Gathas

by Jim Davis, the Ozarks, USA

While there are many ways of describing the same thing,
I simply chant the nembutsu.
I don't get caught up with the finger that is pointing,
when the moon is much more awesome.

While there are some who feel they can discriminate
between those who do and do not have shinjin,
I simply chant the nembutsu.
Remembering there are no Popes in Shin
I leave such distinctions to Amida herself.

While many have forgotten their original enlightenment,
I simply chant the nembutsu.
Knowing the light of Amida shines within us all,
how can any not know shinjin?

While many have forgotten the power of the Vow,
I simply chant the nembutsu.
Knowing nothing we can think or do
can every separate us for the workings of that Vow.

While many seem to think that symbols are out of place in Shin,
I simply chant the nembutsu.
Knowing that Shinran inscribed scrolls with symbols
that even he had reverence for and worshipped.

While some would deny keeping the faith up to date,
I simply chant the nembutsu.
Amida is beyond our past conceptions
and Her light is ever new.

Jim Davis
Ozark Bioregion, USA
Planet Gaia