FAITH

We affirm our faith in Amida Buddha, whose Infinite Light of Wisdom and Compassion shines on all corners of the universe.

NATURE OF LIFE

We feel deeply that our hearts are dark with ignorance and passions, that even our good acts are tainted with the poison of selfishness and that by ourselves we are incapable of true goodness.

SEEKING THE PATH

We are firmly determined to see the spirit of Amida's Primal Vow which embraces all and forsakes none, which frees us from the world of impermanence and assures our birth into the Pure Land.

CONVICTION

We rely wholeheartedly on Amida's Compassion and, renouncing all good works contrived by self-power, we depend for our Enlightenment on faith in Other Power.

REJOICING

We rejoice that this Compassion is accorded freely and equally to us as well as all other living beings, and this joy pervades our every thought and act.

GRATITUDE

We recite NAMU AMIDA BUTSU in gratitude for the great Compassionate Vow.

THANKSGIVING

We regard all things with profound thankfulness, and whether suffering or happiness comes to us, we are content in the realization that Amida's Compassion is always with us.

CONTRITION

We search within ourselves by the light of Amida's Compassion and find that we have drowned in the ocean of selfish desires, that we have lost our way in the pursuit of power and gain. Though we have entered the company of the faithful, we are pained that true joy does not brighten our hearts.

DILIGENCE

We treasure the Dharma and long to hear it again and again until we are fired with zeal to practice it. We strive to avoid the selfish way and to model our conduct on that of virtuous people. We desire the company of good friends who follow the same Way, and we wish to be good friends to all who need us. We are resolved to persevere unceasingly in the aspiration for Enlightenment and in gratitude for Amida's Compassion.

LAY VOCATION

We resolve to do our daily tasks with the same wholehearted reverence as if they were religious duties. We devote ourselves to being good members of our families, good workers in our jobs, and good citizens of our country. In this we seek no reward and simply act as our gratitude prompts us.

CONSEQUENT BLESSINGS

The power of NAMU AMIDA BUTSU clears the path before us, gives us courage, frees us from evil influences, and brings countless good influences to guide us. It casts the light of infinite love and insight onto the road of our life.