We immediately perceive the evil actions of others but are very slow to perceive our own evils. The Venerable Master, however, was so aware of the sort of person he was, he considered himself the most evil of evil persons. I believe it is particularly important to keep this in mind because others did not share his view about himself, and in fact considered him to be the embodiment of a Bodhisattva. But only those who become aware of their evil nature are able to turn away from evil, to stop performing evil acts.

The teaching of “The evil person is the true object (of Amida Buddha’s concern)” is absolutely not a teaching that creates evil persons. Rather, it is a teaching that saves those who are aware of their evil natures. In fact, that is the only reason it is able to save those like ourselves. And that is also why it is able to impart true peace and tranquility, and turns us away from evil.

I believe that rather than creating evil persons, the purpose of the phrase “The evil person is the true object (of Amida Buddha’s concern)” is to teach how to cultivate good persons.