below is a very good letter/note/gift to ur bfriend: An
Episcopalian Priest writes about Amitabha :
Thoughts on Amida Buddha
I find the symbol of Amida (Amitabha) Buddha to be one of the most
radical symbols of self-sacrificing love in the world. In fact, my
own conception of Christ has been changed and deepened through my
encounter with Amida Buddha. Amida Buddha symbolizes the universal
embrace of compassion and in doing so, calls and inspires us to
follow in the Buddhas footsteps.
Buddhas, like the saints, are people like you and I who managed to
break free from the shackles of illusion and self-centeredness to
attain true awakening. But to be a Buddha is not merely to attain
enlightenment for one's self--it is to strive to bring all people
into the light and life of true enlightenment, freed from the
suffering of illusion and self-deceit. To be enlightened is to
touch and be assured of nirvana. Yet the Buddha delays nirvana in
order to serve others out of deep compassion. One of the primary
Buddhist prayers is to pray for the salvation of all
beings.
Amida Buddha sacrificed everything...he vowed and aspired never to
reach full enlightenment unless all beings would join him in
enlightenment upon hearing and entrusting in his name. To me, this
symbolizes the ultimate end of faith and life not only for
Buddhists, but for all people on the spiritual journey. Like Amida,
I desire to embrace this level of compassion, that I may touch and
know what it means to truly love others.
And this is grace...to be drawn irresistably by the light and life
of true compassion.
I find inspiration from Buddhism--with it's universal hope in
humanity, its principles of karmic reality, its Eight Fold Path,
Four Noble Truths, its path of humility, non-attachment,
liberation, wisdom, and peace..but above all, its compassion and
grace.
From Rev Rebecca's website (http://www.franciscan-anglican.com/Buddha.htm)
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