MURYOKO
'Infinite Light'
Journal of Shin Buddhism
Harold Stewart
The Consolation of the Name
After the devotee has heard Amida's First Call, he can, according to Shinran, re-call Amida's Name as many times as he wishes to express his gratitude for the gift of Faith and his joy at this assurance of Rebirth in Jodo. But it would certainly be hypocritical to feel thankful for some gift that one does not yet know that one has already received. For whilst the Buddha-nature, or Heart of Faith, is inherent in every sentient being, most are still ignorant of this momentous presence. One may even conceive of it rationally, but as yet fail to realize it, that is, to make it real in one's daily living, which is called the Great Practice. For then every thought, word, and deed becomes the invocation of the Name. The Nembutsu that then wells up unprompted in the Heart provides an inexhaustible fountain of Wisdom and Compassion, an always accessible storehouse of peace and consolation from worldly cares and pain.