Category: Commentaries
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Notes on ‘Essentials of Faith Alone’
In the title, Essentials of Faith Alone, alone means “this one thing only,” expressing a rejection of two things standing together. It also means “by itself.” Faith is the heart and mind without doubt; it is shinjin, which is true and real. It is the heart and mind free of that which is empty and transitory. “Empty”…
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Notes on Once-Calling and Many-Calling
The teaching of once-calling should not be considered false Every person should desire continually, up to the time of death, that all the excellent conditions and surroundings appear before them. Continually means without stopping. Thus, you should desire from time to time as occasions arise. “Continually” here does not mean constancy. “Constancy” means that there should be…
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Notes on the Inscriptions of Sacred Scrolls
It is stated in the Larger Sutra of Immeasurable Life: If, when I attain Buddhahood, the sentient beings of the ten quarters, with sincere mind entrusting themselves, aspiring to be born in my land, and saying my Name perhaps even ten times, should not be born there, may I not attain the supreme enlightenment. Excluded are…