AMIDA DHARMA - Fascicle 8. The way to Faith - listening to the teaching

Click here to return to the Table of Contents

1.If we do not listen deeply to the teaching, but instead we are full of our egos and with ideas of what we think we can achieve through our personal power, or if we are under the influence of various non-Buddhist religions then we cannot receive faith nor say the true Nembutsu which is the natural manifestation of faith.

2.Faith and Nembutsu are not imposed by force in our hearts by Amida Buddha, so if somebody does not show interest in the Buddhist teaching and especially in the teaching on the Primal Vow of Amida then that person cannot entrust to Amida.

3.Here are twelve examples of deep listening to Amida Dharma:

- Think that solving the matter of repeated births and deaths is the most important thing in your life.

- Put aside all other Buddhist or non-Buddhist teachings, philosophies, and opinions and listen (reading is also listening) only to Amida Dharma.

- Put aside what you think you know and listen to what Amida Dharma has to say. Empty your cup (mind) of your so-called, personal "wisdom", and stay open to receive the nectar of Dharma. Consider that you know nothing and that Amida Dharma knows everything.

- Read the most simple and essential texts of our school.

- Listen (or read) with a devotional mind and heart.

- Listen again and again (constantly) in the manner described above.

- Ask questions if you have doubts or if there is something you don't understand. Study the answers carefully and without hurry, and ask again if you need to.

- Engage in a Dharma dialogue (not debates!) with people who are already established in faith and who do not embrace wrong views.

- Think on the testimony of Shakyamuni Buddha himself, and of so many wonderful Masters who accepted the existence of Amida Buddha and the reality of His salvation.

- Always ask Amida Buddha for guidance. Bow to Him, and say His Name even if you are not yet established in faith. No matter how many doubts you have, or how awkward it might be at the beginning, find some time to sit with Amida Buddha and pray to Him for guidance. Give a chance to the idea that He and His salvation are real.

- Think of what you will gain if you accept Amida's salvation. You will be born in the Pure Land at the end of this life and become a Buddha! Your suffering in the repeated births and deaths will be over and you will be capable of truly helping others, especially those with whom you now have powerful attachments, like for example, your parents, brothers, sisters, children, wife or husband, and friends.

- Meditate on what you have to lose if you do not accept the existence of Amida Buddha and the reality of His salvation. The chance you now have to be in a human body and listen to Amida Dharma might not be met in thousands and thousands of lives, so give Amida a chance and practice these twelve examples of listening deeply to Amida Dharma.