At times, when I spontaneously deeply listen to the intuitive impulses within my body, an insightful awareness may temporarily be forged within my being.  At these moments, I experience the expression of the dynamic, non-dual unfolding of Life itself within my consciousness and body.  This spontaneous practice is not my practice but is the Buddha’s great work.  Over time, it has becomes more part of my life and my life becomes more the Buddha’s practice. The Buddha’s practice is realization. Realization is the Buddha’s practice. As a result, I have become more deeply aware that I am separate, limited and unique yet at the same time one with all things. It is like the relative (me) and the absolute (Amida) dance with one another, they deeply intertwine, being one expression yet two different performers.

 

Practice does not lead to my realization or spiritual liberation but is the manifestation of the enlightened life or spiritual liberation, of the Buddha herself. Therefore, when I voice the Nembutsu, it’s the Buddha who is really voicing the Nembutsu. When I practice deep hearing, it is the Buddha who hears the rhythm of the universe. When I chant, it’s the universe calling unto itself. When I do zazen, it is the true expression of the awakened life that is already embedded within my relative life. When I get up in the morning, it’s the Buddha who gets up in the morning etc, etc.  This is the reality of Oneness, of the intimate, non-dual and interconnected relationship of life. The working of the Amida is everyday life. It’s my life, it is Buddha’s life and it’s your life too.