Rennyo Shonin wrote,
Chapter On Abstinence And
Taboo
{Mono Imi No Sho}
Letter # 9
People have said from long ago that our Jodo Shinshu Sect is a
laughably defiled sect. In truth, they are pointing to a condition
with justification; there are people in this sect who (without due
understanding) explain points in the Teachings of our school to
those of other sects without due circumspection. This is a great
mistake. The "adherence to the manner of conduct as set forth by
this Jodo Shinshu Sect" means that a person well understands the
matter of keeping the traditional Teachings of our school firmly in
his heart and refrains from showing even a hint of it outwardly.
However, since recently, some have thoughtlessly expounded the
Teachings of our sect to those of other sects without due
consideration, people have labeled our sect as being without depth.
Due to the existence of such persons with poor understanding among
us, people look upon our sect as defiled and hateful.
You should understand that the core of the trouble lies not in the
people of the other sects being bad, but in the poor judgment of
the people within our own sect.
Now, with respect to abstinences and taboos, we can say that
(relative to the Dharma) we do not observe abstinences or taboos in
our sect. Should there not be avoidances pertinent to our
association with those of the other sects and to those in
governmental circles? It goes without saying that in our contacts
with those of the other sects, certain refrainments as mentioned
above must be observed; and too, there must not be slander on our
part because others observe abstinences and taboos. However, it
must be remembered that those who wish to pursue Buddha's Dharma
are not limited, by any means, to only the followers of the
Nembutsu.
It is clearly written in many Sutras that there are to be no
abstinences or taboos. For instance, in the Nehan Gyo it states,
"Passage is given in the Japanese calligraphic form of the
Sutra...." The meaning of this passage is, "Within the Teachings of
the Tathágata, there are no such things as the selection of
appropriate sign-filled days for luck or favorable times...."
Again, in the Hanjyu Kyo-, it states, "Ubai kono sanmai wo kikite,
manaban to hossen mono wa mizukara Butsu ni Kimyo shi, Ho ni Kimyo
shi, Bikuso ni Kimyo shi, yodo ni tsukauru koto wo ezare, ten wo
haisuru koto wo ezare, kijin wo matsuru koto wo ezare, kichi ryo
nichi wo miru koto wo ezare...." The meaning of this passage is, "A
lay woman who seeks the Truth after having heard this Teaching and
desires to learn it, should place her reliance on the Buddha,
Dharma, and Sangha. She must not aspire to some other Path, pray to
heavens, worship demons and deities, and select lucky days and
favorable times...." Although there are other passages from Sutras
that state the same thing, the above passages will suffice
here.
It appears to me that the followers of the Nembutsu especially
ought not to have any anxieties over abstinences and taboos. You
should understand this very clearly.
With reverence, I remain
9th month, 5th year of Bunmei (1473CE)
Concerning the first paragraph of the letter, it would seem that
Rennyo was advocating Shinshu followers' keeping their faith to
themselves and not sharing it for others. Thoughts?
Gassho