Faith, Vows & Practice

Using Faith, Vow & Practice Framework (classic Pure Land School framework) to frame, clarify & guide my own spiritual practice.  This will replace an earlier (removed) post on my Spiritual Practice Framework. 

I have incorporated a spirit of the dual-practice of Zen & Pure land. From the absolute perspective, Zen and Pure Land are one, seeing the true nature of our mind is none other than seeing Amituofo and his Pure Land.

However, I don't live from the absolute perspective.  I live from the relative perspective in the realm of duality.  From this perspective, there are two distinct practices, akin to taking double major in the University.  Time and space should be devoted to each of the two practices and should not be confused with one another.  So Zen is about learning to live in the present moment while Pure Land is about learning to live in Amida's Universal Vows.  I believe that as I get older, more and more time and space will be devoted to Pure Land practice.

1. On Faith:

Zen requires faith in Buddha-nature; Pure land requires faith in Amituofo's 48 Great Vows.

2. On Vow:

Zen Vows involves walking the Bodhisattva Path and to learn to live more authentically; Pure Land Vow involves the resolve to attain rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss after this lifetime.

3. On Practice:

Zen practice involves living in the present moment, through getting in touch with the quiet place in our minds that is not touched by the noise and tension of the messiness of our everyday living. It is also involves noticing & releasing our identification with self-centred thoughts & negative emotions; Pure Land practice involves connecting with Amituofo & his Pure Land.  Reciting Amituofo is also expressing gratitude, in a way saying, "I have arrived, I am home" as we continue to live in Amida's Universal Vows.

Formal Practices - Just Sitting (Zen); Ten Recitation Method (Pure land)

Difficulties in Life - Recognise; Refrain; Return (Zen); Reciting Amituofo (Pure land)

Pauses in Life - Enjoying my breathing (Zen); Reciting Amituofo (Pure land)

Another perspective is: Zen is learning to be mindful (present moment); Pure land is learning to be grateful (for Amida's Universal Vows)

May all of us continue to enjoy our practice and be well and happy.
Amituofo.  =)