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Amida Buddha not a god

Amida Buddha is a principle, like universal love, not a god.

For most followers of Jodo Shinshu, Amida represents compassion, which is the essence of the active form of universal love known as loving-kindness, and wisdom, which is the essence of the mind perfected through meditation.

Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, Amida points to the Buddha.

Buddhists do not worship the Buddha like a god. There is no idol worship in a Buddhist temple, for the objects of worship are symbols of reverence.

Through meditation, the quiet contemplation on compassion and silent reflection on loving-kindness helps the mind to understand the principle of compassion in daily life.

This understanding is known as wisdom.

When I meditate, I reflect on that love which represents compassion and wisdom in its purest form.

Meditation is like prayer in silence to reach our divine nature.

Indeed, meditation helps to calm the mind, to achieve clarity of mind.

For a clear mind is able to develop clear insights about the nature of suffering and how to relieve that suffering in daily life.




Jodo Shinshu objects of reverence: http://www.moiliilihongwanji.org/object_of_reverence-amida_buddha.htm

Buddhism is not idol worship:
  • http://japanlifeandreligion.com/2008/03/31/our-buddhist-altar/
  • http://www.buddhanet.net/ans7.htm

    Meditation like prayer in silence to reach our divine nature: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lewis-richmond/do-buddhists-believe-in-g_b_859658.html
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