RecentWords2021

"Infinite Light and Life without end."

The Shoshinge (Hymn of True Entrusting) was originally composed in Classical Chinese by Shinran Shonin（1173-1263）, the founder of our tradition. It is a poem in which he poured out his profound admiration for the teachings of the sutras.

This phrase is the opening line of its modern Japanese translation. Often sung in musical Buddhist services, it is followed by the line, "Let us look up to Amida Buddha."

"Light -光-" and "Life -寿-" are bestowed equally upon everyone, representing the salvation of Amida Buddha.

This passage carries a deep meaning:

"Even if you cannot see it with your eyes, you are constantly illuminated by Immeasurable Light - 無量光 -. And you stand at the very forefront of Immeasurable Life - 無量寿 -, a flow that has continued throughout the long history of humanity.

No matter how desperate your situation may be right now, please do not forget that simply being alive is noble. You are already accomplishing the monumental project known as 'life - 寿 -'. Amida Buddha is silently watching over you, always."

Perhaps when I was younger, I was so full of life and light myself that these words didn't resonate with me at all. Yet recently, words like these have begun to echo deeply in my heart.