Although the beliefs of the various schools of Buddhism differ individually, each is in truth a commendable teaching because, in the final analysis, they all have derived from the sermons of Shakyamuni during his lifetime. Therefore, there is absolutely no doubt that those who practice the Teachings without deviation shall gain the Way and attain Enlightenment. However, we are in a period where very, very few can accomplish the perfect practice of the Teachings because sentient beings of this Closing Third Era are most inferior in their capacities. At this juncture, by the Primal Vow of the Other-Power of Amida Tathágata is meant the concern to deliver primarily all sentient beings of this Present Era. Towards this goal Amida thoughtfully meditated for five kalpas and performed the perfect practices over innumerable kalpas to fulfill His Vow. He then promised that He would not take the Great Enlightenment unless He delivered all the evil-prone and virtue-less sentient beings. He is the Buddha that completely fulfilled His Vow and then became Amida Buddha. For sentient beings of this present Third Era there is no hope of receiving Buddhahood unless they depend exclusively upon the Primal Vow of this Buddha and place complete reliance on Amida. In what manner should we trust in Amida Tathágata’s Primal Vow of the Other-Power, and again, what should be the attitude of the heart of sentient beings in order that they may be delivered? Trust in Amida, simply means that those who thoroughly understand the essence of the Faith of the Other-Power will all (ten out Of ten) be reborn in the Land of Bliss. To explain what this Faith of the Other-power is, it is simply Namu Amida Butsu! In other words, in the clear understanding of the essence of the six characters "Na"-"Mu"-"A"-"Mi"-"Da" and "Butsu" is found the representation of the Faith of the Other-Power. Therefore, you must thoroughly understand the essence of these six characters, "Na"-"Mu"-"A"-"Mi"-"Da" and "Butsu." Firstly, the explanation of the essence of the two characters "Na" and "Mu." The essence of the heart that places single-hearted reliance upon Amida and trusts, without doubt, in the rebirth to be received is termed "Namu." Secondly, the explanation of the essence of the remaining characters "A"-"Mi"-"Da" and "Butsu": When a sentient being places single-hearted trust in Amida (as explained previously), Amida radiates His Light and envelops him eternally within this Light without fail. The essence of the heart that delivers him to the Pure Land of Bliss at the end of his life is termed "Amida Butsu." However, the Nembutsu that is generally referred to in public is the kind where it is thought that the mere recitation of "Namu Amida Butsu" assures one's deliverance. This is a most dubious concept! However, since there are some sects that teach this very concept within the Pure Land School itself, do not criticize it openly. What I have just stated is the meaning of Faith in our sect as taught by our Founding Shonin. Those whose karma have ripened should listen to this and hasten to obtain assurance for rebirth in the Land of Bliss. Those who have understood well what I have just written should recite the Sacred Name as an expression of gratitude for the Grace of Amida Tathágata, bountiful as the drops of falling rain and as great as mountains, through which they are assured of their easy deliverance.
With reverence, I remain PS I have written this on the 5th day, 8th month, 6th year of Bunmei (1474CE).
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