(26) The Other Power

In our tradition of Buddhism, we venerate Amida Buddha, The OTHER POWER, who symbolizes infinite light and life, infinite wisdom and compassion. And we believe that faith alone can overcome the contradictions that face the modern world when reason is shipwrecked and man is left frighteningly alone, despite his technology, science and achievements to face the age old problems of sickness, old age and death.

For over 2,500 years Buddhism has been advocating that the problems of humans are basically the same. We are born, we suffer both physically and mentally, and we age and we die. Technology and science and the best of human achievements will never solve these basic problems. The simple reason is that we are mortal and finite beings nothing more.

Externally social programs can ease the pain and suffering of man. We should attempt to do so to the best of our abilities. However, there is no form of social work that can cure us of our mortality.

Proud and arrogant man has the imagination that he will someday (if not now) control his own destiny. And he lives in a false illusion. As we now face a new millennium, we have to ask ourselves how much has man actually  achieved. What man needs for the next millennium is not an external social revolution but rather an internal spiritual revolution. Before we dare to imagine we can move worlds, it is time for us to look within and consider our human weaknesses and limitations. In Buddhism we call this "human ignorance". And the way to move beyond such ignorance in Buddhism is known as "Enlightenment".

"Enlightenment" means first the acknowledgement of what WE ARE our human failings and the basis of our finite nature. It also means that we place our faith in the Other Power whom we call Amida Nyorai. For the touching point of limited finite man with the Eternal and Absolute can be nothing more than "faith".

Man must first surrender his arrogant notions that he is capable of controlling his own destiny and come to view the world with a sense of humility and gratitude. And he needs to acquire faith in the Other Power which is beyond his feeble imagination. Unless he does so, he will never know peace or contentment in life.

Some may have endless quibbles and discussion of varying notions of THE OTHER POWER. But I believe that we can all agree on one simple issue it is OTHER than our finite selves.

And in the light of the human tragedy wherein humans have come to imagine themselves to be immortal gods, I believe that, we should work together. Our goal should be the internal spiritual revolution of man. For if that can ever be attained, then this world might become perfect. Social programs may bind up the wounds of this world. Social awareness may help to cure some of the symptoms of this generation's problems. But until man achieves humility and is willing to undergo an interior spiritual revolution, this world will never improve. So let us work together to find a means to ignite a spiritual internal revolution for man!

Namu-Amida-Butsu