Weekly Wasan - Episode 57 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma-Ages) 56-59

06/24/22 • 8 min

Hi Dharma-friends!

In this episode, we conclude the first part of the Shōzōmatsu Wasan, the collection known as "Hymns on the Right, Semblance, and Last Dharma-Ages." Shinran encourages us ordinary beings of this Last Dharma-Age to take refuge in Amida's Great Vow and say the Name and, thereby, attain liberation through Power-Beyond-Self. Shinran teaches that awakening or liberation through self-power practices is futile in this Last Dharma-Age in which we find ourselves. Note the last verse, No. 59, is the famous "Ondokusan" recited or sung by Shin Buddhists everywhere as an expression of deep gratitude for this wonderful teaching of Amida's compassion and for those who have transmitted it to us across the centuries.

Next time, we will continue with the next group of gathas or hymns in the Shōzōmatsu Wasan. Please be well! For more good Dharma content, please check out the home page of the American Buddhist Study Center, ambuddhist.org

Palms together, Gary

Hi Dharma-friends!

Palms together, Gary

Previous Episode

Weekly Wasan - Episode 56 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma Ages) 51-55

Hi Dharma-friends!

Today you can listen to five more verses by Shinran in the collection Pure Land Hymns of the Right, Semblance, and Last Dharma Ages. Shinran reinforces his understanding of Power-Beyond-Self as Amida's directing of virtue for going forth and return. How fortunate for us to hear this teaching! Amida, though great love of sentient beings, directs virtue for our going forth. We attain great compassion thereby which, Shinran explains, is Amida's directing of virtue for our return. We are told that Amida (Light and Life), Mahāsthāmaprāpta (Wisdom), and Avalokiteśvara (Compassion) sail together on the ship of the Great Vow on the ocean of birth-and-death. They call out to beings like us and bring us on board.

Next time we'll finish this first section of the Shōzōmatsu Wasan. Please be well. For more Dharma content, be sure to check out the home page of the American Buddhist Study Center, ambuddhist.org

With palms together, Gary

Next Episode

Weekly Wasan - Episode 58 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma-Ages) 60-67

Hi Dharma-friends!

In this episode, we begin the next section of the Shōzōmatsu Wasan entitled "Hymns on the Offense of Doubting the Primal Vow." There are 23 verses in this part, and today you can hear the first eight.

In this section, Shinran is focusing on "doubt," which is a key feature of his understanding. Shinran teaches that in this last Dharma-Age, only the teachings of the Buddha remain. Ordinary beings lack the capacity and conditions to put these teachings into practice by their own efforts. Amida Buddha, having great compassion for ordinary beings, established the Primal Vow calling all who call on Amida's Name to the Pure Land. The important point is that the merit and practice is Amida's, not our own. If we rely on our own efforts, we cannot avoid doubting - fortunately, our situation is anticipated by the Primal Vow. Shinran encourages us in these verses to wholeheartedly entrust in the Buddha's great compassion.

Hope you are well! Please check out the American Buddhist Study Center's webpage for more Dharma content. ambuddhist.org

With palms together, Gary