Shin Aphorism (7)
Zuiken's Sayings
Translated by Zuio H. Inagaki

"Amida watches us, protects us, and waits for us"

The Tathagata is our Father-and-Mother. He watches us, protects us, and waits for us.

"He watches us" shows the unhindered and boundless illumination of the Buddha-Wisdom. Reflecting on our own self with the Tathagata's eye is what is called "deep faith that recognizes our evil nature." Looking up to the Vow-Power with the Tathagata's eye is what is called "deep faith in the Dharma that saves us."

"He protects us" indicates the very objective of Amida's attainment of Enlightenment and also shows how he embraces us and does not forsake us.
We can live a peaceful and unshaken life if we are aware that we are protected by Buddhas, Tathagatas, and enfolded in love and compassion of various holy ones.
"Let the seven calamities and eight sufferings come as they please;
I am securely protected by the Six-character Name."
With this conviction, the Nembutsu we recite is bound to be a courageous and undaunted Nembutsu.

"He waits for us" is relevant to Shan-tao's words:
"Following the intention of the two Holy Ones - Shakyamuni and Amida, we take no notice of the two rivers of water and fire (greed and anger); being mindful of him always, we board the Vow-Power. After death, we attain birth in his land, where we meet the Buddha, face to face, with unbounded joy."

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