The Problem of the Practice of the “Nembutsu of the ‘True Gate’”

I will now comment on the third problem.

As related in the previous section, the Venerable Master pointed out that the 20th Vow (the “Nembutsu of the ‘true gate’ based on ‘self-centered effort’”) is very close in thought to the 18th Vow (the “Nembutsu of the ‘broad vow’ based on ‘Buddha-centered power’”).

The criticism implied in the third problem is that the Venerable Master urged practicing the “Nembutsu of the ‘true gate’ based on ‘self-centered effort’” in order to attain the “Nembutsu of the ‘broad vow’ based on ‘Buddha-centered power.’” In other words, this point of view holds that the primary purpose of reciting the Nembutsu (putting the Nembutsu into practice) is to attain shinjin. This is the point of view that criticizes “recitation of (the Name) in gratitude.”

In the Takada copy of the Jodo Wasan, in the part where the 20th Vow (the “Nembutsu of the ‘true gate’”) is discussed, is the wasan:

Arouse the “sincere mind,” the “mind to transfer”
And the “desire for birth (in the Pure Land)”
(This is how Amida) opened the “true gate”
Of the Name
To expediently lead sentient beings
In the ten directions
With his “vow that eventually causes
Birth (in the Pure Land).

Next to the passage, “With his ‘vow that eventually causes birth (in the Pure Land),” is the comment, “(Amida) absolutely guaranteed to do so.”

The next wasan is:

Through the “vow that eventually causes birth
(In the Pure Land)”
Shakyamuni expressed the root
Of good
And the basis of virtue
In the Amida Sutra,
Encouraging those who follow
The Mahayana teaching (to practice it).

Next to the passage, “those who follow the Mahayana teaching” is the comment, “Absolutely lead them to the Pure Land.” The next wasan is:

Those who recite the Name with
With “self-centered effort,”
Whether meditatively or non-meditatively,
Will naturally and without effort,
And even without being instructed,
Enter the “gate of true thusness”
If they trust the “vow
that eventually causes birth
(In the Pure Land).”