Question: ”Quite often it seems that we want it both ways...’our power’ and Other Power. Could we think about it this way, ‘self-power’ is an illusion that exists within Other Power, and even this illusion cannot obstruct the Nembutsu?” 

My answer:I think we should not complicate our minds. To rely on your own power cannot lead you to Buddhahood in the Pure Land. It is as simple as that. To rely on your own power will obstruct the Nembutsu and your birth in the Pure Land. In the true Other Power faith there is no trace of self-power. You rely on Amida Buddha or not. Mixed faith is not true faith. 

When it is said in the sacred texts that nothing obstructs the Nembutsu this means that no matter how heavy your karma, you are saved by Amida if you fully entrust in Him. In this sense, your illusions or blind passions cannot b...