Before reading Dharma texts we raise them to the forehead. This signifies the Dharma is supreme and above personal views and opinions. |
I was recently asked how I dare to consider myself an
orthodox Jodo Shinshu Buddhist priest and say that some other nowadays teachers/priests
are mistaken...
My answer is that I do NOT dare anything in relation with
Jodo Shinshu! On the contrary, I am very "frightened" when I think to
Amida Dharma. Since I have become a priest and started to wear the kesa of
Nembutsu faith I am constantly under a great fear. It is the fear that I can make a mistake and somehow misguide people
with personal ideas. And it is because I have this fear that I stick to the
words of the sutras and the Masters of our lineage.
Because I am stupid and they are all-wise, because I am
nothing and they are supreme, because I am unenlightened while Shakyamuni who
told the story of Amida Buddha was Enlightened. This is why I am an orthodox Jodo
Shinshu follower.
I am an orthodox Jodo Shinshu priest because I am
responsible and I know my place and limitations. Just like I do not dare to
behave like a surgeon and operate people on open heart, I also do not dare to
behave like a Buddha and change His Dharma. This unique Dharma (Amida Dharma) can
save beings from birth and death only if it is followed as prescribed by the
Buddha and the Masters, so I do not dare changing it.
I am an orthodox Jodo Shinshu follower and priest because I
have abandoned any idea of personal authority over the Amida Dharma. It is
because I humble myself at the feet of Shakyamuni and the Masters of our
tradition, not teaching what they did not teach, and not transmitting to others
what they did not transmit, that I call myself an orthodox Jodo Shinshu
follower.
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