The Pure Land is NOT here and now (video discussion)

 

 Articles related with this video teaching,

The True Teaching on Amida Buddha and His Pure Land

A collection of passages on the true meaning of birth in the Pure Land of Amida Buddha Vows explaining the characteristics, the capacities and activities of beings who attained Enlightenment in the Pure Land after being born there Virtues and activities of the Enlightened Bodhisattvas of the Pure Land – commentary on sections 28 and 30 of the Larger Sutra Against the idea that the Pure Land is "here and now" AMIDA DHARMA - Fascicle 11. The benefits of birth in the Pure Land after death

Those who deny the existence of Amida don’t have shinjin (faith) – some simple explanations

Youtube channel of Shaku Joshin Video presentation of the 71 topics of examination for those who want to become lay teachers or monks and nuns in Amidaji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism

Video presentation of the 71 topics of examination for those who want to become lay teachers or monks and nuns in Amidaji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism

As you may already know, we at Amidaji, take monk (priest) ordination or becoming a lay teacher very seriously. At this link you can watch a series of lectures and presentations on all the 71 topics of doctrinal examination for those who want to become monks (priests), nuns or lay teachers. The main speaker in this playlist is Kosho Arana from Colombia, a candidate for monkhood, the translator of all my books in Spanish and author of A Seed in Amida's Hands -Samsara and Nirvana in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. The playlist is updated regularly, so please subscribe to my youtube channel and click on the bell near the subscribe button to be announced anytime a new video is added. 

By listening to all the videos in the playlist related with the examinations you will acquire very good knowledge of the general Buddhist teaching and the specific Jodo Shinshu doctrines. As you can see in these videos, Amidaji has well prepared members and it’s a team work, with people capable to continue our Dharma mission to spread the true orthodox Jodo Shinshu Buddhist teaching. 

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE PLAYLIST ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL 

Namo Amida Bu

Don't be hungry for feelings and special experiences

Click here for the Spanish version of this article

Question by Shoshin: Dear Sensei, why is it that despite my having entrusted myself to Amida (formally in Amidaji to signify my sincerity), recited his name, and wished to be born in his Pure Land, why is it that I have not felt any assurance of any kind at all up to this time.
 
I have listened to all your books, which I converted to audio your videos, every day and night, over and over, and they are so wonderfully written, but all I get is Amida is so silent, so distant, as if he did not exist.
 
I need an experiential concrete assurance of rebirth in his Pure Land. Amida seems so distant, so far away. If his light is that powerful why can it not penetrate my thick obscurations no matter how encrusted they are of blind passions?
 
Time for me is running out because of my age and health issues, and I really need assurance urgently that I shall be reborn in the Pure Land, but it all seems now like blind faith. Why? I really want to go to the Pure Land. This sense of urgency has never been so urgent for death could come anytime. Can you please help me?
Namo Amida Bu

Nagas and Garudas - animals with miraculous powers

This is part of the description 

of the animal realm of samsara

Nagas are animals with miraculous powers who live in many places: in some realms of the gods or humans, bellow the four continents or in depths of waters (oceans, rivers, lakes, etc) where they have their own paralel reality, invisible to us, with cities, palaces and various manifestations. Sometimes, it seems that the waters are just a portal towards their realms which they can reach through other means[1], like for example, through earth[2].
 
The world of nagas is luxurious, very sensual and sexual. The palaces are fantastically beautiful, filled with all kinds of riches, gardens and lakes, fruits always rippened and perfumed open lotuses. The land is leveled and pleasant to touch like a soft carpet. The naga women are perfect seducers whose magical power of attraction is hard to resis, some of them leading an immoral life[3].

The nagas resemble a lot with the spirits and have miraculous powers but are included in the category of animals because of their body in the form of big hooded snakes like cobras[4], and also probably because of their powerful animal instincts.  They have the capacity to become invisible and shapeshift, the sacred texts often mentioning them to appear in human form, although they can take other forms[5], too. They are temperamental beings and if they are upset or their teritory is defiled they can throw with diseases or cause various problems to humans.

Respect all Dharma Gates but follow exclusively the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha

 

photo: me and a Zen monk bowing to each other
in mutual respect

 Rennyo Shonin said, 

 "Within our tradition there must be no slandering   of other teachings and sects. As the teachings were   all given by Shakyamuni during his life time, they   should be fruitful if they are practiced just as they   were expounded. In this last Dharma age, however,   people like ourselves are not equal to the teachings   of the various sects of the Path of Sages; therefore,   we simply do not rely on them or entrust ourselves to   them”. 

Thus, respect but not follow is the golden rule in our relation, as Jodo Shinshu followers, with other Buddhist schools. We do not follow them not because we despise them, but because we are not wise and capable enough to practice them. We admit we are the lowest of the low in spiritual matters and so we chose to rely exclusively on Amida Buddha's Primal Vow that was made especially for wretched beings like us. 

It is very important to keep this aspect in mind - our exclusiv reliance on the Nembutsu of faith is because we are incapable of following other practices and because in His Primal Vow Amida Buddha asked us to exclusively say His Name in faith if we want to reach His Pure Land. Master Shantao urged us to, 

"Abandon the teachings that Amida Buddha abandoned, observe the practice that Amida Buddha observed, and leave the practices that Amida Buddha left. This is said to be 'in accordance with the teaching of Amida Buddha' and 'in compliance with the intent of Amida Buddha'. Such a person is referred to as the 'true disciple of Amida Buddha'". 

So, our rejection of other practices is made with a humble mind who acknowledges its limitation and with a mind focused exclusively on the requirements of Amida's Primal Vow. There is no pride here but humble respect and us being practical about our spiritual capacities as well as obeying Amida's command.

Namo Amida Bu

Self-power as obstacle to Nembutsu

Question: ”Quite often it seems that we want it both ways...’our power’ and Other Power. Could we think about it this way, ‘self-power’ is an illusion that exists within Other Power, and even this illusion cannot obstruct the Nembutsu?” 

My answer: I think we should not complicate our minds. To rely on your own power cannot lead you to Buddhahood in the Pure Land. It is as simple as that. To rely on your own power will obstruct the Nembutsu and your birth in the Pure Land. In the true Other Power faith there is no trace of self-power. You rely on Amida Buddha or not. Mixed faith is not true faith. 

When it is said in the sacred texts that nothing obstructs the Nembutsu this means that no matter how heavy your karma, you are saved by Amida if you fully entrust in Him. In this sense, your illusions or blind passions cannot be an obstacle to the Nembutsu. But self-power simply means that you do not rely at all or not exclusively on Amida for your attainment of Buddhahood in the Pure Land. This is why self-power is an obstacle for the Nembutsu, because in reality, the vehicle that takes you to the Pure Land is Amida’s Power, not your own power. 

We also have to understand clearly the meaning  of the terms “self-power” (jiriki) and “Other power”(Tariki). They are related only with the ultimate goal of becoming a Buddha in the Pure Land. They have nothing to do with our daily activities related to work, family, health, business, etc. In everyday life one can make efforts to be successful, to be a good husband or wife, a good doctor, a good engineer or teacher, etc., but in matters related to Buddhahood one should rely only on Amida Buddha and on nobody else, especially not on himself. 

To put it in the simplest terms – with Other Power your becoming a Buddha is the doing of Amida, not yours.

My heart advice for those responsible for an abortion

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A woman who did abortion and anybody responsible for an abortion (including men or anybody who advised her/supported her/forced her), should do the following:
 
1) accept responsibility for the act and consider it was murder,
2) stop finding excuses of any kind,
3) regret it and apologize to the child you aborted
4) make offerings to Amida Buddha in the name of the aborted child or children you are responsible for and wish that they find peace wherever they are, be well, receive whatever they need, have their obstacles removed, make indestructible connections with Amida Buddha, entrust to Him, say His Name in faith and wish to be born in His Pure Land.

Offerings of any kind can also be made constantly in the name of the aborted children to poor people, the sick and anybody in need. Also, saving lives in the name of the aborted children (including blood donation to hospitals) is extremely beneficial.

I also advise that brothers, sisters, grandparents, uncles of the aborted children, as well as anybody in the family, also make offerings in their name. The aborted children must be considered as members of the family (brothers, sisters, nephews) and treated just like one would treat an ancestor.

The family may also sponsor teaching sessions or the printing of Buddhist books in the name of the aborted children.

Even those who don't believe in Buddhism should do constant offerings of food, medicine, shelter, money and save lives in the name of the aborted children in their family and treat them as relatives.
Also, nobody should never, ever, advise somebody to do abortion or find any excuse for such acts.
If you do the above constantly and with sincerity, the spirits of the aborted children can be pacified and their minds be turned towards liberation. They might also transform themselves from enemies into friends and even protectors.

This is a simple teaching that spontaneously appeared in my mind while saying Nembutsu and it is based on the Compassionate Dharma of the Buddhas. I felt that I cannot have any peace nor do anything else unless I share it with you. Please do as instructed.
Namo Amida Bu