit Colombia and Uruguay in the future to have Nembutsu retreats. I was very
happy about this prospect so when I said farewell it was more like a “see you
later, Josho Sensei”</span></div></span><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div><o:p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There are many more things that happened, however for
the sake of my dear Dharma friends I wrote these words trying to express the
most important teachings and events as they were imprinted on my mind. Now I
look ahead and I hope that Amidaji grows like a strong a graceful tree with its
roots in the True Teaching of Amida Buddha’s Primal Vow and its branches
pointing always to Amida Buddha’s Pure Land.</span></div></o:p></span><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Namo Amida Bu</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOC6W4DZkiJssrTMcmClvGkwYwVpfAJMP0zLvRNPZuyaW4fN3DWGR7ymp7HcDdQvFnw7_B5PDNiMWvVFIH8GFNDDDNLz6WGZGmAb18YitHHVji3iWpcs-hPwrEHdWNmP_CJvEKJWg_KMbt3S5Slp6wsFvH2H37JflGWvsvBDjDHQ46xM4XMo6gFSzCpeg/s2000/ordination9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOC6W4DZkiJssrTMcmClvGkwYwVpfAJMP0zLvRNPZuyaW4fN3DWGR7ymp7HcDdQvFnw7_B5PDNiMWvVFIH8GFNDDDNLz6WGZGmAb18YitHHVji3iWpcs-hPwrEHdWNmP_CJvEKJWg_KMbt3S5Slp6wsFvH2H37JflGWvsvBDjDHQ46xM4XMo6gFSzCpeg/s320/ordination9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div></span><hr size="1" style="text-align: justify;" width="33%" /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/AMIDAJI/ORDINATIE%20AMIDAJI/AMIDAJI%20TOKUDO%20ARTICLE%20REVISED.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="font-size: 12pt;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="ES-CO"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="ES-CO" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: ES-CO; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Master Shan-tao quoted by Shinran
in Kyogyoshinsho, chapter III, Kyogyoshinsho – On Teaching, Practice, Faith,
and Enlightenment, translated by Hisao Inagaki, Numata Center for Buddhist
Translation and Research, Kyoto, 2003, p. 130</span></div><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/AMIDAJI/ORDINATIE%20AMIDAJI/AMIDAJI%20TOKUDO%20ARTICLE%20REVISED.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Kyogyoshinsho
– On Teaching, Practice, Faith, and Enlightenment, chapter III, translated by
Hisao Inagaki, Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, Kyoto,
2003, p. 129</span></div><o:p><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/AMIDAJI/ORDINATIE%20AMIDAJI/AMIDAJI%20TOKUDO%20ARTICLE%20REVISED.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="ES-CO"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="ES-CO" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: ES-CO; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span></span></span></a><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="ES-CO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://web.mit.edu/stclair/www/OFUMI.html"><span lang="EN-US">http://web.mit.edu/stclair/www/OFUMI.html</span></a></span></div></o:p></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div></div></div>Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580569388141809017.post-75069367032118939412023-10-08T21:43:00.002+03:002023-10-08T21:43:36.914+03:00Three Jodo Shinshu Buddhist hymns recited in Amidaji style by Rev Josho and Rev Kosho (audio/video)<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPJs39orxWUdyZ2oj8e6YQ52pZXzTedATPo46SM_3FyXAEC4K1SG5w0wTM9EUactlMM1VdClpD9_YChKd1cLkElOvtEg0WdiUc5L7vc5DhEZNwq87r4iitXTKyzZHiKa-K1GXWQHA8FRDJzZrqn-IOcdHIHrtA6j1XDgLGG89U74gRh6y_hGYni_JslA/s1206/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-10-06%20at%2017.51.28.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1206" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPJs39orxWUdyZ2oj8e6YQ52pZXzTedATPo46SM_3FyXAEC4K1SG5w0wTM9EUactlMM1VdClpD9_YChKd1cLkElOvtEg0WdiUc5L7vc5DhEZNwq87r4iitXTKyzZHiKa-K1GXWQHA8FRDJzZrqn-IOcdHIHrtA6j1XDgLGG89U74gRh6y_hGYni_JslA/s320/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-10-06%20at%2017.51.28.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Here are three hymns recited in the powerful and energetic Amidaji style at Amidaji temple in Romania, during the Nembutsu retreat organized on the occasion of <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2023/09/the-first-monk-ordination-in-amidaji.html" target="_blank">our first monk (priest) ordination (click here to read about it).</a><br /></div><div>Each hymn is followed by the phonetical recitation and the English translation. All the hymns we use as well as various liturgical and worshipping explanations are explained in my book, <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2020/12/new-book-worshipping-amida-buddha.html" target="_blank"><i>Worshipping Amida Buddha - Liturgies and Ceremonies of Amidaji Temple</i>, that you cand download for free or buy at this link. </a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The Nembutsu liturgy</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ydGCXnknEis?si=VHMKXqii6IOlhzRP" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">●●</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doshi (the Leader): <b>BU JO MI DA NYO RAI NIU DO JO</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">we
respectfully call upon Amida Buddha to enter this</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">place of practice</span></i><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></i></span></a><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon (together):
<b>SAN GE RAKU</b></span><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[2]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></b></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">as we joyfully scatter flowers of welcome<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doshi: <b>BU JO SHA KA NYO RAI NIU DO JO<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">we respectfully
call upon Shakyamuni Buddha to enter this place of practice</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon:
<b>SAN GE RAKU</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">as we joyfully scatter flowers of welcome<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doshi: <b>BU JO JIP-PO NYO RAI NIU DO JO</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">we respectfully
call upon all Buddhas from the ten directions<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon:<b> SAN GE RAKU <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">as we joyfully scatter flowers of welcome<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">●<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doshi:<b> NAMO KIE BU, NAMO KIE HO, NAMO KIE SO</b></span></i><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[3]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></i></b></span></a><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I take refuge in
the Buddha, I take refuge in the Dharma, I take refuge in the Sangha<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon:
<b>NAMO KIE BU. NAMO KIE HO. NAMO KIE SO<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon:
<b>NAMO KIE BU. NAMO KIE HO. NAMO KIE SO<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon:
<b>NAMO KIE BU. NAMO KIE HO. NAMO KIE SO<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">● <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doshi: <b>KI MYO JIN JI PO MU GE KO NYO RAI</b></span></i><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[4]</span></b></span></span></i></b></span></a><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">◙</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I take refuge
in/Homage to the Tathagata of Unhindered Light Pervading the Ten Quarters<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon:
<b>KI MYO JIN JI PO MU GE KO NYO RAI</b><i>◙</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon:
<b>KI MYO JIN JI PO MU GE KO NYO RAI</b><i>◙</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon:
<b>KI MYO JIN JI PO MU GE KO NYO RAI</b><i>◙</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">●</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doshi: <b>NA MO FU KA SHI GI KO NYO RAI</b></span></i><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[5]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></i></b></span></a><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">◙<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I take refuge
in/Homage to the Tathagata of Inconceivable Light </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon:
<b>NA MO FU KA SHI GI KO NYO RAI</b><i>◙</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon:<b> NA MO FU KA SHI GI KO NYO RAI</b><i>◙</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon:
<b>NA MO FU KA SHI GI KO NYO RAI</b><i>◙</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">●<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doshi: <b>NA MO A MI DA BU</b></span></i><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[6]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></i></b></span></a><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">◙<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I take refuge
in/Homage to Amida Buddha<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon:
<b>NA MO A MI DA BU, NA MO A MI DA BU, NA
MO A MI DA BU, NA MO A MI DA BU, NA MO A MI DA BU, NA MO A MI DA BU, NA MO A MI
DA BU</b></span><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[7]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></b></span></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> …………</span></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">◙</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">●</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doshi:<b>NA MO <o:p></o:p></b></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I take refuge in
(homage to)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon:
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">MU RYO KO BU</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Buddha
of Infinite Light<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">MU HEN KO BU</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Buddha
of Boundless Light<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">MU GE KO BU</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Buddha
of Unhindered Light<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">MU TAI KO BU</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Buddha
of Incomparable Light<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">EN NO KO BU</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Buddha
Lord of Blazing Light<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">SHO JO KO BU</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Buddha
of Pure Light<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">KAN GI KO BU</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Buddha
of the Light of Joy<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">CHI E KO BU</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Buddha
of the Light of Wisdom<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">FU DAN KO BU</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Buddha
of Uninterrupted Light<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">NAN JI KO BU </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Buddha
of Inconceivable Light<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">MU SHO KO BU</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Buddha
of Inexpressible Light<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">CHO NICHI GAK KO
BU</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Buddha
of the Light Outshining the Sun and Moon</span><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">●<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(repeat three times)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doshi: <b>NA MO A MI DA BU</b>◙<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I take refuge
in/Homage to Amida Buddha<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon:
<b>NA MO A MI DA BU, NA MO A MI DA BU, NA
MO A MI DA BU, NA MO A MI DA BU, NA MO A MI DA BU, NA MO A MI DA BU, NA MO A MI
DA BU …………</b><i>◙</i></span><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[9]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></i></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">●</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doshi</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">: <b>GA-N NI SHI KU DO KU</b></span><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[10]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></b></span></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">May
the merits of the [Primal] Vow [of Amida]<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon:<b> BYO – U DO – U SE IS – SA – I <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">be
received equally by all beings <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">DO – U HO – TSU BO
DA – I SHI – N <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">May
all develop bodhicitta</span><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">,<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">O – U JO – U A – A
– A – A – N RAK – KOKU<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
may they be born in the Land of Peace and Bliss<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
● ● ● </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></p>
<div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Juseige - Hymns of the Repetition of the Vows</b></div><div><br /></div><div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wwl4LtK0dzY?si=b1GN4mUqlqBuEDqL" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 188.25pt center 234.0pt; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Juseige – Hymns of Repetitions of the Vows, </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: left;">is a fragment from <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-story-of-dharmakara-becoming-amida.html" target="_blank">the <i>Larger Sutra</i> and represents the words said by Dharmakara Bodhisattva, the future Amida Buddha</a>, after proclaiming <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2019/09/the-48-vows-of-amida-buddha-commentary.html" target="_blank">His 48 Vows.</a> In the lines following the verses of Junirai it is said, <i>“As soon as Bhikṣu Dharmakara spoke those verses, the entire earth quaked in six ways and a rain of wonderful flowers fell from heaven, scattering everywhere. Spontaneous music was heard and a voice in the sky said, ‘Surely you will attain highest, perfect Enlightenment</i>.’”</span><span style="text-align: left;">The translation of</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><i style="text-align: left;">Juseige</i><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">is from</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><i style="text-align: left;">The Three Pure Land Sutras - A Study and Translation from Chinese</i><span style="text-align: left;"> by Hisao Inagaki in collaboration with Harold Stewart, Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai and Numata Centre for Buddhist Translation and Research, Kyoto, 2003</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">●●</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doshi (the Leader): <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">GA GON CHO SE <u>GAN</u><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
have made vows, unrivaled in all the world;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon (together):</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">HIS-SHI MU JO <u>DO</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
shall certainly reach the unsurpassed Way.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">SHI GAN FU MAN <u>ZOK[U]</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
these vows should not be fulfilled,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">SEI</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> FU JO SHO <u>GAK[U]</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">May
I not attain perfect Enlightenment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">GA O MU RYO <u>KO</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
I should not become a great benefactor<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">FU I DAI SE <u>SHU</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
lives to come for immeasurable kalpas<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">FU SAI SHO BIN <u>GU</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">To
save the poor and the afflicted everywhere,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">SEI FU JO SHO <u>GAK[U]</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">May
I not attain perfect Enlightenment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">GA SHI JO BUTSU <u>DO</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
I attain Buddhahood,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">MYO SHO CHO JIP-<u>PO</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
Name will be heard throughout the ten directions;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">KU KYO Ml SHO <u>MON</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Should
there be any place where it is not heard,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">SEI</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> FU JO SHO <u>GAK[U]</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">May
I not attain perfect Enlightenment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Rl YOKU JIN SHO <u>NEN</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Free
of greed and with profound mindfulness<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">JO E SHU BON <u>GYO</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
pure wisdom, I will perform the sacred practices;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">SHI GU MU JO <u>DO</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
will seek to attain the unsurpassed Way<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I SHO TEN NIN <u>SHI<o:p></o:p></u></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
become the teacher of devas and humans.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">JIN RIKI EN DAI <u>KO</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">With
my divine power I will display great light,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">FU SHO MU SAI <u>DO</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Illuminating
the worlds without limit,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">SHO JO SAN KU <u>MYO</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
dispel the darkness of the three defilements;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">KO SAI SHU YAKU <u>NAN</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thus
I will deliver all beings from misery.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">KAI HI CHI E <u>GEN</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Having
obtained the eye of wisdom,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">MES-SHI KON MO <u>AN</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
will remove the darkness of ignorance;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">HEI SOKU SHO AKU <u>DO<o:p></o:p></u></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
will block all evil paths<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">TSU DATSU ZEN SHU <u>MON</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
open the gate to the good realms.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">KO SO JO MAN <u>ZOK[U]</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
merits and virtues are perfected,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I YO RO JIP-<u>PO</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
majestic light will radiate in the ten directions,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">NICHI GATSU SHU JU
<u>KI</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Outshining
the sun and moon<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">TEN KO ON PU <u>GEN</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
surpassing the brilliance of the heavens.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I SHU KAI HO <u>ZO</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
will open the Dharma storehouse for the multitudes<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">KO SE KU DOKU <u>HO</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
endow them all with treasures of merit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">JO O DAI SHU <u>JU</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Being
always among the multitudes,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">SEP-PO SHI SHI <u>KU</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
will proclaim the Dharma with the lion’s roar.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">KU YO IS-SAI <u>BU[TSU]</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
will make offerings to all the Buddhas,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">GU SOKU SHU TOKU <u>HON</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thereby
acquiring roots of virtue.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">GAN E SHITSU JO <u>MAN</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
my vows are fulfilled and wisdom perfected,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">TOKU I SAN GAI <u>O</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
shall be the sovereign of the three worlds.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> NYO BUTSU MU
GE <u>CHI</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Like
your unhindered wisdom, O Buddha,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">TSU DATSU Ml FU <u>SHO</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mine
shall reach everywhere, illuminating all;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">GAN GA KU E <u>RIKI</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">May
my supreme wisdom<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">TO SHI SAI SHO <u>SON</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Be
like yours, Most Honored One.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">SHI GAN NYAK-KO <u>KA</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
these vows are to be fulfilled,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">DAI SEN O KAN <u>DO</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let
this universe of a thousand million worlds quake in response<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">KO</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <u>KU</u> <u>SHO</u> <u>TEN</u> <u>NIN</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
let all the devas in heaven<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">TO</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <u>U</u> <u>CHIN</u> <u>MYO</u> <u>KE</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Rain
down rare and marvelous flowers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> ● </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doshi: <b>NA MO A MI DA BU</b>◙<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I take refuge
in/Homage to Amida Buddha<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon:
<b>NA MO A MI DA BU, NA MO A MI DA BU, NA
MO A MI DA BU,NA MO A MI DA BU, NA MO A MI DA BU, NA MO A MI DA BU, NA MO A MI
DA BU …………</b><i>◙</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">●<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doshi</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">: <b><i>GA-N
NI SHI KU DO KU</i><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">May
the merits of the [Primal] Vow [of Amida]<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon:<b> BYO – U DO – U SE IS – SA – I <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">be
received equally by all beings <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">DO – U HO – TSU BO
DA – I SHI – N <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">May
all develop bodhicitta,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">O – U JO – U A – A
– A – A – N RAK – KOKU<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
may they be born in the Land of Peace and Bliss<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> ● ●
● </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Sambutsuge - Hymns in Praise of the Buddha </span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">(sorry, this was not our best recitation and there were a few mistakes)</span></p></div><div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NjswXgzVXUc?si=dUyBftc4n2w7uTQ8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
</div></div><div><br /></div><div><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;">Sambutsuge – Hymns in Praise of the Buddha</i><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">is a fragment from <a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-story-of-dharmakara-becoming-amida.html" target="_blank">the</a></span><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-story-of-dharmakara-becoming-amida.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><i style="text-align: left;">Larger Sutra</i><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></a><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amida-ji-retreat-temple-romania.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-story-of-dharmakara-becoming-amida.html" target="_blank">in which Dharmakara Bodhisattva, the future Amida Buddha, </a>admires His Master, Lokesvararaja Buddha and promises that He will become a Savior of all beings.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">●●</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doshi: </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">KO GEN GI GI</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> I JIN MU GOKU<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">NYO ZE EN MYO MU YO TO SHA<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Your
radiant countenance is majestic; <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
your dignity is boundless. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Radiant
splendor such as yours has no equal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">NICHI GATSU MA
NI SHU KO EN NYO<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">KAI SHITSU ON
PEI YU NYAKU JU MOKU<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Even
the blazing light of <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Sun, moon and mani-jewels <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Is
completely hidden and obscured, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
looks like a mass of black inksticks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">NYO RAI YO
GEN CHO SE MU RIN <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">SHO GAKU DAI
ON KO RU JIP-PO<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
countenance of the Tathagata <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Is
unequaled in the world; <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
great voice of the Perfectly Enlightened One <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resounds
throughout the ten quarters<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">KAI MON SHO
JIN SAM-MAI CHI E<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I TOKU MU RYO SHU SHO KE U<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Your
observance of precepts, learning, diligence, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Meditation,
and wisdom – <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
magnificence of these virtues is peerless, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Excellent
and unsurpassed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">JIN TAI ZEN
NEN SHO BUTSU HO KAI<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">GU JIN JIN
NO KU GO GAI TAI<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Deeply
and clearly mindful <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
the ocean of the Dharma of all Buddhas, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">You
know its depth and breadth, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
reach its farthest end.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">MU MYO YOKU
NU SE SON YO MU<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">NIN NO SHI
SHI JIN TOKU MU RYO<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ignorance,
greed and anger <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Are
completely absent in the World Honored One, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">You
are a lion, the most courageous of all humans, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Having
immeasurable majestic virtues.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">KU KUN KO DAI CHI E JIN MYO<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">KO MYO I SO SHIN DO DAI SEN<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Your
meritorious accomplishment is vast, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
your wisdom is deep and supreme; <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
majestic glory of your light <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shakes
the great thousand worlds.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">GAN GA SA
BUTSU SAI SHO HO O<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">KA DO SHO JI MI FU GE DATSU<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
vow to become a Buddha, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Equal
to you, the most honored King of the Dharma, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
to bring sentient beings from birth-and-death <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">To
the final attainment of emancipation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">FU SE JO I KAI NIN SHO JIN<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">NYO ZE
SAM-MAI CHI E I JO <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
practice of giving, self-discipline,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Observance
of precepts, forbearance, diligence, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
also mediation and wisdom <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shall
be unsurpassed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">GO SEI TOKU
BUTSU FU GYO SHI GAN <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">IS-SAI KU KU I SA DAI AN<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
resolve that, when I become a Buddha, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
will fulfill this vow in every possible way, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
to all beings who live in fear, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
will give great peace.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">KE SHI U BUTSU HYAKU SEN NOKU MAN </span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">MU RYO DAI SHO SHU NYO GO JA<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Even
though there are Buddhas <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
many as a thousand million kotis,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Or
countless great sages <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
many as the sands of the Ganges,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> KU YO
IS-SAI SHI TO SHO
BUTSU<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">FU NYO GU DO KEN SHO FU KYAKU<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
will make offerings <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">To
all these Buddhas, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Nothing
surpasses my determination <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">To
seek the Way steadfastly and untiringly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">HI NYO GO JA SHO BUTSU SE KAI<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">BU FU KA KE MU SHU SETSU DO<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Even
though there are Buddha-worlds <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
many as the sands of the Ganges, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
also innumerable lands <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Beyond
calculation,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">KO MYO
SHIS-SHO HEN SHI SHO KOKU<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">NYO ZE SHO
JIN I JIN NAN RYO<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
light shall illumine <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">All
of these lands. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
will make such efforts<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> That my divine power may be boundless<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">RYO GA SA
BUTSU KOKU DO DAI ICHI<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">GO SHU KI MYO DO JO CHO ZETSU<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
I become a Buddha, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
land shall be the most exquisite; <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">People
ther shall be unrivaled and excellent <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Any
my seat of Enlightenment shall be beyond compare.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> KOKU NYO NAI
ON NI MU TO SO<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">GA TO AI MIN DO DATSU IS-SAI<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
land shall be like Nirvana. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Being
supreme and unequaled. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Out
of compassion and pity, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
will bring all to emancipation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">JIP-PO RAI
SHO SHIN-NETSU SHO JO<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I TO GA KOKU KE RAKU AN-NON<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Those
who come from the ten quarters, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shall
rejoice with pure hearts; <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Once
they reach my Land, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">They
shall dwell in peace and happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">KO BUTSU SHIN
MYO ZE GA SHIN SHO<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">HOTSU GAN NO
HI RIKI SHO SHO YOKU<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">May
you, the Buddha, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">be
my witness <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
attest to the truthfulness of my resolution. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
have thus made my aspiration; <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
will endeavor to fulfill it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">JIP-PO SE SON CHI E MU GE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">JO RYO SHI
SON CHI GA SHIN GYO<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
World-honored Ones in the ten quarters <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Have
unimpeded wisdom; <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">May
these honored ones <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Always
know my intentions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">KE RYO SHIN
SHI SHO KU DOKU CHU<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">GA</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <u>GYO</u> <u>SHO</u> <u>JIN</u> <u>NIN</u> <u>JU</u> <u>FU</u>
<u>KE</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 180.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">● </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Even
if I should be subjected to<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">All
kinds of suffering and torment, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Continuing
my practice undeterred, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
would endure it and never have any regrets.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 144.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doshi: <b>NA MO A MI DA BU </b>◙<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I take refuge
in/Homage to Amida Buddha<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon:
<b>NA MO A MI DA BU, NA MO A MI DA BU, NA
MO A MI DA BU, NA MO A MI DA BU, NA MO A MI DA BU, NA MO A MI DA BU, NA MO A MI
DA BU …………</b><i>◙</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">●<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doshi:</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <b><i>GA-N
NI SHI KU DO KU</i> <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">May
the merits of the [Primal] Vow [of Amida]<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">doon:<b> BYO – U DO – U SE IS – SA – I <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">be
received equally by all beings <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">DO – U HO – TSU BO
DA – I SHI – N <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">May
all develop bodhicitta,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">O – U JO – U A – A
– A – A – N RAK – KOKU<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
may they be born in the Land of Peace and Bliss<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <b>● ● </b> <b>● </b> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 188.25pt center 234.0pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></p>
<div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Sambujo – the Three Invitations are addressed to Amida, Shakyamuni and all Buddhas in the ten directions. The place of practice (dojo) where we invite these Honored guests, can be a temple, one’s own house or any place where people meet to say Nembutsu and listen to Amida Dharma.</span><span lang="RO" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;">When saying SAN GE RAKU, the priest and participants may scatter petals of roses or any flower in the direction of the altar or they can make the mudra of offering flowers. </span><o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn3"><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a>Sankie – The Three Refuges (in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha).<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn4"><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">[4]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"> KI MYO JIN JI PO MU GE KO NYO RAI: The Name of Amida Buddha with ten characters.</span><o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn5"><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">[5]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"> NA MO FU KA SHI GI KO NYO RAI:The Name of Amida Buddha with nine characters.</span><o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn6"><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">[6]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"> NA MO A MI DA BU: The Name of Amida Buddha with six characters. You can prolong the recitation of this Name as much as you like.</span><o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn7"><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">[7]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;">You can strike the bell from time to time, during the six-character Name recitation, to change the rhythm (slower-faster-slower, etc.) or simply to keep everyone alert.</span><o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn8"><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;">[8]</span></span></span></a> Recitation of the Twelve Lights of Amida Buddha as they appear in the <i>Larger Sutra</i>:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText">“<i>The Buddha of Infinite Life(Amida) is called by the following names: the Buddha of Infinite (Immeasurable) Light, the Buddha of Boundless Light, the Buddha of Unhindered Light, the Buddha of Incomparable ( Unequalled) Light, the Buddha of Light that is Lord of Blazing Light, the Buddha of Pure Light, the Buddha of the Light of Joy, the Buddha of the Light of Wisdom, the Buddha of Uninterrupted Light, the Buddha of Inconceivable Light, the Buddha of Inexpressible Light, and the Buddha of Light Surpassing the Sun and Moon”.</i><o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn9"><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;">[9]</span></span></span></a> If you decide to make a longer Nembutsu service, you can now recite again the Twelve Lights of Amida and then continue with more recitations of the six character Name (Namo Amida Bu). You can repeat the Ten Lights recitations followed by Namo Amida Bu as many times as you like.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn10"><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">[10]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">This part is called Eko or merit transference. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;">In the practices based on personal power the practitioner “earns” virtues which he transfers for his own Enlightenment. But in the case of Other Power (Pure Land) way, the transference of merits takes place from Amida Buddha to those who entrust to Him. This transference of merit (eko) carries the follower to the Pure Land where he attains Nirvana or perfect Enlightenment. Shinran Shonin says in a hymn:<a name="more"></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;">“When sentient beings of this evil world<br />of the five defilements<br />Entrust themselves to the selected Primal Vow,<br />Virtues indescribable, inexplicable, and inconceivable<br />Fill those practitioners."</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;">The merit transference from Amida to the practitioner has two aspects: 1) the merit transference of going forth (Oso-Eko) and2) the merit transference of returning to this world (Genso-Eko).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;">The first refers to the fact that through Amida's transference of merit we go to His Pure Land where we become Buddhas, while the second one means that after we become Buddhas in the Pure Land by sharing the same Enlightenment as Amida, we return to the various samsaric realms and universes, to save all beings.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div id="ftn11"><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="file:///C:/D/BUDDHISM/BIBLIOTECA/JODO%20SHINSHU/CARTILE%20MELE/IN%20ENGLEZA/8.%20WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20Rituals%20and%20ceremonies%20of%20Amidaji%20International%20Temple/WORSHIPPING%20AMIDA%20BUDDHA%20CORECTAT.docx#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">[11]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Bodhicita or Bodhi Mind is</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10pt;"> the aspiration to attain Budhahood for oneself and all beings. This is fulfilled in the Awakening of Faith (shinjin) in the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha. Master Shan-tao said: <i>“Awake your Bodhi Mind to Amida’s Compassion”</i>, that is, aspire to your and other beings Liberation by relying on the Compasion of Amida (His Primal Vow).So, the Awakening of the Bodhi Mind, the obligatory condition in Mahayana for attaining the supreme Enlightenment, appears in Jodo Shinshu in the form of the entrusting heart (shinjin). Shinran Shonin said, <i>“The mind aspiring to become Buddha<br />Is the mind seeking to save sentient beings;<br />The mind that seeks to save sentient beings<br />Is True Faith endowed by Amida’s Compassion.”</i><br />(Hymns on the Patriachs, 18)</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p></div></div></div></div>Josho Adrian Cirleahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02267565293117701846noreply@blogger.com0