Prologue 34

“The explication of the six-syllables” is the lion’s roar extended by Master Zendo in the section on the “Essential Meaning (Gengibun)” towards the practicers from the path of sages of all schools. Shinran Shonin explained this in “the Chapter on Practice” as “taking refuge, therefore, is the command of the Primal Vow, summoning us to trust it”.

Note: “Essential Meaning (Gengibun)”: 'Namo' means 'to take refuge'; it also has the significance of 'making aspiration and transferring (merits).' 'Amidabutsu' is the practice. For this reason, one can definitely attain birth. (http://www12.canvas.ne.jp/horai/kgss-b.htm)

“Taking refuge”, has the meaning of “submission”, that is to submit ourselves to the word of Buddha. This also means to believe in and obey “the command of the Primal Vow, summoning us to trust it”. “The implication of taking refuge” made by Master Zendo is, sentient beings obey to the word of Buddha, therefore the act of sentient beings is their awakening to Shinjin (the object to be saved becomes prioritized). However, our Shonin explained this as “taking refuge, is the command of the Primal Vow, summoning us to trust it”, where he analyses the meaning of “the object to be saved” (Shinjin) as “the Dharma that saves” (the command of the Primal Vow) (the Dharma that saves becomes prioritized). This is the well-known “explanation of the Dharma body”, in which you can perceive the very friendly intentions of the Shonin.  If there is any slight thought of “I entrust myself”, one will fall prey to self-power.

What you call “Shin” (Faith), is the trust you owe to the compassion of the Tathagata, to trust to the utmost extent. Therefore, this “Shin” is the virtue of Shin that does not attach to Shin. When taking refuge, meanwhile it returns to “the command of the Primal Vow, summoning us to trust it”, therefore it carries no substance of “I” (anatta-lakkhaṇa). At the same time, there is also the understanding that there is no “I” between “command” and “taking refuge”, hence, the product of self-power is not found. “Taking refuge” with no self is like a vacuum: this is “the command of the Primal Vow, summoning us to trust it”. The implications of this are profound. 

Zuiken Sama