Shin Aphorism (5)
Zuiken's Sayings

Translated by Zuio H. Inagaki

"Amida's working is beyond our relative thinking"

The ultimate essence of the Buddha-Dharma is inconceivable. It is the inconceivable working of the Buddha's Enlightenment. No matter how much we may rack our brains, we cannot reach the depth of its mystery. However avidly we may relish the taste of the Dharma, we cannot come to the end of its resources. Although our logic and reasoning fail to explore this realm exhaustively, we can accept it in faith and dwell in absolute peace of mind - through Amida's benevolence.

In his Preface to the Kyogyoshinsho Shinran states:

"The inconceivable Universal Vow is the large vessel that carries us across the sea difficult to cross; the unhindered Light is the sun of wisdom that breaks the darkness of ignorance."

This is an assertion that defies relative human calculations. It transcends the scope of ordinary people's thoughts, and yet, our Faith resides within it. We should accept this as a manifestation of Namo Amida Butsu and Amida's call itself.

Go to Index to Shin Aphorism; return to Kalyanamitra-Index; Index.