In reference to saying anything about Amida Buddha to
others human beings, Master Rennyo said:
For example, you can invite a friend into your house and be sure that you place an easy to see image of Amida from where he sits. No matter if he is not interested in religion he will see the image and make a connection. He will surely ask what that image represents and you have the chance to introduce him to Amida with a few words. Also, you can write the Name (Namo Amida Bu) somewhere where it can be easily seen by visitors so they can also make a conection with it and perhaps ask simple questions out of simple curiosity. Or you can write a few short Dharma sentences on a card hunged on a wall that can also be visible to visitors.
Also, you can wear a nenju (Buddhist rosary) at your arm all the time and people can become curious about it, or have a t-shirt or a cap with Amida and Nembutsu, etc. These are just a few ways by which you can promote Amida Buddha without being invasive to others and without giving them the feeling that you preach to them without their wish. No normal people should have any problem if you express yourself through your own clothing or by images posted in your own house and courtyard, especially if when meeting with them you do not speak about Amida without being asked.
For example, you can invite a friend into your house and be sure that you place an easy to see image of Amida from where he sits. No matter if he is not interested in religion he will see the image and make a connection. He will surely ask what that image represents and you have the chance to introduce him to Amida with a few words. Also, you can write the Name (Namo Amida Bu) somewhere where it can be easily seen by visitors so they can also make a conection with it and perhaps ask simple questions out of simple curiosity. Or you can write a few short Dharma sentences on a card hunged on a wall that can also be visible to visitors.
Also, you can wear a nenju (Buddhist rosary) at your arm all the time and people can become curious about it, or have a t-shirt or a cap with Amida and Nembutsu, etc. These are just a few ways by which you can promote Amida Buddha without being invasive to others and without giving them the feeling that you preach to them without their wish. No normal people should have any problem if you express yourself through your own clothing or by images posted in your own house and courtyard, especially if when meeting with them you do not speak about Amida without being asked.
[1]Thus I Have Heard from Rennyo Shonin (Rennyo Shonin ‘s Goichidaiki Kikigaki), translated by Hisao Inagaki, Dharma Lion Publications, Craiova, 2008, p.82
[2]Thus I Have Heard from Rennyo Shonin (Rennyo Shonin ‘s Goichidaiki Kikigaki), translated by Hisao Inagaki, Dharma Lion Publications, Craiova, 2008, p.81
[3] Also, if you listen again and again to the teaching in this life, thus becoming immersed with all your being in the Dharma, this listening will become a “stored good” which will make you open to the call of the Primal Vow.
[4]Thus I Have Heard from Rennyo Shonin (Rennyo Shonin ‘s Goichidaiki Kikigaki), translated by Hisao Inagaki, Dharma Lion Publications, Craiova, 2008, p.82
[5]Thus I Have Heard from Rennyo Shonin (Rennyo Shonin ‘s Goichidaiki Kikigaki), translated by Hisao Inagaki, Dharma Lion Publications, Craiova, 2008, p.82
[6]Thus I Have Heard from Rennyo Shonin (Rennyo Shonin ‘s Goichidaiki Kikigaki), translated by Hisao Inagaki, Dharma Lion Publications, Craiova, 2008, p.83
[7] Only questions asked while in a learning mood deserve an answer. Questions asked out of the wish to slander or mock the Dharma should not be taken into consideration.