2022（令和4）年の法語・法話

念仏は、まことなき人生のまことを見せしむる光

The nenbutsu is the light which shows us the truth of our untrue lives.

きょうもまた 光り輝く み仏の お顔おがみて うれしなつかし

How happy and heartwarming it is for me to gaze up at Amida’s face again today.

ふみはずしましたが気がつけばここも仏の道でございました

I took the wrong path but came to realize that this, too, is Amida’s path.

われ称え われ聞くなれど 南無阿弥陀 つれてゆくぞの 親のよびごえ

Although it is me that utters and hears the phrase “Namo Amida Butsu,” actually it is the call of my parent, Amida, promising to guide me to the Pure Land.

如来の本願は、風のように身に添い、地下水の如くに流れ続ける

Amida’s Original Vow always envelops us like air and ceaselessly flows like spring water.

失ったものを数える人あり 与えられたものに感謝する人あり

Some people count what they have lost, while others appreciate what they have been given.

＂あたりまえだ＂と言うて、まだ不足を言うて生きている

We live taking what we have been given for granted but continue to express dissatisfaction.

この心も身も全部 如来からのいただきもの

The person I am now is thanks to Amida’s working.

我が身を深く悲しむ心に仏法のことばが響く

The words of the Buddha’s teaching resonate in the mind of those persons who deeply lament over themselves.

手を合わせ 仏さまを 拝むとき わたしのツノを 知らされる

I am reminded of my unscrupulousness whenever I worship Amida with my hands together in gasshō.

悲しみあるがゆえによろこびあり、煩悩あるがゆえに菩提あり

Because we feel sorrow, we can feel delight. Because we have defilements, we can attain the wisdom of the true awakening.

たとえ一人になろうとも 仏はあなたと共にある

Even if you find yourself alone in this world, Amida is with you.

いただきますと合掌するのは感動の表現である

Saying “I gratefully receive this meal” with hands together in gasshō is an expression of having been moved by the gift of life.