The story of Master Honen vividly documents how faith awakens.  This Japanese Buddhist monk, renowned as “Foremost in Wisdom” over 800 years ago, revealed that he didn’t attain faith in Amitabha-recitation until he was 43. In his quest to transcend samsara, he read the entire Buddhist canon five times.

       Finally, he discovered the answer in Master Shandao’s Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra: reciting Amitabha Buddha’s name ensures rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss. This method is simple and swift – anyone can practice it. He set aside all other scriptures and focused exclusively on this Commentary, studying it meticulously for another three times.

       It was during this intensive study that he had an epiphany upon  encountering this passage: “Single-mindedly and exclusively recite Amitabha’s name — whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, for long or short periods — without abandoning it thought after thought. This is called the ‘karma of assured rebirth’ because it accords with the Buddha’s vow.”

       Master Honen suddenly saw light piercing the darkness, and a great weight was lifted from his heart. It dawned on him that Amitabha Buddha had already  prepared our rebirth ten kalpas ago. The sacred name “Namo Amitabha Buddha” contains all the merits we need for rebirth.

       This is because, no matter what we are doing throughout the day, and no matter how long or short our practice is, the simple act of reciting the name means we align ourselves with Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow to save all beings. That’s all it takes to guarantee rebirth. If that’s the case, then Amitabha’s deliverance comes without conditions, is offered freely, and is ready and waiting. We can discover it anytime, take it anytime, and make it ours anytime.

       It was this realization that moved Master Honen to tears. He spent the entire night in fervent recitation. This was how the Japanese Pure Land patriarch awakened to faith.

(Translated by the Pure Land School Translation Team;
edited by Householder Fojin)