The path of awakening through the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha
Jodo Shinshu is the teaching of Sakyamuni Buddha as it was handed down through the religious understanding of Shinran Shonin (1173–1262).
In Jodo Shinshu, the object of worship is Amida, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life. The Primal Vow of Amida Buddha promises Universal Enlightenment for all beings. There is no other vow that has such sweeping power, promising hope and life’s fulfillment to all.
Amida’s eternal activity of Wisdom and Compassion will never cease so long as beings are lost, suffering or wandering in a meaningless existence.
From the voluminous Buddhist Tripitaka, Shinran Shonin selected three sutras bringing us directly to the heart of Amida Buddha: the Larger Sutra (Daimuryojukyo), the Meditation Sutra (Kammuryojukyo), and the Smaller Sutra (Amidakyo).
The recitation of the Nembutsu is vitally important in Jodo Shinshu, for it is the core of Amida’s Vow. Its form is twofold: Amida’s voice calling to us, and our vocal response to his call.
Jodo Shinshu regards Faith (Shinjin) as the only and sufficient cause for birth in the Pure Land. Shinran explained this as the Faith of the Other Power — bestowed by the Benevolence of Amida’s Vow.
Faith and Nembutsu given by the Other Power keep the followers from being attached to their own merits or power and help them enjoy the life of “Egolessness” and “Naturalness” which are fundamental ideas of Buddhism.
