“Come to my embrace!” – Compassionate calling of Namo Amida Butsu

I am found in Amida’s embrace, just as Amida Buddha finds me.

“Namo Amida Butsu” is a phrase that is chanted, read, and holds significant importance in the Jodo Shinshu tradition. Literally, it translates as follows:

Namo: Derived from ‘Namas’ in Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, which signifies salutation, respect, and surrender. It is often interpreted as taking refuge in, placing one’s faith in, or entrusting oneself to. In Sino-Japanese, ‘Namo’ is the transliteration of the original word, while ‘Kimyo’ is the translation that conveys the meaning, both expressing the state of mind of entrusting.

Amida: The prefix ‘A’ functions similarly to ‘un’ in ‘unlimited’ or ‘in’ in ‘infinite,’ negating the word that follows. In this instance, it negates ‘Mida’ or ‘Mita,’ which means ‘to measure.’ Thus, ‘Amida’ (or ‘Amita’) signifies ‘not-measurable’ or ‘immeasurable,’ embodying the concept of infinity. Interestingly, the term ‘meter,’ as in a parking meter, derives from ‘Mita.’ So, what is immeasurable? There are two things: Light and Life. ‘Amitabha’ refers to the immeasurable light, symbolizing the wisdom that illuminates countless worlds, dispelling the darkness of the human realm and bringing supreme bliss to every life, regardless of circumstances. ‘Amitayus’ represents the immeasurable Life, embodying the compassion that embraces all beings with loving-kindness, without judgment, accompanying us through the past, present, and future, and supporting us through our highs and lows.

Amida embodies immeasurable Light and Life, and infinite Wisdom and Compassion, aiming to share its warm virtues with human beings. This includes myself, who unavoidably lives a life filled with enduring and inflicting pain upon oneself and others, a life devoid of light, marked by ceaseless struggles within a finite existence. It is Amida’s resolve to bestow upon me the Light of Wisdom, making me aware of my true nature and awakening me to life’s truth, and to wrap me in the Compassionate Life, allowing me to feel and experience “never abandoned” and to discover the boundless realm of enlightenment.

Finally, “Butsu” refers to the Buddha, which means “the awakened one,” “the enlightened one,” someone who possesses the ability to enlighten both oneself and others. Thus, “Namo Amida Butsu” translates to “I take refuge in the Buddha of immeasurable Light and Life” or “I entrust myself to the Buddha of Infinite Wisdom and Compassion.” Personally, I interpret this as finding comfort in Amida Buddha’s profound compassion and enlightening wisdom.

Namo Amida Butsu signifies more than a mere expression of faith. While it is uttered as a declaration of trust, it is, in fact, Amida Buddha who beckons and commands us to vocalize the Name. Amida Buddha, having witnessed the tribulations of humanity, meditated for countless years on how to embrace all beings. Through an eternity of practice, Amida Buddha achieved enlightenment and now encompasses all within the phrase Namo Amida Butsu. This phrase embodies Amida Buddha’s deepest desire to embrace all unconditionally. Namo Amida Butsu is imbued with love, care, protection, supreme virtues, concern, wisdom, and compassion for all. When touched by such benevolence and brought into the sphere of enlightenment, one naturally recites Namo Amida Butsu, a proof to being enfolded in Amida Buddha’s embrace. Just as we exclaim “it’s hot” after consuming spicy food, we utter and perceive Namo Amida Butsu as the infinite compassionate wisdom resonates within our hearts.

“Namo Amida Butsu” is the name of the Buddha, representing the compassionate call of Amida Buddha, and signifies our expression of being embraced by Amida Buddha’s compassion.