Nembutsu New Zealand

The practice of Nembutsu or Nianfo, the 'remembrance of the Buddha', has been the main practice of Pure Land Buddhists throughout Asia for centuries. There were many Pure Land masters in China, and two of the greatest from Japan were Honen and Shinran. According to the Pure Land scriptures, countless ages ago the Buddha of Infinite Light (Sanskrit: Amitabha; Chinese Amituofo; Japanese: Amida) vowed that when he became a Buddha, anyone who had pure faith in him and called on his name would be reborn in his Western Paradise, the Land of Bliss (Sukhavati), or the Pure Land.

This practice of recollecting or calling on the Buddha Amitabha came to be called in China Nianfo (Japanese: Nembutsu). It is based on the idea of 'Other Power' rather than self-effort. Whereas certain Buddhist practises based on meditation, such as Zen, require extreme effort and are available to only a select few, the practice of Nembutsu relies on the saving grace of Amitabha and is opened to all.
Shinran took this notion to its logical end point: the practice of Nembutsu does not in itself lead to rebirth in the Pure Land, rather it is Faith in Amida's saving power, which as a pure gift leads to salvation here and now in the present life.

Nembutsu can be done anywhere out loud or silently, alone or with a group. It can be done in any number of ways. One way is simply chanting 'Amitabha', 'Amituofo' or 'Amida'. Another is chanting the phrase 'Namo Amituofo', or 'Namo Amida Bu' ('Honour to Amitabha Buddha'). By recollecting the Buddha of Infinite Light we harmonize our minds with the infinite love and compassion of Amitabha. Through the mystery of Faith our lives can be transformed with love and gratitude.

The Nembutsu New Zealand is a nonsectarian Buddhist group affiliated with the Amida Trust and dedicated to the recitation of the Buddha's Name. It is located in Palmerston North. For more details email sudhana_2000@yahoo.com