Only for me, Shinran

Shinran Shonin said:

“When I deeply contemplate Amida’s Compassionate Vow, I realize it was made only for me, Shinran.” 

 

If you don’t come to the point where to think that the teaching is addressing personally to you, then it is all in vain.

 

Treat the Dharma as if Shakyamuni, Amida, Shinran, Rennyo and all the patriarchs speak directly to you. Think they are before you, addressing personally. 

 

This is not a symbol, but the real truth. Perceive the teaching as being an exclusive, intimate, friendly and parental relationship between you and Amida Buddha. He doesn’t treat sentient beings as numbers, but addresses each one individually, so His relationship with you is like that between mother (or father) and child or between best friends. Think that Amida Buddha addresses himself to your own personal suffering, to all the forms that suffering manifests in your life, and that He wishes to heal you once and for all. 

 

Replace the word “Shinran”, with your own name, and say, for example: “When I deeply contemplate Amida’s Compassionate Vow, I realize it was made only for me, Josho.”