Periodically, I receive a letter or an email recounting something that has happened and the individual's reaction to that event. Like the following, such correspondence often shows remarkable clarity and dedication in spite of much personal pain.
In painful times, we realize again that the wish to alleviate the suffering of all beings is the underlying source of strength for our practice.
Dear Venerable,
Amituofo. My father was rushed to the hospital today. He has contracted a virulent, drug-resistant staph infection. I fear for his life. Life has conspired, along with sundry books, to teach me living, breathing lessons about karma, impermanence and no-self, attachment and aversion. Death is our constant companion from birth; patiently walking beside us, watching and waiting. Lord Yama cares not for our plans, our schedules, our level of preparedness.Events of late have prompted a thorough inner inventory-taking. I've observed my faults, frailties and failures; witnessed the lack of compassion and wisdom, the surplus of selfishness, self-absorption and lack of empathy, of charity, of genuine concern for the well-being of others. The result of this insight is a strengthening of my commitment to strive for, not simply rebirth in the Pure Land, but the manifestation of enlightenment, of mind-only Pure Land, here and now.
Toward that end, the number of morning and evening recitations (liturgy) will be increased to 1,008 (10 malas) per sitting, with additional chanting, sans mala, throughout the day when possible. I will continue my study of sutras and AMTB [Amitabha Buddhist Societies] center books regularly, hoping and praying that my resolve remains firmly fixed. With Amituofo's irresistible power, my Faith, Vows and Practice must flourish; growing from a small seed into a magnificent Bodhi tree, for my sake and the welfare of all sentient beings. By Amituofo's 48 vows we are liberated, through 9 lotus stages we reach the other shore.