Shin Aphorism (2)
Zuiken's Sayings

Translated by Zuio H. Inagaki
From the Horai magazine Nov. 2000

"What good can we do?"

Concerning the nature of good acts that we may be thinking of doing and those which we actually do, Shan-tao observes them with the eyes of the Buddha and describes them as "poisoned good, deceitful acts."
What is the difference between the good that ordinary people do and the good that belongs to the Tathagata? Ordinary people's good is influenced by self-love. The Tathagata's good is based on the pure and sincere wish to do anything for the sake of sentient beings, as it is stated in the Larger Sutra:

"Even though I must remain
In a state of extreme pain,
I will diligently practice,
Enduring all hardships with tireless vigor."

This wish is called "the Great Compassion" and also "the Vow-Mind." It produces the Light, the Name, other Buddhas, noble masters and sutras to benefit us. Through these manifestations Amida calls us to come to him for refuge.
The Tathagata's good has arisen from the Great Compassion. The Pure Land has been perfected with "the roots of supramundane good," which is itself the Great Compassion of the Buddhist Path.

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