Thursday, February 28, 2013

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)

Sunday, February 24, 2013

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)

Saturday, February 23, 2013

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)

Friday, February 22, 2013

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)

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

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)

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

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







Monday, February 18, 2013

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

Saturday, February 16, 2013

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


Friday, February 15, 2013

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

Thursday, February 14, 2013

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

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

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


Tuesday, February 12, 2013

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


Monday, February 11, 2013

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

Sunday, February 10, 2013

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






Saturday, February 9, 2013

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)

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

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




Tuesday, February 5, 2013

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

Monday, February 4, 2013

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

Friday, February 1, 2013

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

I am a Shin Buddhist (Journal Notes 1-31-13)

I am a Shin Buddhist.

I am a fool.

I want for everything.

I gain nothing.

Amida calls.

I answer.

Namu Amida Butsu

Namu Amida Butsu

Namu Amida Butsu

Embraced.

Never abandoned.

Never alone.

A Vow was taken.

Enlightenment assured.

Entrusting is essential.

I am a Shin Buddhist.

I am a fool.

Amida smiles and knows.


Thank you,
Jishin