Shin Buddhists aspire to confidence in the compassionate power of life as it is.
Intelligent and resourceful, this reality constantly embraces and accepts us all.
We call this Amida Buddha; Amida from the ancient Indian name for "Infinite Life and Infinite Light" and Buddha meaning "Awakened One."
Human beings by nature see things in a limited way. Our effort, our ability, our power to help others and ourselves, are all likewise limited.
Shin Buddhists recognize this and shift the focus off self-powered effort to improve or understand, and onto the natural function of Amida: constant, unobstructed wisdom, compassion and liberative power.
This natural function is represented by Amida's Vow to apply infinite liberative power to fully enlighten.
Amida's Vow is fulfilled and made accessible by Namu Amida Butsu; "I take refuge in the Awakened One of Boundless Life and Boundless Light."
In practice, Shin Buddhists listen to the teachings of Buddha, see the limited quality of their own efforts (in the unobstructed light of Amida's Wisdom and Compassion), and allow Namu Amida Butsu, remembrance of Amida Buddha or Nembutsu,to inform their lives, just as they are, in this very moment.
