2) Shakyamuni’s encouragements to do good in daily life and aspire for
birth in the Pure Land for the attainment of Enlightenment
To counter the
karmic effects of the evil acts described previously one has two options: to do
good and/or to aspire to be born in the Pure Land. Even without having the
aspiration for birth in the Pure Land, people can still do good and change
their karmic situation for the better. Also, the aspiration for birth in the
Pure Land and the non-discriminative salvation offered by Amida does not mean
one should not try to have a good behavior towards others. As long as one is
clearly aware that his/her salvation depends entirely on the Power of Amida
Buddha and abandons any idea of transferring his pitiful merits towards birth
in the Pure Land, his efforts to lead a decent life and do as much good as
possible is not in contradiction with the Primal Vow. Thus, to try to lead a
moral life and aspire for birth in the Pure Land can be followed in the same
time by those who have faith in Amida.