Essay 83

“I take refuge in the Tathagata of Unhindered Light Filling the Ten Quarters,”

Extending from heaven to the bottom of hell—

This is the territory of Amida Buddha.

The realms of the ten directions are the home of the Dharma-king.

The Tathagata of unhindered light filling the ten quarters
尽十方无碍光如来

“The Dharma-realm is the home of the Dharma-king (Amida Tathagata).”

Even if we fall into hell, that’s still the territory of the Tathagata. The pure lands of the ten quarters are also floating within the Infinite Light. All buddhas are also the manifestation of Amida Tathagata. Looking through the hole of a bamboo tube that is used to blow the fire, how on earth can you understand the Buddha-Dharma that is vast and boundless? The “capacity” of the Shinshu followers is small and their outlook narrow. They do not comprehend the wisdom of Buddha, but only think of “accepting shinjin reverently” or “acquiring shinjin,” while forgetting “I take refuge in the Tathagata of unhindered light filling the ten quarters.” Never mind “shinjin”! Just look up reverently to “the Tathagata of unhindered light.”

The great matter of yam worms becoming buddhas, turning into Buddha rapidly is such a great matter. How can our small brains be capable of comprehending it?

“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])