I start my explanations with the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha because
without it there would be no Jodo Shinshu. As Shinran said:
“If Amida’s
Primal Vow is true, Shakyamuni’s teaching cannot be false. If the Buddha’s
teaching is true, Shan-tao’s commentaries cannot be false. If Shan-tao’s
commentaries are true can Honen’s words be lies? If Honen’s words are true,
then surely what I say cannot be empty.”[1]
Every Buddhist school
has a lineage of transmission. Ours starts with Amida Buddha, then continues
with Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, the seven Masters, Shinran Shonin,
Rennyo Shonin and any true teacher that came after them and was loyal to the
Primal Vow. What all the representatives of our lineage said with one voice is
that the Primal Vow is true and that it contains everything we need for our attainment
of Buddhahood in the Pure Land of Amida.