February, 2006
THE SUPERIOR PRACTICE
By Rev. Yushi Mukojima
When we explain the teaching of Shin Buddhism simply, we can say that by uttering the Nembutsu
and, entrusting oneself to the Primal Vow, one attains Buddhahood. We take refuge in Amida
Buddha’s Primal Vow and recite the Nembutsu - that is our practice in order to become a Buddha.
This is the ultimate practice of Shin Buddhism.
However, there are many people, especially here in the U.S., who think of Buddhism as an
enigmatic, mysterious religion. They picture monks who practice stoicly while standing under a
waterfall, or who meditate while fasting. But when I explain to such people that we don’t have this
type of practice in Shim Buddhism, they are usually disappointed. There are even Sangha members
who say that reciting the Nembutsu alone is not entirely satisfactory. Ascetic practices charm all
people.
Obviously, not everyone is capable of adhering to severe practices that renounce everything of
this world. Someone who is able of doing so is clearly a superior person who has made persistent
efforts with a strong will. Accordingly, we assume that asceticism is the superior practice, even
though it may not be within the reach of an ordinary person.
I am sure that someone capable of following such a difficult practice is an excellent person. But
when I think about the practice itself, I cannot say that it is a superior practice just because it is
difficult. I think the effortless practice that all people can do is the superior practice.
There is a fable about this in Japan.
Long ago, an ascetic turned up in a certain village and he began to show his mysterious power
throughout the village. Although most of the villagers were Shin Buddhist, half of them immediately
became his followers.
One day, the ascetic prepared furo-gama (traditional bath) in the middle of the village. He stoked
up a big blaze under the tub water and brought it to a boil. When villagers gathered to see him, he
threw himself with a yell into the boiling water. Then he amazed everyone by standing up
nonchalantly and stepping out calmly. He then pointed at the Shin Buddhist minister and said, “Your
turn next!”
The villagers looked anxiously at the minister wondering, “Can our Sensei do such a thing?”
The minister approached the furo-gama with a smile. Gazing at the boiling water, he got
undressed saying, “Will somebody please bring some water?” When a water bucket was brought,
the minister lifted it high above his head. Everyone thought he was going to pour water over himself.
However, he poured the water into the furo-gama. Then, he stuck his hand into the water, stirred it,
and announced, “The temperature is perfect. Come on everyone, let us take a bath!” He called
everyone to join him.
To take a bath in boiling water is obviously something only certain people can do. However, even
though these people may be excellent, the boiling water itself is not. The warm water that everyone
can bathe in is excellent. In other words, an effortless practice that all people can follow is the most
superior practice. It is not that the people are less than superior; it is that the practice itself is
superior. I believe that Onembutsu is also quite the same thing.
In Gassho,
| Dharma Message |
