"In your mind, put Buddhism in the position of host,
And society in the position of guest.
Standing upon Buddhism,
Your acts in society should be done as occasion demands."
-Rennyo, "Goichidai-kikigaki"
And society in the position of guest.
Standing upon Buddhism,
Your acts in society should be done as occasion demands."
-Rennyo, "Goichidai-kikigaki"
Rennyo, the "second founder" of Jodo Shinshu, provides us perspective on Pure Land Buddhist social engagement. First, we must clarify our understanding and commitment to the Dharma, taking cues from the example of Amida Buddha, the Great Compassion.
Then, acting from our grounding in Amida Buddha's Primal Vow, we respond to the needs of people in our society as they seek relief from suffering.
In this way, Rennyo's formulation mirrors the process of birth in the Pure Land. As Shinran clarifies, we complete the awakening process upon entering the Pure Land, and then immediately return to the suffering world to liberate others.
Thus there is a parallel: with trusting hearts we live our lives based on Dharma, and work to respond to our neighbors' and society's needs; we become the Dharma through entering the Pure Land, and our endless activity becomes others' liberation from suffering
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