Amida is all I have

Amida is all I have
That is all that is needed
Namu Amida Butsu is all I have
That is all that is needed
Amida
Namu Amida Butsu
Completely grateful!






Thank you
Jishin


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone while sitting on a lotus blossom and dipping my toes in the mud.

Simply grateful

Simply grateful for the chance
to call your name
Namu Amida Butsu


Thank you
Jishin




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone while sitting on a lotus blossom and dipping my toes in the mud.

All we need is Amida

All we need is Amida
Love is upon us
Amida is here
Entrust
In the Vow
made for you
Embraced by
Amida's light and life
All that we need is Amida


Namu Amida Butsu



Thank you,
Jishin



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone while sitting on a lotus blossom and dipping my toes in the mud.

Depressed Shin Buddhist

Depressed Shin Buddhist

Here I am
back ache
leg ache
head ache
daughter is ill
my heart aches

Depression
sadness
feels unstoppable
unbeatable

I am a Shin Buddhist
I am depressed
I am grateful because
Namu Amida Butsu
is right here with me
right here
right now
in the midst
of it all.........................



thank you, Amida!


Jishin

Grateful for the chance

I am grateful for the chance to share my thoughts about Amida.

Not wanting to cause harm..
Not wanting to cause grief..
I want to help...not sure if I can...

This robe I wear is merely a silk cocoon wrapped around a foolish worm that is being transformed by Amida.

Grateful for the chance
Grateful to Amida
Grateful

Name Amida Butsu

Jishin







- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone while sitting on a lotus blossom and dipping my toes in the mud.

Amida Amida

Amida Amida

calling, calling

please hear me, hear me


Amida Amida

calling, calling

I hear you, hear you


Amida Amida

calling, calling

Namu Amida Butsu, Namu Amida Butsu

My faith.....

(in a dream....a few nights a go I tossed and turned with the following words running and running through my mind...I kept turning the words around and trying them all in different groupings.....I had to wake myself up to stop the "running running mind" of mine...I then took my phone from my bedside table and emailed myself the following words so I wouldn't forget..so I could share today...)




My faith
is based
on the belief
that my life
is an expression
of Amida's Vow..........


My life
is based
on the belief
that my faith
is an expression
of Amida's Vow..........


Namu Amida Butsu



thank you,
Jishin

Gone gone gone...

I have been gone for awhile.

Fell down on my promise to myself to write every day.

I failed to inspire even myself.

I have many excuses to lean on.

Depression set in...

Pain set in...

Sorrow set in...

Life carried on as it normally does....

I just didn't carry on writing..

Now here I am again

trying to find my voice

my words

my inspiration

here I am Amida...

back again

face towards the light

smiling again

grateful for your grasp

grateful that

even in the dark

I know you are shining...

Namu Amida Butsu




thank you,
Jishin

Share Amida with others....

Share Amida with others...

Share your joy with others.

Share your love with others.

Share your compassion with others.

Share your enthusiasm of life with others.

Joy, love, compassion, enthusiasm of life...this is Amida within you...this is Namo Amida Butsu!  

You are the smile that Amida is smiling....

Be yourself....

You are embraced just as you are...

Amida is smiling...

Namo Amida Butsu!



















thank you,
Jishin

It is good to be home....

I have been away for a little over a month.  I visited my family and friends in Alaska.  I had very mixed emotions about going back to Alaska...the place I called home for most of my adult life (up until 4 years ago).  It was great to visit my mom, dad, granddaughter, sister, niece and nephew.  It was great to see Dharma friends, too!

My great Dharma journey began in Portland, Oregon many years ago (1994) then lead me back to Alaska and now I have come full circle back to Portland.

What is so very different now is not so much my physical address, but my awareness of where my home really is....my home is in the Nembutsu.

The Nembutsu is my only true home...my refuge, my safe place to bring all of my worries and joys.

Living in the Nembutsu has given me a sense of belonging, a sense of gratitude and a sense of being embraced by the greatest kindness I can ever imagine.

Namu Amida Butsu.....it is good to be home.

Namu Amida Butsu.....I am home.












thank you,
Jishin

fall into hell.....

"If you hear the Dharma as people usually do, you will fall into hell as people usually do."~ Zuiken


I hear the Dharma through my own cloud of foolish thoughts and ideas...how can I ever really hear the Dharma?  If it weren't for the fact that I get in the way of all the good the Dharma has to offer...I would be a better person....or would I?

Fact is, I am foolish, filled to the brim with ideas and thoughts that twist and turn my mind about what is right and wrong. 

Namu Amida Butsu is true and real and no thought or action that I place in front of Amida deters the working of Amida's Vow.  

I can not stop the working of Amida's Vow. (For this, I am grateful.)

You can not stop the working of Amida's Vow.  

If my day is "hellish" in nature, it is because my mind was restless and not hearing Amida's reminding call of Compassion.

Amida is always with me.

You and I my friend are never alone on the Nembutsu path.


Namu Amida Butsu.



Thank you,
Jishin
July 1, 2013
Portland, Oregon

It is my nature....

I have managed to kill a few hundred mosquitoes in the last few days....swarming in dark clouds all about my face, biting, biting, drawing blood..I swing and swat and smash the small creatures that hurt me...it is their nature to feed, it is my nature to kill...bugs are my latest victims..

I often kill dreams that I hold onto too tightly.
I kill thoughts that bother me.

I destroy happiness with negative thoughts I allow to take over my mind.

It is my nature.

And yet Amida's compassion and kindness finds a home squarely in the middle of this evil household of mine...I smile and say "thank you!"

Namu Amida Butsu











thank you,
Jishin
(Kenai, AK 6/2013)

Small words

Small words

No matter what I say or write about my life in the Nembutsu, it feels small and insignificant. I can not write well enough to express my happiness.  I can not write well enough to express my gratitude.  Much of what I write is personal.  Forgive my short comings...forgive my grammatical and typographical errors.  I like to put thoughts to paper (computer) quickly and without restrictions.  My life changed when I really came to understand how much the Dharma influences my everyday existence.  I can no longer experience life as a non-Buddhist.  The Dharma is infused in my very being.  Do you understand what I mean by this?  I am sure that you do.  The Nembutsu is infused in my very being.  Do you experience this yourself?  I am sure that you do.

Once you experience the Nembutsu....once you feel Amida's call deep in your heart....

Your life is forever changed.....

Now what do you do with this?

Live Namu Amida Butsu!








Thank you,
Jishin
(Kenai, AK 6/2013)

Birthday

Birthday - July 28

Birth day - ?

Born into the Pure Land

Are you ready?

I am not.

I am ashamed to say...I am attached to this life.

Amida is with me here.

Where am I now?

In Amida's realm I am in the embrace of goodness and light.

I am ashamed to say...I am attached to this life.

Amida calls....

I answer.....

Namu Amida Butsu

My shame is released....

My heart feels right...

Amida is always ready...with open arms!

Namu Amida Butsu






Thank you,
Jishin
(from Kenai, AK 6/2013)

A day in the life....

A day in the life of a Shin Buddhist

Other Power embraces me

Compassion is mine

Kindness beyond compare surrounds me

Amida shines my way

Illuminates my darkness

Brightens my day

Lightens my heart

Quells my fear

A day in the life..my life...this life....I am grateful to know Amida!

Thank you, thank you!







Thank you,
Jishin
(writing from Anchorage, Alaska 6/13)

Landing safely...

This is another piece that I wrote in 2009....
____________________________________________

In order to land safely I had to trust the process of falling. How did I learn to trust the process of letting go and giving up that which is familiar? I do not know. It is often a painful process; making decisions that will effect others as a result of my strong "gut feeling" to pursue my dreams. I know I have hurt and disappointed some family and friends. Yet, there is no denying a feeling that presents itself over and over again. 

gut feeling
trust
falling
land
safely
breathe...............................

I think that about covers it, for now.................

_______________________________________________________


Landing safely in the realm of Amida's Compassion....
forever embraced
never abandoned
Namu Amida Butsu



Jishin
5/2/13

Sweet Cake and a Dead Body

For several years I worked as a Hospice Chaplain in Anchorage, Alaska. I came across this journal entry I made in 2008.  

It is an honor to care for the dying. 

Namu Amida Butsu.

__________________________________________________________________________

Sweet cake and a dead body

Life as well as death needs to be nurtured and cared for in such a way that we can honor both states of being with equanimity.

The face I gaze upon is pale, solid; eyes staring off into a place unknown, mouth open as if calling out one last time for help. I will wash, perfume and dress this body in preparation for cremation. As I slip my hand under the body I encounter warmth of skin; remnant of a life once lived. It may seem strange to wash the dead. Why should this be a privilege for the living?

The family members bring us food. It feels absurd to be sitting, eating cakes and cookies with a dead body in the room.

The Dharma conquers the absurd.

12/31/08

Namu Amida Butsu

Jishin

Amida's child...

(Reading my book "Amida's ABCs" to the Dharma school children at the Oregon Buddhist Temple 4/2013)




Amida's child
full of life
full of love
full of doubts
full of fear
full of laughter
full of tears

I am but a child on the Dharma path set before me...
Amida, my friend, my guide, my teacher...

Namu Amida Butsu!




Jishin
4/29/13

Fear

Fear is a powerful emotion.
It eats away at my very core at times.
Fear becomes so powerful within me that
I am frozen and can not move forward.
Fear fills me with a darkness that only Amida can penetrate.
Some days I do not have the strength to shine bright.

Amida Buddha
shining bright
light
life
wisdom
compassion
kindness
love...............always calling me home.....

Namu Amida Butsu








Jishin
4/30/13

My mind can not comprehend....

My mind can not comprehend
the idea of the Dharma not being a part of my life.

My mind can not fathom the idea of Amida Buddha
not being a part of my life.

The Dharma, Amida Buddha, the Nembutsu....forever infused in all that I do...

Namu Amida Butsu

Always grateful.



Jishin
5/1/13

Amida in my life

Amida in my life..

Amida in my heart..

Amida in my mind..

What more could I ask for?

Nothing more...

Nothing but Amida...

Everything is Namu Amida Butsu...

Jishin

5/2/13

To be grateful...

Amida Buddha did not give me this life...

Amida Buddha gave me Namu Amida Butsu
in order to be grateful for the life that I have.

Namu Amida Butsu

Namu Amida Butsu

Namu Amida Butsu






thank you,
Jishin

Never enough time...

'Seems, for me, there is never enough time to get all the things done that I want to accomplish in a day.

The routine of my life takes over and my day fills quickly with tasks, travels and trials.

Never enough time to be grateful enough to Amida.

I could use every breath during my lifetime to say "thank you" and I still could not express enough to Amida.

Amida Buddha, the Buddha of limit-less wisdom and kindness and love.

Amida knows no limits...
and I, being a foolish being with a myriad of shortcomings,
am grateful to be within Amida's reach!


Namo Amida Butsu




Thank you,
Jishin
(4/16/13)

Note to self

Note to self

1. There is not much time left.
2. Breathe. Listen. Hear!
3. Amida is calling.
4. Namu Amida Butsu.

Gassho,

Jishin

(notes to self 4-15-13)

My failure is Amida's path to success...

My failure is Amida's path to success...
a path that leads right to my heart.

The Nembutsu seeks me out, with all my short comings,
and lifts me into the Pure Land.

My failures are embraced by Amida.

My failures are part of this Pure Land of Amida's.

I am never apart from the Nembutsu.

The Nembutsu is never apart from me.

Namo Amida Butsu!






















thank you,
Jishin

Why now?

Why Amida now?
Because I am not capable of any true goodness...my ego lurks in every action...I am only human...and that is OK!  I am embraced by Amida just AS I AM - RIGHT NOW!

Why the Nembutsu now?
Because I am not capable of finding the right words to express my deepest thanks to the embrace of Amida's Vow.  The Nembutsu is not mine to say.  The Nembutsu is a gift that I have not earned, but have had bestowed upon me by the greatest compassionate and wise Buddha, Amida.  Namu Amida Butsu is a song of gratefulness that my heart sings.

Why now?
Now is all I have..I don't want to waste a moment...Namu Amida Butsu is this moment's greatest gift.

Namu Amida Butsu















thank you,
Jishin
(notes 4/13/13)

Wicked like me...

Amida Buddha's salvation
is a gift to us all.

Amida's Vow
is a gift to the wicked like me.

Amida's Promise to save all sentient beings
gives me hope.

Amida's Compassion
is too big for me to understand,
yet I am grateful
for it's greatness!

Amida's Wisdom
is too big for my mind to understand,
yet I am grateful
that I am
embraced
and
never
abandoned.

Namu Amida Butsu
is too big for my heart to hold,
I have to share it with the world!

Amida makes room
in his heart for a fool
like me.

Namu Amida Butsu




thank you,
Jishin
(notes 4/10/13)

Amida Buddha

Amida Buddha

Light

Life

Compassion

Wisdom

Kindness

Love

Hope

Vow Power

Now

Entrust

Hear

Know

Namu Amida Butsu

thank you,

Jishin

(4/9/13 notes)

The song that my heart sings.

I am awakened by the light of an early spring morning.
The birds are singing.
Amida is calling.
I am joyful at the sounds!
Namu Amida Butsu is
the song that my heart sings.....









Thank you, Jishin
(4-6-13 Notes)

Is it possible?

Is it possible that Amida forgets about me?
Never!
Knowing this brings a smile to my face and a Nembutsu leaps from my heart to my lips!

Namu Amida Butsu!
Namu Amida Butsu!
Namu Amida Butsu!

Thank you...










Jishin
(notes 4/5/13)

Pure Land, right here, right now

Pure Land
right here
right now

Amida Buddha
right here
right now

Namu Amida Butsu
right here
right now

Compassion and Wisdom
right here
right now


Your life
right here
right now









Thank you,
Jishin
3/29/13

Grasping at straws...

There are days that I feel I am grasping at straws.
Reaching for the impossible.
Reaching for happiness
that I can't find in my mind.
Some days are harder than others.
Why can't I just be happy all the time?
That is an impossible task.
The Dharma is my friend in the darkness.
Amida is my friend that brings home the light.
Namu Amida Butsu...











Jishin
4/3/13

Let in the light...

Let in the light.
Let it shine deeply.
Let it shine bright.
There is no darkness so deep within me that Amida can't pierce with the light of Compassion.
My darkness is of no consequence to Amida.
Namu Amida Butsu
dwells within me.
For this I am grateful.
Forever grateful.

Namu Amida Butsu!






Jishin
4/2/13

When nothing else makes sense...

When nothing else makes sense
I call to Amida.
I hear Namu Amida Butsu
and suddenly
everything
is just the same
only better.
Namu Amida Butsu














Jishin
4/1/13

Cherry blossoms...

Cherry blossoms' sweetness fills the air.

Branches are so full of flowers, the petals almost block the sky.

The bees are happy and so am I.

Namo Amida Butsu






Thank you,
Jishin
(my neighbor's cherry tree 3-28-13)

Spring is here.

Spring is here.
Buds bursting at the seams.
The promise of
awakening.
Blooming!


Amida is here.
Heart so full of love.
The promise of
the Vow.
Fullfilled!

thank you,
Jishin

(painting "Jizo" by Jishin 3/2013)

Awaken!

April is indeed a time of great awakening all around us..so it should be within us.

Awaken the heart of Nembutsu within you.

Awaken your mind to the Dharma.

Awaken your senses and hear Amida calling you!

Namo Amida Butsu








(thank you Rev. Greg Gibbs for your continued inspiration!)

Jishin

My many layers...

I have many layers of emotions...happiness, joy, sadness, anger, greediness...it's all in me...layer upon layer of light and darkness.

The Dharma scrapes away the layers and allows Amida's Light to shine through.

Keep scraping away...keep chipping away at the old dark paint...at the old dark pain...keep scraping away.

Amida's Light will always shine through.

Always.

Namo Amida Butsu










thank you,
Jishin
(painting by Jishin March 2013)

It's time...

It's time.
Time to get your life right.
Time to get your heart right.
Time to get your mind right.
It's time!

It's time.
Time to hear Amida's call.
Time to know Amida's Vow.
Time to open your life to the Nembutsu!
It's time!

All we have is now...
All we have is this moment...
All we have is this breath...
It's time!

Now is the time to know Amida!

Now!















thank you,
Jishin
(journal note 3/24/13)

Now I understand...

Most don't understand.

People want to "do" something to be enlightened.

People want to "do" good things to become better.

People want to sit in meditation for 30 minutes a day..then those same people feel bad about themselves if they don't.

What can I tell them?

I can tell them nothing.

I must keep it to myself, for there is nothing I can tell them that will change their mind.

They have to hear Amida's call for themselves.

They have to hear Amida say "come just as you are".

They have to understand's Amida's saving Vow.

Now I understand...

Now I understand, there is nothing I can do to save all beings...

Amida has done it all....

Namo Amida Butsu!

thank you,

Jishin

(journal note 3/23/13)

Find your passion....

Find your passion.
I picked up the paint brush this week.
I put paint to canvas.
It felt strange after so many years to paint again.
Right now the colors are dark.
But I know with time, the colors will become bright again.
I know I will find the passion.
I know I will find it.
Don't let time get in the way of your passion.
Today is the day.
I am grateful.
Namo Amida Butsu.











thank you,
Jishin
(journal note 3/21/13)

Did you forget something?

Did you forget something just now?
Did you forget Amida?
Did you forget to say Namo Amida Butsu?
Did you forget to say "thank you"?
Did you forget to listen to Amida's call?
Did you forget?

I did....

I remembered my darkness.
I remembered my sadness.
I remembered all of my regrets.
I remembered my shame.
I remembered everything that I have done wrong.

No matter...

Amida's Light shines bright!

Amida's kindness knows no darkness, sadness, regrets, shame, or wrong doing.

Amida never forgets....

Amida remembered ME today!

Namo Amida Butsu!










thank you,
Jishin
(3-20-13 notes)

My Nembutsu....

My Nembutsu
is Amida's joy
tumbling from my lips.

My Nembutsu
is Amida's Light
shining from my heart.

My Nembutsu
is Amida's Life
filling me with happiness.

Namo Amida Butsu
Namo Amida Butsu
Namo Amida Butsu

It's all from Amida.....I can do nothing.

Grateful...grateful always.....






thank you,
Jishin
(notes from 3/19/13)

I hear it...

I hear it.

I hear it.

Amida is calling me.

I hear Namo Amida Butsu....

I hear it....

I feel it....

I know it....

I taste it....

I breathe it...

I breathe Namo Amida Butsu....

Breathe in Amida's Vow...

Let the Vow become the very air that you breathe...

Yes, Amida's Vow is that essential.

It is as essential as the air you breathe.

Be grateful for each breath.

Be grateful for the Vow.

Be grateful....

Do you hear it?

Do you hear the Vow?

Namo Amida Butsu

Breathe............................................

Thank you,

Jishin

(3/18/13)

Spring...changing of the season....

Spring
Changing of the season
Re-birth
Blossoms
Flowers
Rising from the mulch
Life from the decay

Dharma
Changing of my mind
Heart is re-born
Opened
Shining
Amida rises from my darkness
Nembutsu from
the mud that is me

Namo Amida Butsu


















thank you,
Jishin
(journal notes 3/13/13)

No dirt..no flower...

No dirt...no flower

No doubts...no entrusting

No gratefulness...no Namu Amida Butsu

No darkness...no Light

No foolishness...no Wisdom

No entrust...no Amida




The flower needs the dirt to grow.

Your doubts are fertile ground for Entrusting.

Your gratefulness is echoed in Namu Amida Butsu.

Amida's Light welcomes your darkness.

Amida's Wisdom welcomes your foolishness.

Your entrusting welcomes Amida into your life.

Namo Amida Butsu!










thank you,
Jishin
(journal notes 3/14/13)

Point of Interest Ahead

While driving along the highway today, I saw a road sign "Point of Interest Ahead".  I wondered what "point of interest" I might be willing to stop the car, park, get out and look.  It was a beautiful waterfall.  I would have gone about my day and not taken the time to see the beauty had it not been for the road sign.

Spiritually, every moment in our lives as a Shin Buddhist has the sign "point of interest ahead" posted right before our eyes.  Our "point of interest ahead" is the moment of Shinjin!  Do you see it?  Do you hear Amida Buddha calling?  Have you settled your heart in the matter of living a life in the Nembutsu?  

It is time to wake up, see the sign...stop the car, park, get out and look at all you have to be grateful for in life.  Take your life in the Nembutsu seriously...it's a matter of life and death...it's a matter of utmost importance.  Never forget...never forget....Namo Amida Butsu!

thank you,

Jishin

(journal notes 3/15/13) 

Entrusting alone...what are you waiting for?

Why wait?
Entrust alone is what counts!
Why wait?
Get it settled in your heart and mind.
What are you waiting for?
All of the difficult practices were done on your behalf...how's that for gift?
A gift indeed!
What are you waiting for?
You have been given the invitation to the Pure Land...
RSVP to Amida with
Namo Amida Butsu!
What are you waiting for?
The wait is over.
This is your chance.
Amida is calling.
Entrust.
Nothing more......
It is all for you.








thank you,
Jishin
(journal notes 3/16/13)

My beloved Amida...what would you do?

I call to you in the midst of my suffering.

Namo Amida Butsu.  My beloved Amida...what would you do?

I call to you in the midst of my sadness.

Namo Amida Butsu.  My beloved Amida...what would you do?

I call to you in the midst of my darkness.

Namo Amida Butsu.  My beloved Amida...what would you do?

I call to you....

for I am grateful to be in your midst.

Namo Amida Butsu.

My beloved Amida, thank you.

thank you,

Jishin

(inspired by Theresa's Dharma talk 3-17-13)

No longer homeless...

I am no longer homeless;
no longer searching for a refuge.
I have found my home in the Nembutsu.
I have found my refuge in the light of Amida.
I have found my refuge in the kindness of Amida.
I am forever engulfed by Amida's ocean of compassion.
I feel embraced and uplifted by the gentle waves
of love and kindness.
This is the way of Shin Buddhism.
This is what it feels like to live a life in the Nembutsu.
This is what it feels like to be shined upon
by Amida's light.
No matter what you think, that light IS for YOU!
Never doubt.
Never doubt.
Never doubt.....Namu Amida Butsu!






Thank you,
Jishin
(journal notes 3/12/13)

Turned inside out...

I feel turned inside out...
What was once locked inside, is now on the outside for all to see.
No longer can I hide from the reach of Amida's compassion and wisdom. All that I am is clear to Amida.  I feel ashamed of my shortcomings and yet I smile knowing that the Dharma has changed my mind, my heart and my life and for this I can be grateful.  I know I repeat myself...that is all I can do....

Namo Amida Butsu
Namo Amida Butsu
Namo Amida Butsu

Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you!





Thank you,
Jishin
(journal note 3/11/13)
photo by Jishin 2009

Reach for the light...

Reach for the light...

Arms stretched high
Amida's light knows no bounds
Arms stretched high
fingers spread
grasping at threads of the Dharma weaved in all that surrounds me

Reach for the light
Stand on your tip toes
It's all in your grasp
It's all here for you
Amida's Vow
Amida's promise
to you
Do you remember Amida's Vow?
Amida remembers you.
Be grateful.






thank you,
Jishin
(journal notes 3/10/13)
photo by Jishin 2009

So many fears...

So many fears...

So many fears live inside me.
I open my mouth to scream and
nothing escapes.
I am in a fog, a storm, a cloud of
doubt and delusion.
My heart is open and raw with emotions.
Amida's kindness is here in the midst of all that I am.   Amida is here.

  
Namo Amida Butsu
Namo Amida Butsu
Namo Amida Butsu

So many fears...
yet,
Amida is always with me.

I am grateful.
I am grateful.
I am grateful.







thank you,
Jishin
(journal notes 3/9/13)
drawing by Jishin 2009

It has been done.

It has been done.
Amida's Vow has been fulfilled.
All of the difficulties have been overcome.
All of the problems of birth worked out.
The path towards the Pure Land has been
cleared and made ready for you.
Yes, you...and you alone!
Amida Buddha made this so.
Amida Buddha vowed to make this so, for the likes of you!
Amida Buddha never failed.

That Vow is for YOU!
Be grateful foolish one!
Be grateful you fool!
Be grateful....
Namo Amida Butsu














thank you,
Jishin
(journal notes 3/8/13)

I will show you...

I will show you my kindness
I will show you my heart
I will show you my compassion
I will show you my wisdom
What I show you is not true...what I show you is not real...
My kindness is often laced with greed...
My heart is often very small...
My compassion is often lacking...
My wisdom is non-existent...
What am I to do?
All I can do is call to Amida....Namo Amida Butsu!
Amida sees my foolishness
Amida sees my greed
Amida sees my stupidity....
I am still in Amida's heart.
Nothing more for me to do...
Nothing more I can do...
It has all been done for me
and for you...
Namo Amida Bustu!












thank you,
Jishin
(journal notes 3/7/13)

This works for me...

Namo Amida Butsu
This works for me...

Namo Amida Butsu
This works on me...transforming my darkness to light...
making me aware of my faults and foolishness
guiding my lost thoughts home
to Amida

Namo Amida Butsu
This works for me...

Namo Amida Bustu
This is my path...this is my life...

Namo Amida Butsu
This is heart I share
with Amida

Namo Amida Butsu works for me......















thank you,
Jishin
(journal entry 3-6-13)

This is it...

This is it...
Serving noodles
Serving tea
Serving pickles on a plate
What more could I ask to do today...
The Nembutsu
with each slurp on the udon!

Namo Amida Butsu!



















Thank you,
Jishin
(journal entry 3/5/13)

Birds call...

I hear the Nembutsu with each
bird singing....
The gentle mist of the Dharma
kisses my skin...
The warmth of the sunshine
reminds me
of the warm embrace
of Amida's compassion...
holding me
holding me
holding me.....






Thank you,
Jishin
(journal note 3/4/13)

Few words

I take refuge in the Buddha of Infinite Wisdom and Limitless Light.

I can think of no better place to seek shelter

to find peace

to find acceptance

to know I am ok...

just as I am.

Namu Amida Butsu

Thank you,

Jishin

(journal entry 3/3/13)

How can I do this?

How can I do this?
How can I get through the day?
How can I get past this dark feeling?
How can I get my mind right?
How can I get my heart right?
Namo Amida Butsu brightens my day.
Namo Amida Butsu works on my darkness.
Namo Amida Butsu works in my mind.
Namo Amida Butsu is in my heart.
With all my faults and foolishness....I find it hard to change.
Amida's Compassion and Wisdom is right here...right now!
Amida is changing me and for this I am grateful.



Thank you.



Jishin
(Journal entry 3/2/13)

A Child's Nembutsu Prayer

A Child's Nembutsu Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep,
Namu Amida Butsu
in my heart I will keep.
Watch over me through the night
and keep me safe till morning's light.

Now I lay me down to sleep,
Namu Amida Butsu
in my heart I will keep.
Guide me with your love and light
Keep me close and in your sight.

Now I lay me down to sleep,
Namu Amida Butsu
in my heart I will keep.
If I should dream before I wake,
Amida I will listen
this promise, I make.

Namu Amida Butsu
Namu Amida Butsu
Namu Amida Butsu












thank you,
Jishin
(journal notes 3/1/13)

Please listen.

I want to tell you something.

Please listen.

This is it.

This is all that there is.

This one life,

this one breath,

this one beat of your heart.

In this moment, this is all you have.

I want to tell you something.

Please listen.

Amida is here.

Always here with you.

In this moment

and every moment you have

you are embraced by

Compassion and Wisdom.

This one life, is your life in the Nembutsu.

This one breath can say "Namo Amida Butsu".

This one beat of your heart,

is the sound of Amida

within you.

Please listen.

This is it....................

Namo Amida Bustu

Thank you,

Jishin

(journal entry 2/28/13)

The challenge to wake up!

For 49 years I have opened my eyes each morning after a long night's sleep.
I am grateful for waking up each morning for as long as I have.
When will I ever wake up spiritually?
Will I ever be fully "awake" in this lifetime?
Sadly, not.
I am too far gone.
I have so many selfish thoughts.
I run short of patience.
I overflow with greed.
I erupt in anger.
I implode with self doubt.
Amida calls "Namo Amida Butsu!"
"Namo Amida Butsu"
Wake up Jishin!
Wake up priest!
Wake up foolish woman!
I smile.
Amida has awakened in me
and will never sleep
again....





Thank you,
Jishin
(journal entry 2/27/13)

The path.....

The path of the Nembutsu lies under my feet.

Amida has made the way for me.

Amida has created the road signs.

Amida has given me the map.

Compassion and Wisdom carry me along.

I am full of foolishness.

I stumble and fall over my own ego.

I fall into the arms of Amida

and am lifted back

on to the path.

Namo Amida Butsu

Thank you for

helping me to

find my

way 

home........

thank you,

Jishin

(journal entry 2/26/2013)

Do not waste a single breath...

How many breaths have I taken in my life?
How many breaths have I wasted on saying harmful words?
How many breaths have I wasted screaming and shouting?
How many breaths have I used to speak ego-centered words about myself?
Too many....
Too many breaths wasted....

How many breaths have I used to call to Amida?
How many breaths have I used to say the Nembutsu?
How many breaths have I used to speak a kind word to a stranger?
How many breaths have I used to give comfort?
Not enough....
Not enough breaths for the good of others....

Life is not just about taking a breath...
Life is about what you do with each breath that you are given...

Say the Nembutsu
Say the Nembutsu
Say the Nembutsu

Do not waste a single breath of this precious time you are given.

Namu Amida Butsu



Thank you,
Jishin
(journal entry 2/25/13)

Doubt cannot not live...

Doubt cannot live in a heart that is filled with Amida's Light.
Doubt cannot live in a heart that is touched by Amida's Compassion.
Doubt cannot live in a heart that is touched by Amida's Wisdom.
Doubt cannot live in a heart that is filled with the Nembutsu.
Doubt cannot fall from the lips when saying the Nembutsu.
Doubt cannot find a home where Amida dwells.
Doubt has no home
in me.


Namu Amida Butsu




Thank you,
Jishin
(Journal notes 2-24-13)

The sinking feeling...

That sinking feeling

Ever get that sinking feeling..
like your feet are stuck in the mud you have made in life?
Amida understands the dirt
Amida understands the suffering
Amida understand the mud and muck we create in our minds...
We are foolish beings with big hearts and busy minds.
We get weighed down by the suffering we create through
greed and silliness.
We begin to sink deep into the darkness of our despair.
We get that sinking feeling and then
Amida reminds us that like the lotus flower,
we are rooted in the mud and will bloom
into a beautiful flower.
Why?
Because Other Power is directed
directly towards YOU.
For you alone.
Amida Buddha has turned your "mud"
into the Ocean of Enlightenment.
Have no fear....because that sinking feeling
is Amida's Compassion and Wisdom
working on YOU.
Namo Amida Butsu





thank you,
Jishin

(journal notes 2/23/13)

The good news is......

(I recently found a notebook in a box of  interesting "junk" that I picked up at a local auction for $1.  I decided that I would use this notebook to write down my thoughts about being grateful.  I decided to call this little notebook my "gratitude notebook".  I assumed that the notebook was empty, yet when I opened it up and thumbed through the first few blank pages, I came across this handwritten note......)



"The good news is....this is not permanent.  And I am not trapped.  I have made this spot, which is pretty good, and I can think my way to another spot without too much trouble or effort.  I used to think it would be hard, but now, I now know."


I re-read this note several times and smiled.  The more I read it, the more I fell in love with the sentiment.  It is certainly a very Shin Buddhist approach to life.  It is spoken from the heart.  It could be coming directly from the heart of a Nembutsu follower.

It certainly is good news that I am not trapped in this life of suffering.  Entrusting in Amida has created clarity in my life.  I am, who I am because of my thoughts and actions.  I have a pretty good life right now.  When I experience suffering, I can take a look at my thoughts and feelings and maybe make a change for the better.  I used to think life was really hard, but now, I now know...Namu Amida Butsu!





Thank you,
Jishin



(journal notes 2-22-13)

Know in your heart....a Nembutsu Prayer...

Know in your heart...a Nembutsu Prayer

Know in your heart that entrusting alone assures your birth into the Pure Land.
Know in your heart that you are always grasped, never abandoned.
Know in your heart that the great ocean of Amida's Compassion will never harm you, but lift you up and carry you to the other shore.
Know in your heart that Amida hears you each time you say Namo Amida Butsu.
Know in your heart that your foolish actions do not deter the power of  Amida's Vow.
Know in your heart that your life in the Nembutsu is a full life, a good life, the best life for you.
Know in your heart that you are Amida's Joy!

Namu Amida Butsu
Namu Amida Butsu
Namu Amida Butsu




thank you,
Jishin


(journal notes 2/21/13)

Gratitude for the Foolish Being

Gratitude for the Foolish Being

I am grateful for waking up this morning.
I am grateful for this life.
I am grateful to hear the Dharma.
I am grateful to be human.
I am grateful for my foolishness.
I am grateful that I am grasped by Amida's Vow.
I am grateful that I can laugh today.
I am grateful that I can cry today.
I am grateful for the Compassion in my life.
I am grateful for the Wisdom in my life.
I am grateful for friends, family and loved ones.
I am grateful that my foolish ways do not deter Amida's Vow to save me.
I am grateful that Amida will never give up on me.
I am grateful to live a life in the Nembutsu.
I am grateful today.
I am grateful.
Namu Amida Butsu
Namu Amida Butsu
Namu Amida Butsu








thank you,
Jishin
(journal notes 2/20/13)

Meditation for the Every Day Shin Buddhist #2

Meditation for the Every Day Shin Buddhist #2

Sitting quietly I think on the Pure Land
jeweled towers beaming bright
I listen carefully and hear the Dharma
drift melodically through the air.

Sitting quietly I think on the Pure Land
I see beautiful lotus blossoms everywhere
radiant light shining from each perfect petal
colors rich and vibrant, how amazing!

Sitting quietly my mind turns to Amida Buddha
Amida is bright and perfect sitting peacefully
on a lotus blossom
Amida is not alone. He is sitting with Kannon and
Seishi, thrones of lotus blossoms beneath them
radiating Compassion and Wisdom.

Sitting quietly my mind focuses completely on Amida Buddha
his rays of light are so penetrating...
my mind and heart are washed clean
Amida's perfection is beyond my understanding
I close my eyes, take a deep breath
and feel myself completely
immersed in the light of Amida Buddha
Namo Amida Butsu
Namo Amida Butsu
Namo Amida Butsu






thank you,
Jishin
(Journal notes 2/19/13)

A Meditation for the Every Day Shin Buddhist

A Meditation for the Every Day Shin Buddhist

Sitting quietly in the morning light
I feel the sun on my face and
think of Amida's Light
shining deep into my heart

Sitting quietly
I close my eyes and imagine
the beautiful, waters of Amida's
Ocean of Compassion

Sitting quietly
I think of walking on the
beautiful ground of the Pure Land
bright jewels at my feet
comforting each step

Sitting quietly
I think of beautiful trees, filled with fragrant blossoms,
heavy with delicious fruit, and adorned
with brilliant jewels

Sitting quietly
I think of calming waters,
infused with the Dharma,
if I listen close enough I can hear
"Namo Amida Butsu" with each
wave kissing the shore

Namo Amida Butsu
Namo Amida Butsu
Namo Amida Butsu





(Journal Notes 2/18/13)
Thank you,
Jishin

Where am I? (journal note 2-17-13)

Where am I?
I am right here; foolish, self-centered, human
Where am I?
I am right here; alive, breathing, eyes open
Where am I?
I am right here; listening, learning, grateful
Where am I?
I am right here;
Amida at my side, hands in gassho,
Namo Amida Butsu falling from my lips
Where are you my friend?
Find your way....find your way



thank you,
Jishin

Three simple tasks...

What does it take to be a Shin Buddhist?

3 things:

Hear it!
Know it!
Live it!

Hear the teachings!
Hear Amida calling!
Know the teachings work for you!
Know Amida's Vow is for you!
Live a life full of gratitude!
Live your life in Nembutsu!

Hear it!
Know it!
Live it!




thank you,
Jishin

Step into the realm

Step into the realm of Amida's Compassion
know that you are within the Buddha's grasp
even your foolish ways can not throw you
off the path
The Nembutsu resides in your heart
the living Dharma
the heartbeat
of your life
Namo Amida Butsu
find your way home to
Amida
and know you are always
welcome to just
be your foolish
self




thank you,
Jishin

feeling small

feeling small in Amida's presence today
don't know if I will ever feel comfortable
in this foolish shell I call "me"
Amida calls and I hear
the sweetness of Compassion
calling me home
calling to say " all is ok"
calling to say "don't be afraid"
I see Amida's smile on the faces
of my Dharma friends
and I know I am
home.


thank you,
Jishin

Bright light shining...

bright light shining
deep penetrating warmth
Amida's Compassion
sent my way
lifts me up
picks me up
back on my feet again

my foolish heart
hides in the darkness of my fears
Amida's bright shining light
pierces the fear
illuminates every space
within me

death is always near
Amida is always near
the bright shining light
guides me
the fear is gone
all I have left is
Namu Amida Butsu
that's it!




thank you,
Jishin

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day to my family and friends.

I am grateful for all of the love that I have in my life.

I am grateful for all of the love I have been able to share with others.

I am grateful for this life that I have..with all of it's "ups" and "downs".

Thank you for following along with my blog.

I appreciate all of the kind comments.

All I have to offer is my experience with Amida.

Thank you again.

In gassho,

(Jishin) Diane Johnson

Goodness escapes me...

Goodness escapes me.

Compassion escapes me.

Wisdom is a distant memory.

My kindness is born from ego.

Is it possible for me to be genuine?

I feel fake and false.

I don't know anything.

Empty.

Amida Buddha sees me.

Amida Buddha Vowed to save the likes of me.

Amida Buddha threw his Compassionate net so wide that even

someone as evil as me

gets caught in it's grasp.

Good for nothing

that is me,

and that makes me

perfect for Amida Buddha.

Namu Amida Butsu

Thank you,

Jishin

Amida's realm....

Amida's realm
is the great Ocean
in which I choose to float...
stoping the struggle
letting go
looking upward
letting Amida
hold me
surround me
engulf me
cover me
bring me along
to the
Pure Land.

Amida's realm
tastes of Compassion
and Wisdom
sweet
refreshing
life-giving
endless
boundless
for me
alone
I am
quenched
by
Namu Amida Butsu.




Thank you,
Jishin

ABCs....a little Buddhist fun....

Amida
Buddha's
Compassion.
Dharma
Everywhere
Found.
Gassho
Hands
In
Joy
Kindness
Love.
Mindfulness
Now.
Ocean
Parent
Quiet
Refuge.
Samsara
Timeless
Unquenched
Volumes
Wisdom
eXamine
Your
Zafu

----------

Namu Amida Butsu

Thank you,
Jishin

Leaving everything to Amida

Sunday, February 10, 2013


Hands in gassho
Namu Amida Butsu in my heart and mind
Juzu on my wrist
Altar in front of me
Amida all around me
Dharma friends sitting next to me
Feeling unworthy of the robes
Foolish am I
My heart is grateful
My mind is small
Tears stain my sleeve
Leaving everything to Amida
I feel Amida's light shining bright
My darkness lifts
and my heart is free
Namu Amida Butsu
Namu Amida Butsu
Namu Amida Butsu
Leaving everything to Amida
is my only hope
Here I am, Amida....here I am!

Thank you,
Jishin

Rely upon this!

I rely upon the source of limitless wisdom-light and endless life.

I rely on Amida Buddha.

Namu Amida Butsu.

What more could I possibly want?

What more do I need?

Its all right here....

The flower has bloomed right under my nose.

I breathe in the sweetness of Amida's Vow and taste the nectar of the Dharma.

It is all here for me.

I am so grateful.

Grateful beyond words.

Namu Amida Butsu

Rely upon this!

Dig in the dirt...(2-8-13 journal notes)

I realize my limitations.

I do not claim any great knowledge of Buddhism.

I have very little formal education.

I am a terrible student in general.

I am a "dig in the dirt Shin Buddhist" .

I get my hands dirty with life.

I scream out loud when the pain in my heart is deep.

I call to Amida when my heart is filled with the joy of the Dharma.

I see the Buddha's teachings in the earth as I plant flowers.

I couldn't tell you from memory the names of the Sutras

but I can share with you my laughter and tears

for that is my Dharma.

Amida Buddha is present in all we do and is part of who we are.

I dig in the dirt, then with soiled hands in gassho call to Amida and say "thank you!"

Thank you,

Jishin

A Mother's Love...(Journal notes 2-7-13)

I recently bought a piece of furniture at an auction.  When I brought the piece home, I discovered a letter that was stuck in the very back of a drawer.  It was a handwritten note from a daughter to her mother for Mother's day.

"May 2006

Mom,

We talk quite often about those who have a positive and powerful impact on our lives, and most of the time the list of people we come up with is pretty short.  There is one woman, however, that tops that list that has always made us feel loved, has comforted us during times of need, and brought normality during times of chaos. That wonderful woman is you and we cannot be more thankful to have you as our Mother; for all that you do for us & the family.

We love you  & hope you have a very happy Mother's Day!  We wish to make you as proud of us, as we are to have such a beautiful Mom like you!

Love, Jennifer & Steve"

___________________________________________________________________________

I wish to leave these words with you and ask that you take the time to thank someone that has had a powerful impact on your life.

Namu Amida Butsu

Thank you,
Jishin
(Journal notes 2-7-13)

No words of wisdom tonight...

No words of wisdom tonight
don't know if I ever had any
where does the time go
where does my life go
where does it all go
it is all right here
time
life
me
you
right here with Amida
Amida is right here with me
Other Power
the Oneness
Amida Buddha
my Buddha
for me
alone

Namu Amida Butsu

Thank you,
Jishin

Thank you, thank you...

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

I am filled with "thank you"
I am filled with joy
I am filled with gratefulness

Be open to Amida
Be open to Compassion and Wisdom
Open your heart
Open your mind

Greed, hatred, selfish thoughts return
my old true self
ugly and delusional
Amida is open to me
despite my foolishness

Amida is open to all of us.
Are you open to Amida?

Namu Amida Butsu


Thank you,
Jishin

Re-discovery (Mandarava Blossoms)...(Journal Notes 2/4/2013)

As I was packing books and notebooks into a box for the move, I re-discovered a notebook filled with 6 volumes of Mandarava Blossoms.  Mandarava Blossoms was a publication created by the Seattle Buddhist Church Research Department.  I would like to share an excerpt from Volume 12. No 12. written August 1982.
___________________________________________________________________

"The ocean of Amida's Wisdom and Compassion is called "THE PURE LAND".  The Pure Land unconditionally receives every kind of sentient being:

Bodhisattvas, Sravakas, Pratyeka-Buddhas, and ordinary people who are filled with sufferings, anger, greed, ignorance, selfishness, etc., without any choice or judgment.  Amida's Pure Land welcomes them, then changes them into Amida Buddha.

Therefore, The Pure Land has two rare functions:  the absolute ability of RECEPTIVITY, and the perfect power of PURIFICATION.  The Pure Land is working for us.  Amida Buddha is working for us.

We, the followers of Jodo Shinshu, empty into the ocean of Amida Buddha, while reciting the name: NAMO-AMIDA_BUTSU.


Gassho,

Reverend Eijiro Fujii

Seattle Betsuin
_____________________________________________________________________

I sat on the floor among the boxes and re-read this several times.  I found great comfort in the words.

I especially love the last line...

We, the followers of Jodo Shinshu, empty into the ocean of Amida Buddha, while reciting the name: NAMO-AMIDA_BUTSU.

What a wonderful way of thinking on Amida...you and I pouring ourselves into the Ocean of Wisdom and Compassion....emptying ourselves into Amida Buddha...giving ourselves over...just as we are, knowing that we are received without judgement, we are embraced....we are welcomed into the Pure Land with Namu Amida Butsu....

Namu Amida Butsu....

Empty yourself into the ocean of Amida Buddha....

Beautiful....beautiful....

Thank you,
Jishin

Not as young as I used to be...reality check! (Journal Notes 2/03/13)

Reality check

body hurts

muscles ache

headache

stress

Namu Amida Butsu

don't feel much like writing today

don't want to unpack the boxes

complaining allot

I am selfish

just thinking about myself

Amida thinks of me

even when I am

in a deep state of

darkness

tired mind

Namu Amida Butsu

tired body

Namu Amida Butsu

getting old

Namu Amida Butsu

I am sorry for my selfishness

Namu Amida Butsu

here's hoping for another day

Namu Amida Butsu

thank you,

Jishin

(Journal notes from 2/3/2013)

My mind is tired... (Journal Notes 2-02-13)

My mind is tired.

I have been packing all of my belongings, making ready for a move into the city.

I have so much unnecessary "stuff".

Where did it all come from?

Why do I have so many "things"?

I don't need most of these things I am packing into boxes.

Makes me feel selfish in one sense.

I have got to lighten my load.

I have to give up these objects I am attached to.

Ok, who am I kidding.  There I go again, beating myself up for being "human" and for "wanting" of things.  It is just who I am.

The lesson I have discovered in this busy week of packing and cleaning and moving is this...

when it comes down to the basics...

all we really need is a deep understanding of how fortunate we are to live such a full life...

all we really need is to realize how fortunate we are to have the Dharma in our lives...

all we really need is Namu Amida Butsu

Thank you,
Jishin

A bit of a delay...

My internet is not back up and running at my new house...in a few days I will be posting several days worth of notes....looking forward to blogging again real soon.

Namu Amida Butsu
Thank you,
Jishin

Do you really want it?

Do you really want the Nembutsu in your life?

Do you really want to entrust in the power of Amida's Vow?

Do you want to hear Namu Amida Butsu?

I have no hope of being an enlightened being....not while I live and breathe with this giant ego of mine.

If my enlightenment depended on me to always "do good and cause no harm", then, sad to say I would fail miserably.

So what can I depend on?

Where can I put my trust?

Namu Amida Butsu..

Entrusting alone is essential....

Your life depends on it...

Thank you,
Jishin