Question
from a reader: Shinran said that shinjin (faith) is Bodhi Mind. Does this mean
that if I do not have Compassion for all beings in this life I will not go to
the Pure Land?
My
answer: The fact that shinjin (faith in Amida Buddha) equals Bodhi Mind does
NOT mean that you are able to have the kind of Compassion ancient Mahayana saints had
for every being in your present life! It only means that through faith in Amida
you will be able to save all beings, because faith is the cause of birth in the
Pure Land and of subsequent attainment of Buddhahood for you and all beings.
So, the aspiration inherent in the Bodhi Mind is contained in shinjin in the
sense that through faith you can fulfill the Bodhi Mind (after birth in the
Pure Land). The aspirations of the Bodhi Mind (to become a Buddha for you and
all beings) are fulfilled through faith, which is why faith is the Bodhi Mind.
This is the proper way to understand this matter in accordance with our Jodo
Shinshu school. So, don't worry. There is no problem that here and now you remain
an ordinary person filled with ignorance and blind passions. It is especially
for beings like you that Amida made His Primal Vow and created His Pure Land
that is so easy to access.
PS: The only way you can practice compassion while you are still in this present samsaric body is to be an example of faith and help others entrust to Amida Buddha. I explained this when I presented the ten benefits in this life of a person of faith (click here to read the 9th benefit).
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