Here are the Eight Elements of Faith (Shinjin) - click here to read - explained in detail based on the sutras and words of the Masters of our lineage. If you miss one of them, then you don't have faith. It does NOT matter what visions or spiritual experiences one has. If he misses only one element he does not have faith in Amida Buddha and cannot be born in the true fulfilled land of the Pure Land. If spiritual experiences contradict the Amida Dharma as explained in this article based on sutras and words of our Masters then one does not have faith (shinjin). Only when spiritual experiences coincide 100% with the Dharma can they be called authentic. If not, they are illusions. If one would guide oneself only after one's spiritual experience and not after the Dharma then all kinds of heresies and wrong views will appear according to anyone's ego and the sangha would be in chaos.

In our chaotic times, the Dharma is our only guiding lamp. If one wants to ask something to Amida Buddha he should ask the Dharma about Amida, not wait to receive spiritual experiences and visions (or signs from Amida) while ignoring His Dharma. The monks and teachers who rely on their visions but do not conform with the Dharma are a danger for themselves and others. People should trust a teacher only by checking his words with the Dharma and do not be impressed by the visions (true or false) he pretends to have!
I myself as a teacher am not impressed by one's visions and spiritual experience but by seeing people being in accord with the Amida Dharma. Please always check the Dharma and put your mind in accordance with the Dharma! This is the best spiritual experience.

Namo Amida Bu