Letters

Lamp for the Latter Ages

9 [The Vow and the Name are One]

I have read your letter very carefully.

I fail to understand why your question should arise, for although we speak of Vow and of Name, these are not two different things. There is no Name separate from the Vow; there is no Vow separate from the Name. Even to say this, however, is to impose one's own calculation. Once you simply realize that the Vow surpasses conceptual understanding and with singleness of heart realize that the Name surpasses conceptual understanding and pronounce it, why should you labor in your own calculation?

It seems to me that with all your attempts to understand by reasoning and by learning you have fallen into confusion. It is completely in error. Once you have simply come to realize that Vow and Name surpass conceptual understanding, you should not calculate in this way or that. There must be nothing of your calculation in the act that leads to birth.

Respectfully,
You must simply entrust yourself to Tathagata.

Respectfully.

Fifth month, 5th day

Shinran

To Kyomyo-bo

Please show this letter to the others also. We say that in Other Power, no working is true working.