BISHOP’S CORNER
Drawn by the Magnet of Amida Buddha’s Compassion
BY REV. TOSHIYUKI UMITANI
BISHOP, HONPA HONGWANJI MISSION OF HAWAI‘I
My wife and I traveled to Seattle in June to attend our eldest daughter’s college commencement. Our younger daughter, who is studying in Japan, also joined us, along with several members of our family from Japan.
It became a joyful family reunion centered around an important milestone in our daughter’s life.
As I watched her walk across the stage, I remembered the day she was born.
It seemed like only yesterday that I was carrying her in my arms. Now she stood before us as a confident young adult, ready to begin the next chapter of her life.
Like every parent, I felt proud of her accomplishments. During her four years at the university, she embraced new opportunities, faced many challenges, and continued to grow through each experience.
Yet what touched me most was not simply what she had achieved, but how many people had helped her along the way. None of us reaches life’s milestones alone.
As I reflected on her graduation, I realized that the same is true for each of us.
We become who we are through countless encounters, acts of kindness, words of encouragement and opportunities that we have received from others. Behind every accomplishment lies an immeasurable number of causes and conditions.
Among the greatest gifts many of us have received is our connection with the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.
From Amida Buddha we receive boundless compassion and comfort.
From the Dharma we receive wisdom and direction for living this precious life. From the sangha we receive a spiritual home where we are accepted as we are and encouraged to walk the Nembutsu path together.
Shinran Shonin beautifully describes the working of Amida Buddha through many metaphors. One that has always spoken deeply to me is the image of a magnet.
Imagine an ordinary iron nail lying motionless on a table. By itself, it does not move. However, when a magnet is brought close, the nail begins to move toward the magnet.
It is not because the nail has suddenly gained new power. Rather, it is being drawn by the power of the magnet.
Shinran Shonin teaches that Namo Amida Butsu works in much the same way. Bound by our own self-centeredness and limitations, we are unable to awaken through our own efforts.
Yet through the compassionate working of Amida Buddha, we are gently drawn toward the Dharma. We begin to listen. We place our hands together in gassho. We find comfort in the Nembutsu. Gradually, our lives begin to change.
The transformation does not stop there. If another nail is placed near the nail that is already attached to the magnet, that second nail is also attracted. Although the first nail remains an ordinary nail, it now participates in the magnet’s activity to draw others.
This image beautifully expresses the life of the Nembutsu. We do not become Buddhas through our own power, nor do we possess the ability to save others by ourselves. We remain ordinary beings with limitations and blind passions.
Yet, having been embraced by Amida Buddha’s Compassion, we become participants in that compassionate activity.
The name “Hongwanji” reminds us of the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha — a vow that no one will be abandoned and no one will be forgotten. Our temples should embody that spirit. They should be places where anyone can enter the Hondo, sit quietly before Amida Buddha, place their hands together in gassho, and experience peace, comfort and acceptance.
In today’s world, many people struggle with loneliness, anxiety and uncertainty. More than ever, our temples are called to become places where people discover compassion, belonging and hope.
Like the nail drawn by the magnet, we ourselves have been embraced by Amida Buddha’s Compassion. Because we have received that compassion, we naturally wish to share it with others by living lives of gratitude, caring, and gentleness.
Among Amida Buddha’s 48 Vows, the 33rd Vow teaches that those touched by the Buddha’s light become gentle in body and mind. This gentleness is not something we produce by ourselves. Rather, it gradually emerges as we entrust ourselves to the working of Namo Amida Butsu.
As we remember those who passed away before us, we naturally think of the many individuals who have shaped our lives — our parents, grandparents, teachers, ministers, temple members and friends. Through their kindness and example, they became living expressions of Amida Buddha’s Compassion for us.
They helped draw us toward the Buddha-Dharma.
Now it is our turn.
Having been embraced by the magnet of Amida Buddha’s compassion, may we also manifest that compassion for others.
May our words, actions and presence offer comfort and reassurance.
In doing so, we participate in Amida Buddha’s compassionate activity and help create a sangha where everyone feels welcomed, valued and embraced.
