This is a brief note on a very simple “practice” I have discovered. I will also include the video wherein I discovered it. It is not very “intellectual”, but intellectuality will not save us, even though it may guide us on the right path.

What will save us is trust in and devotion to Amida-sama. So although this “practice” is simple and even childlike, is that not appropriate? All the intellectuality in the world will not bring us any nearer to understanding the Absolute. Only opening satori will do that, and we ordinary bonbu are not capable of that.

We are simply children of Oyasama, the Great Parent.

In Japan 挨拶 (aisatsu), often described as “greetings”, hold a very special place in life and culture. They are not just “greetings”, because they cover many situations where that English word does not apply. They are near-ritual words and phrases that echo through the whole of everyday life, used by everyone from the earliest age. In fact I would suggest that they are small rituals that play a role in shaping the life of Japanese people.

The “practice” here is simply “greeting” Amida-sama with these everyday phrases. I prefer to use the Japanese forms, but of course that is not necessary if one feels more comfortable with English. “Good morning Amida-sama” etc. are just as good.

What we are doing is building a personal relationship with the Great Parent. Coming to Amida-sama as the simple childlike bonbu that we are, without pretense to be anything more.

Anything from a household shrine to a simple picture (or even simply our imagination if nothing else is possible) can be used as our focus. We simply greet Amida-sama in gassho at the appropriate times, or of course address the Great Parent at any time when our foolish minds turn to the One who cares for us more than we care for ourselves.

When no one is near we usually feel ourselves to be alone, but we are never alone. Amida-sama is with us in every moment, fulfilling the promise never to let us go until we are safe in the Pure Land.

Therefore let us acknowledge the Eternal Love with our humble daily greetings.

Here is the video where I found this wonderful piece of spiritual advice: