Diamondlike Shinjin: Would die with a peaceful mind help?

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!

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Would die with a peaceful mind help?

A story told by Zuiken:

In the past, there was a pious Shinshu follower who was desperate for peace of mind (anjin/shinjin). He could not help dying without a peaceful mind. Therefore he looked for all Shin teachers of his time to hear the teaching earnestly but to no avails.

Then he heard there was a great Shin teacher came to his town. He hastened to meet him. When he met the teacher, he explained to him that he could not afford to die like that without a peaceful mind.

"Would die with a peaceful mind help (workable)?" The great teacher replied. The man was shocked at the reply and realized anjin.

Note:

"To die with a peaceful mind" remains bonbu's calculation, there should not be any calculation from our sides.

“Such a matter of great importance as birth in the Pure Land should not be meddled with by bonbu. You should leave it wholly to the Tathagata.” (Tract on Steadily Holding to the Faith [Shujisho])