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!

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Essay 10


The Buddha’s light shines throughout Saha, this world of bitterness,
Making people linger on without any thought of leaving.

The great matter of the afterlife should be resolved as quickly as possible, without delay. Speaking of the knowledge of Buddhism, the Dharma-gates have no bounds. We should hold the mentality of living up to “hundreds of millions of years” to learn the Buddha-Dharma for the sake of Buddha-Dharma. Neither of the two are dispensable.

Those who have resolved the bitterness of the matter of the afterlife should follow reliable teachers, learning the sacred teaching until they breathe their last, in the hope that the supreme and wonderful Dharma will continue to flourish. Those who do not aspire to preserve the Dharma in their minds are not true disciples of the Buddha.

Do you think that [learning the Dharma] is drudgery? No, no, nothing is more diverting than this!

“The Buddha-Dharma comes first,” “filial piety toward our parents,” “friendliness” — these should be made the measure of our lives.

Zuiken Sama

3 comments: