All has been given to me. I really have nothing to do with it. My life, character, education and moral principles have been given to me through my parents genes, personal sacrifices and childhood cultivation. Even my name was given to me by them. This wonderful country has given me the liberty and the dignity to be a human being and freedom to believe in what ever I want to believe. The clothes on my back, my cat, my girlfriend, the leaky faucet, the crab grass growing in my lawn, the work that I do, the place where I work, and the resultant material prosperity have all been granted to me from others and life itself. I had nothing to do with the multitude of decisions or factors that ultimately granted me these wonderful or challenging things. In each of these occasions, by way of my karmic disposition and great compassion, life brought me to the right place at the right time.

 

So when I get up in the morning, I say Namu-Amida-Butsu. When I start up my car, I affirm Namu-Amida-Butsu. Just before I eat and while I eating, I recite Namu-Amida-Butsu. When I walk down the corridor of my workplace, I exclaim Namu-Amida-Butsu.

 

When I flush the toilet, I utter Namu-Amida-Butsu. When I stub my toe on the coffee table, I cry out Namu-Amida-Butsu. When I cut the lawn, I say Namu-Amida-Butsu. When a person cuts my off on the road, I mutter Namu-Amida-Butsu.

 

Everything in life is a gift. The blessings and the challenges all are equally gifts from Life. I could not be here or experience life as I know it if it were not for the assistance and sacrifices of others. When I realize this truth, I am grateful for the intimate working of Other Power in my life and in the lives of all beings. In consequence, I cannot help but call out the Name of Boundless Life and Light and just let go. I realize that my life is sustained and nourished by forces greater than myself. I rejoice in the fulfillment of the Primal Vow and the miracle of just being alive. Namu-Amida-Butsu!