Hi Dharma-friends!

With this episode, we conclude our traversal of Shinran's 34 Wasan verses on Master T'an-luan, who lived in China 476-562 CE.  Master T'an-luan is the great teacher of Other Power or Power Beyond Self, which is a core feature of Shinran's understanding of Buddhism.   In today's verses, T'an-luan explains that whether one's practice is fully in accord with reality is determined by Shinjin (entrusting or awakening).  The shinjin of Self-Power is shown to be lacking, while the shinjin of Other-Power is in accordance with ultimate reality.  Other-Power or Power Beyond Self quickly leads to the enlightenment of Nirvana, according to Master T'an-luan. Other-Power is the power of Amida Buddha, the Primal Vow, encapsulated in the Name-of-the-Buddha, NAMO-AMIDA-BUTSU.

In the next episode, we will cover the Wasan verses on the fourth great master of the Jōdo Shinshū lineage, Master Tao-ch'o, who lived in China 562-645 CE.  Hope you are enjoying this series!  Check out the website of the American Buddhist Study Center ambuddhist.org for more interesting Dharma content.  Please be well, always saying the Buddha's most honored Name, NAMO-AMIDA-BUTSU.

With palms together, Gary