Hi Dharma-friends! In this episode, we begin the next section of the Shōzōmatsu Wasan entitled "Hymns on the Offense of Doubting the Primal Vow."  There are 23 verses in this part, and today you can hear the first eight. In this section, Shinran is focusing on "doubt," which is a key feature of his understanding. Shinran teaches that in this last Dharma-Age, only the teachings of the Buddha remain. Ordinary beings lack the capacity and conditions to put these teachings into practice by their own efforts. Amida Buddha, having great compassion for ordinary beings, established the Primal Vow calling all who call on Amida's Name to the Pure Land.    The important point is that the merit and practice is Amida's, not our own. If we rely on our own efforts, we cannot avoid doubting - fortunately, our situation is anticipated by the Primal Vow. Shinran encourages us in these verses to wholeheartedly entrust in the Buddha's great compassion. Hope you are well! Please check out the American Buddhist Study Center's webpage for more Dharma content. ambuddhist.org With palms together, Gary