Diamondlike Shinjin: Unit 29: Anjin

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!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Unit 29: Anjin

Revised on the 16th, May 2014.

Anjin (1)

At the point of death, it will turn one into absolute darkness and powerlessness. That condition is exactly ‘myself’ at the moment.

An hour before one is sentenced to death, one’s mind behaves just like a tempest. That's exactly ‘myself’ at the moment.

Whoever takes note of this will understand that the absolute darkness [on the other side] is the absolute brightness of the Primal Vow. Hellish realms are not outside of the Buddha’s territory.

Shinjin arises from the absolute darkness. Shinjin is the Primal Vow-Power of the Tatagatha. Namu-Amida-Butsu is the oneness of the darkness and the Primal Vow Power.

If you like to worry, then go ahead! Worry! Or if you prefer peace of mind (anjin) then please let it arise!

Being held in Amida Tathagata’s arms of perfect enlightenment, I have no cares, do I?

Showa 47, 15 February 1972, Zuiken

Anjin (2)

Trust in peace of mind (anjin) of Shinshu is most difficult. How can you settle your shinjin without placing your trust in Master Shinran?

I trust in Master Shinran, therefore I trust in the Larger Sutra. I trust in the Larger Sutra, therefore I trust in 'the Name in the Primal Vow'. This is first point.

What would the mind of a criminal be like an hour before he is sentenced to death?

What else would it be like? Wouldn't it be just like a tempest?

It would be like a man about to breathe his last! The feelings of absolute hopelessness, darkness, solitude, powerlessness and horror are overwhelming —isn't this myself at the moment? This is second point.

Hear it the way it is,

Just hear it the way it is;

The Buddha is compassionate.

The call of Amida

Is worthy of trust.

The matter of bonbu becoming Buddhas is exemplified as rubble turning into a mirror. Even if rubble is rubbed for one hundred million years, it would not turn into a mirror. This rubble is a mirror right now owing to the reflecting light of the mirror cast upon it.

However, it’s just too difficult for rubble to know by itself that it is rubble. Difficult indeed!

Hit the wall! Hit the wall! Hit the wall thoroughly!

Hit the wall as early as possible! Hit the wall and experience hardship!

It is alright with peace of mind or without peace of mind. Already you have heard that hellish realms is within Amida’s sphere (of activity). Aren't you satisfied?

“Regarding the great matter about birth, it is beyond the calculation of bonbu. Simply entrust yourself unwaveringly and single-mindedly to Amida Tathagata.”

(Tract on Steadily Holding to the Faith [Shujisho])

"For me, Shinran, there is no alternative but to accept and trust in the teaching of my master Honen.”

To be able to meet a true teacher is a good harvest in life; if you cannot meet one, it will be a bad harvest in life.

Good teachers—

Where are they?

Namu-amida-butsu!

Showa 47, 17 February 1972, Zuiken