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)