Hi Dharma-friends! In this episode, we conclude the section of the Shōzōmatsu Wasan called "Hymns in Praise of Prince Shōtoku" with six more verses.  As you know, Prince Shōtoku (574-622 CE) promoted Buddhism in Japan throughout his life and was greatly revered because of this.  Shinran was personally very devoted to him.  Shinran associates Prince Shōtoku with Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, and believed that he appeared in Japan providentially as the world was entering the last dharma-age.  In the last dharma-age, as you already know, only the teachings remain.  The various Buddhist practices have become futile because beings lack the capacity to bring them to fruition using self-power.  The Great Vow of Amida Buddha is directed precisely toward beings in this last dharma-age.  Beings calling the Name-of-the-Buddha, Namo-Amida-Butsu, can attain liberation through Amida's directing of virtues in its two aspects. Please check out the home page of the American Buddhist Study Center ambuddhist.org for more Dharma content.  Please be well and stay safe! Palms together, Gary