MURYOKO
'Infinite Light'
Journal of Shin Buddhism
Harold Stewart
Two Rivers and A White Path
Shan Tao (613-81), known in Japanese as Zendo, was the Fifth Patriarch of Pure Land Buddhism and the third who was a native Chinese. In his work the Sanzengi, he gives his 'Parable of the Two Rivers and the White Path'. Briefly summarized, the Buddhist Wayfarer is travelling toward the West, when he is attacked on either side by robbers and wild beasts, and at the same time is confronted by two rivers, one of turbulent waters, the other of surging flames. But between these lies the Narrow White Path leading safely from the east to the west bank. Simultaneously the pilgrim hears the voice of Shakyamuni on this shore urging him to make the crossing, and sees Amida on the farther shore beckoning to him and assuring him of a safe passage. In this allegory, the east bank represents this world of Samsara with its dangers: the robbers and wild beasts who are the distractions and passions of mundane existence. The west bank stands for Jodo, the Pure Land of Amida Buddha. The river of fire symbolizes desire and the river of water, aversion; whilst the Narrow White Path itself is Shinjin, the Mind of Pure Faith that leads safely over to the Western Paradise.