Having Heard His Name

The principle of humbly receiving shinjin in Shin Buddhism stands upon the reality that bombu can see neither the "Buddha's body" nor the "Buddha's nature," so there is no alternative besides being made to hear the Name through "having heard His Name," thus coming into contact with the radiance of great compassion emanating from the Name for birth in the Pure Land and attainment of Buddhahood. Therefore, we had better ponder this well. Other than "having heard His Name, rejoice in faith and are mindful of Him even once," no path or way is open to us. It is enough to believe deeply that our life is tied to this one verse; it is good to strive hard to lay down even our life just to meditate on this one verse. To remember the words (being obsessed with the words), to listen to the commentaries about the words (being obsessed with the meanings), regardless of how much knowledge you have amassed -- even if you have become scholars or knowers -- these are of no use! We have only to rely on "having heard His Name" and attain birth through the Name's virtuous power.