The idea of mappo is not a mere intellectual notion to be believed in or discounted but is a living reality of our 21^st century. Mappo is our collective and individual inner condition of self-centeredness, corruption, deceit and evil. Institutionally, it manifests itself in corrupt governments, greedy corporations, war, repression and discrimination. In individual terms, it is marked by an acute form of excessive self-absorption and attachment, anxiety, depression, malevolence and fear.

 

Many of us may consider mappo a mere philosophical or metaphorical representation of our evil and corrupt times but it much more. It is the heart of our true inner dimension.

 

Realizing this, I can assuredly say that I am mappo too. Mappo is within me. There can not be G.R. Lewis without mappo and mappo can not be without G.R. Lewis. We are one.  Understanding this, I reflect upon my imperfect self and know that I'm heavily burden with foolish nature. The reality of being a foolish being is just an individualized expression of mappo. Knowing this, I realize that everything is foolish and transitory. Only the nembutsu is real. Therefore I rely exclusively on the Primal Vow of Other Power and trustingly voice the Name-that-Calls, Namu-Amida-Butsu.