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TEACHINGS | EASTERN HORIZON 13

Speaking the nembutsu, “Namo Amida Butsu,” as we recite the words “Namo Amida Butsu.” This
acknowledges our awakening to our inclusion in mindful meditation is continued during the day as we
this incredible life process. The practice of Shin is to say “Thank you” as we flip on a light or turn on a faucet.
develop the heart and mind to align with the truth Saying “Thank you” at a stop light demonstrates our
that we have received this life by no effort of our own. awareness that other cars have a green light and that
This practice is based on a life of gratitude, something our relationship with others is in harmony.
so deeply ingrained in one’s life that it may appear
imperceptible to others, although there is a refreshing To a Shin Buddhist, spirituality is experienced in the
spirituality that is displayed in ordinary life activities. flow of everyday life. Monks and scholars may analyze,
When I’m enjoying the company of family or fellow discuss, and argue the merits of various levels of the
sangha members, my thoughts are not about being Buddha’s teachings. For us common lay followers, the
spiritual. I am being very human in the enjoyment of practice of gratitude brings us directly to the heart of
the food at the potluck, the discussion in our dharma the Buddha’s teachings. It is the attitude that in each
session, or even in the business of a committee meeting. moment being human itself is a spiritual experience.
The essence of a Shin Buddhist life is to appreciate
the “now.” Of course, the atmosphere of the religious The concept of a Pure Land is central to the mythology
service in our hondo (“main hall,” or sanctuary) is one of our sect. This holy place, this pure realm, is a state
of religiosity. However, I’ve often stated that Shin is of consciousness rather than a geographical place. We
lived in the social hall when we take refreshments with know this realm when we experience gratitude. To be
others after the service. a buddha means to be an awakened being, and being a
Buddhist is a constant cycle of waking up to the unique
Another important feature of Shin in America is the experience of human life. There is no practice that we
inclusion of family life in the temple, where dharma can undertake to achieve the condition of human life.
classes for children are offered along with youth groups
Everything has been received. There is nowhere else
and sports and other activities. The values of Shin are
to go, no practice to fulfill, no petition for a better
incorporated in all activities; as with every skill we
future. Our inconceivable birth has occurred on this
master as humans, we begin with a conscious, mindful
improbable planet in this impossible universe, at this
practice until it becomes a natural part of our lives.
precise time in galactic history. Evolution has developed
A toddler stands, then walks, and eventually runs, the human mind and heart in order to awaken to this
skips, and dances. From childhood to adulthood, we spiritual realm. In this realm, all life is spiritual. The
learn letters that become words that become sentences voicing of “Namo Amida Butsu” is both a stimulus to
that become conversations. We may have forgotten and a response to our waking to the reality of being
how universal is the process of a long-term conscious included as an integral part of this vast universe.
practice that leads to an effortless naturalness. Driving
a car, playing an instrument, cooking a meal, or working The realm of gratitude transcends the duality of
on a computer all began with a conscious determination good or bad, right or wrong. The burden of guilt or
to master the activity. Therefore, a conscious daily righteousness is lifted; with this perspective I can
practice of expressing “Thank you” can lead to a natural accept the harsh realities of the human condition. Even
life of gratitude. when my intellect and emotions complain about an
apparent disaster, my spiritual center cushions the pain.
For those who are new to Shin, I suggest adopting the My inconceivable human birth has entered the game
practice of saying “Thank you” to all the conveniences of life. The gratitude of “Namo Amida Butsu” alerts me
we enjoy daily. This is a shift from our usual mindset of to the awareness that the joys of love and compassion
“Please,” the request that life accommodate our every are available. My practice is to appreciate what I have
desire. We can start each day with thoughts of gratitude been given, to balance the desire for things that I lack.