Thank-You Letters
Two Kinds of Doubt Nicola Gant,Britain
Thank you so much for your sermon in the 2000 Tatami Mat Hall. I listened to it via the Internet. I learned that there are two types of doubt: worldly doubt and the doubting mind. Worldly doubt means doubting in people and things. As we are all masses of blind passions and this type of doubt is one of those passions, we have this type of doubt until we die.
However, the doubting mind does not mean doubt in people and things. Rather, it is the mind that doubts in Amida Buddha’s Primal Vow. It is precisely because we doubt in the Primal Vow that we continue to suffer in the painful cycle of birth and death. Unlike worldly doubt, the doubting mind is dispelled in a split-second of ichinen by the power of Amida Buddha. Once it has been dispelled, it will never arise again. However, if we do not listen to Buddhism, the doubting mind will not arise within us. It is impossible for something that has not arisen within us to be dispelled. Therefore, it is incredibly important to listen seriously to Buddhism.
Recently I have had the privilege of working on the translation of the animated movie explanation videos. How marvellous it is that we have the animated movies on Master Shinran’s life, and that now we also have these videos giving detailed explanations of them. I look forward to seeing more and more people learn about Master Shinran through these videos.
In order to repay my debt of gratitude to you, I will use all means that I can to share the teachings of Master Shinran. I will continue to move towards the light. Please take good care of yourself.
“The Light of the World” Shines Radiantly in This Evil, Corrupt World Masao Osajima, Buddhist Teacher
We are all convinced that being rich or famous brings happiness. However, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a preeminent general who once ruled the whole of Japan, built hidden passageways from the bathroom and toilets in his castle so that he could escape anytime. He always felt insecure, and I even assume that he suffered more than ordinary people.
Furthermore, the other day, an old man committed suicide by setting himself on fire in a bullet train, which is an embodiment of cutting-edge technology. I felt that this case symbolizes the collapse of material happiness and shows the tragedy of human beings, who are continuously running in a dark tunnel without an exit.
Those who feel there is no true happiness in this world rely on religions such as “funeral Buddhism”― which thrives on funerals, memorial services, and sutra chanting―or Christianity or Islam. They hope for a happy life after death, believing that they will go to “heaven” or “paradise” after they die, though it is nothing more than a hope.
However, only Master Shinran conveyed the teaching of heizei gojo, which is that Amida’s Primal Vow is the promise to save all beings into absolute happiness instantaneously in this life. He also made the ringing declaration that Amida’s Vow is true.He is indeed “the light of the world”.
Greece, the origin of Western philosophy, has suffered a financial collapse. Wars grounded on vengeance in the name of God have occurred repeatedly. In this evil, corrupt world, I am convinced that conveying this radiant light is a sacred mission only Shinran Followers can accomplish.
Bound by Being a Shinran Follower? Yukie Sekiguchi, Tokyo
During a recent celebration, Takamori-sensei answered the question, “I will be bound when I become a Shinran Follower, won’t I?” He taught us, “There is nothing to bind you at all.
If anything, you will be bound by the power of Amida Buddha’s Vow. You were born to be bound by the power of Amida’s Vow and be saved by the power of Amida’s Vow.” I reflected on my misunderstanding. If I have nothing to be bound by, I will just fulfill my worldly passions and suffer continually. I have realized that Shinran- kai is a blissful circle where Amida Buddha binds me by his Vow at the risk of his life.
I will introduce people to this wonderful circle that gives diamonds of Namu Amida Butsu, which makes us happy both in this present life and the future.
Source: The Buddhist Village Times #56 | 2015, Thank-You Letters
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