Namu Amida Butsu

This work is especially dedicated to Zuiken Saizo Inagaki, who sheds light on the pristine and original teachings of Jodo Shinshu (Shin Buddhism) for many people, including myself. I regard him as my soul teacher and I am very much influenced by his words and thoughts, which are deeply imbued with the Wisdom of Compassion of Amida Buddha. I read most of his writings available in Chinese language and I wish to share some of his golden words in this blog in English. Rev. George Gatenby and Mr. Gabriel Schlaefer have been kindly and untiringly assisting me to edit the translated essays so that they are readable and true to the intent of Sensei. May all partake of the wisdom of Shinshu teaching and be overpowered by the light of Amida Buddha.

Namu Amida Butsu!

Saturday, March 25, 2017

When fish are hauled out of water

A student called Two-Three-Four could not answer a question from his teacher in school. Fellow traveler Hirata shared with the student the Buddha-Dharma. 

Two-Three-Four was moved and wrote the answer for the question as follows: 
When fish are hauled out of water, they will die no matter how you treat them. Fish will only survive in water.” 

We discover Buddha like fish discovers water (Namo).
“We rely on the Buddha to live.” How many people out there are aware of this themselves? The wisdom of Namo is the master of the six syllables. The six syllables are the Buddha; relying on the Buddha we humans are shone upon and protected. Such an object (person to be saved) is only savable with the one-thought moment of Amida Buddha. Ahh, how embarrassed I am, how embarrassed I am!” 

“Namo” is Sanskrit, which is translated as “take refuge” in China and “the saving Buddha” in Japan. Just hear the salvation of Amida Buddha. 

The moment when we are informed “Ah! (I see..) ’ is “Namo.”

by Hirata Ariwa (平田有和)

Note: Madam Hirata was a myokonin of Zuiken's time. She benefited a lot from Zuiken's dharma teaching and owed him great respect. Her speeches, thoughts and poems were collected into Zuiken's book titled The Ship of Vows of Great Compassion. 

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