Don’t embellish the simplicity of Amitabha-recitation. Rebirth in the Pure Land doesn’t depend on appearances, a polished voice, formal postures, or a pure mind. Only the name, ‘Namo Amitabha Buddha,’ leads to rebirth.” - Ippen Shonin

       This quote is simple yet profound, and its meaning goes straight to the heart of those who read it. Reading it repeatedly has a powerful blessing effect. There’s a kind of understanding that transcends words - a wisdom to be felt rather than explained. While I’m sharing these thoughts with you, I do so cautiously; words can sometimes obscure rather than clarify. Take my advice as a guide, but don’t cling to it. Set it aside when you’re ready and return to the source. Read Master Ippen’s teachings directly. The more you read, the clearer your mind will become. 

       The unadorned essence of Amitabha-recitation is simplicity - its natural, authentic quality. There is no need to embellish it. The Master is telling us that reciting Amitabha’s name requires no pretense or dressing up. Just recite in your normal way. Many of us, however, dress up the practice.

       We ordinary beings, naturally born with inferior capabilities and aptitudes, should stay true to our essence and recite with our natural limitations. A duck’s legs are short, and a crane’s legs are long. Forcing the duck to grow longer legs or the crane to shorten its legs would be unnatural - and painful. Amitabha-recitation is the same. Each person should simply recite in their normal way - sincerely and with trust in Amitabha’s vows, which hold profound, natural power.

       Master Shandao explains that the nine levels of rebirth depend on the different karmic conditions each person encounters in this life. If we’re not in the top-tier, there’s no need to force ourselves to become like those who are, because that is extremely difficult, if not impossible. On the other hand, if we do belong to the category of highly virtuous Mahayana practitioners, then that’s simply who we really are.

       Simply accept yourself as you are, in your current state, and recite sincerely. That’s all it takes to be reborn in the Pure Land. This is what’s meant by “come as you are, single-mindedly and with correct mindfulness.” There’s no need to pretend, no need to say, “This is what a true practitioner should look like” or “This is the standard I must meet to achieve rebirth.” 

       Here are some common examples of how we overcomplicate the practice of Amitabha-recitation: 

       Appearance - thinking we need to look like a seasoned practitioner before we can achieve rebirth. 

       Sound - worrying about whether our recitation is pleasing to the ear, or whether we’ve done it enough times. 

       Posture - believing that sitting in meditation pose or bowing reverently is a requirement for rebirth. 

       Mindset - supposing that rebirth is only possible when the mind is completely pure and free of distraction while reciting.

       All of these are unnecessary embellishments we may add to the simple act of reciting. But the truth is, reciting is incredibly straightforward. Strip away all the excess. Focus solely on the Buddha’s name. Only the name “Namo Amitabha Buddha” leads to rebirth.

       To sum up, I encourage everyone to return to Master Ippen’s quote again and again. His words are succinct yet powerful, reminding us that the most profound truths often come in the simplest expressions - they cut through the noise and speak directly to the soul. Let us embrace the simple practice of reciting Amitabha’s name, letting go of all the pretenses and decorations. In doing so, we can trust that rebirth in the Pure Land will naturally follow.

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