This book contains selected quotations from Rev. Zuiken (Saizo) Inagaki. Each passage touches on the question “What shall one make of the moment of being at death’s door?” from the perspective of the Dharma or from Sensei’s personal experience, revealed in plain language to fellow Dharma-friends (strictly speaking, to me)—the Dharmapada in real earnest. “The pitch-darkness is present at this very moment, right now.” This problem must be solved right away for every person in this life. This is the first, and also the last and foremost problem. Rev. Zuiken has discovered the real illuminating light of Amida’s Primal Vow. This illuminating light radiates from every word that he said. I hope that all those with favorable distant past conditions will read it a thousand or even a million times. A fellow Dharma-friend of mine, Mr. Fuji, who listened together with me to the Dharma for more than 20 years, was suddenly overcome by serious illness. Hence, whatever he had learned from the past until today had gone down the drain. He was completely wrapped up in darkness and hopelessness. My Dharma-friend Mr. Fuji professed his predicament to Zuimoku Sensei. Zuimoku Sensei felt great empathy with him, and without delay compassionately shared with him whatever he had learnt from the teaching of the late Rev. Zuiken. In the past, moved by the greatest personal issue of his next life, Zuimoku Sensei sought Rev. Zuiken’s help at his home. From the compassionate and exquisite sayings of Rev. Zuiken, and from the Primal Vow that is most faithful, Zuimoku Sensei obtained the most accurate answer. Therefore, Zuimoku Sensei devoted himself wholeheartedly to compiling all the Dharma teachings and sayings of his esteemed teacher—either from personal discussions or recordings—into quite a number of collections of Dharmapada. As a result, Zuimoku Sensei was able to pass those original manuscripts pertaining to the next life, the most important matter, on to Mr. Fuji. The original manuscripts were quotations of Rev. Zuiken, which had mostly remained untouched. I am so thankful to Zuimoku Sensei for being willing to spare time in the midst of a hectic routine to compassionately and enthusiastically clear up the doubts of fellow practicers. Mr. Fuji felt that the content of the original manuscripts he obtained from Zuimoku Sensei was profound and rare, and would be useful to sentient beings in confronting personal life-and-death problems. It would be a waste for him to be the only person to have access to them. In order to be able to share them with more Dharma-friends, this book was published. No one can resist bowing reverently before the teaching of Master Shinran, forged in blood and tears, and the superlative words of Rev. Zuiken. Through the publication of this book, I hope that every person can resolve his or her own questions about life-and-death. Although I am unqualified to say anything, I happened to be invited by way of this preface to explain the cause for publishing this book. Shimada Kazumaru Nara Horai Association July 11, 1995
Posted on: Sun, 31 Aug 2014 14:00:57 +0000
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