A Path to Universal Liberation - Part 2

A river rock with the word compassion engraved on it below the kanji for compassion.

(Continued from Part One of A Path to Universal Liberation)

Second Understanding: Shinran’s Interpretation of Amida Buddha’s Wisdom and Compassion

While Amida Buddha’s wisdom and compassion form the foundation of Pure Land Buddhism, it was Shinran, the founder of the Jodo Shinshu school, who brought a distinctive understanding of these principles. Shinran, deeply inspired by the teachings of his master Honen, took the fundamental teachings of Amida’s wisdom and compassion and emphasized their accessibility to all people, regardless of their ability or personal moral standing.

Shinran’s key innovation was the Buddha’s focus on the idea that human beings, due to their deep-rooted delusions, are inherently incapable of achieving enlightenment through self-power (jiriki). In his view, relying on one’s own abilities—be they intellectual, moral, or spiritual—would never lead to liberation. He argued that human beings, bound by the afflictions of greed, anger, and ignorance, cannot free themselves through their own efforts. Thus, Shinran presented the nembutsu (the recitation of Amida’s name: Namo Amida Butsu) not as a practice that one does to earn liberation, but rather as an expression of gratitude for Amida’s unconditional vow to liberate all beings.

Shinran’s understanding of Amida’s wisdom was deeply rooted in the concept of “other-power” (tariki)—the belief that it is through Amida’s vow-efficacy and compassion that liberation is made possible. This was a departure from earlier forms of Buddhist practice, which emphasized personal discipline and effort. For Shinran, the essence of Amida’s wisdom was not a distant or abstract philosophical idea but a living force of compassion that reaches out to all beings, regardless of their condition. By entrusting oneself to Amida’s wisdom and calling upon the Buddha’s name, one could be assured of liberation, even if one was deeply flawed or caught in the cycles of suffering.

Shinran’s teachings resonated with ordinary people, especially those from marginalized or disenfranchised groups who felt excluded from the more elite spiritual practices. He emphasized that all individuals—whether they were monks, laypeople, rich, poor, male, or female—could equally rely on Amida’s compassion. Shinran’s interpretation of Amida’s wisdom was revolutionary, for it emphasized the universal accessibility of liberation. In a time when Buddhist practice was often perceived as something reserved for the pious and learned, Shinran’s teachings democratized the path to enlightenment, making it available to everyone.

To Be Continued…