Forbidden Japan

• Shinto (indigenous shamanic animistic kami religion)
• Shapeshifting kami are not demon-monster yōkai
• Mahayana Buddhism in Japan
• Shingon Buddhism (Japanese Vajrayana)
• Nichiren Shōshū: way of devotion to other-power (tiriki)
• Zen Buddhism: the self-powered (jiriki) way

The three or four kinds of Buddhism

(The East Made Simple) Every major school (sect, tradition, yana or "vehicle") of Buddhism explained: What each one actually believes, teaches, and attempts to practice. The division is usually Theravada (10%) keeping as close as possible to the teachings of the historical Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama, Shakyamuni) versus all the others aligning with later interpretations, changes, watering down the message or changing it altogether to build a grand boat that calls itself the "Great Vehicle" or Mahayana (90%). But Vajrayana, a Himalayan (Bhutanese, Nepalese, Tibetan, Mongolian, Russian) school of Esoteric Buddhism, combining many occult Hindu practices (tantra, mantra, yoga, etc.) may also be distinguished or Japanese Zen (a combination of Taoism, Confucianism, Shinto, and Buddhism, but Japan prefers faith-based universalism, Nichiren Shōshū, like most of the rest of the world to pray and receive help from another-power to do all the heavy lifting to deliverance) even though all three are considered Mahayana sects.

• Tariki vs. jiriki: other-power or self-power?

I've had it with God, Krishna and Jesus

(Life of BeerBiceps) How Lord Krishna and Jesus Christ are related: Sindu/Hinduism+Christianity

A Hindu's Crisis of Faith

(Neo Dharmism) I rejected "God" for years...until I had a real experience I couldn't explain

• NEW: (Neo Dharmism) I stopped feeling God's presence — Hinduism had an answer I didn't expect

• 

  Great Lord Krishna of Hinduism

  Hindu Lord Vishnu (the Preserver), Narayana, Hari, the Supreme god of Vaishnavism. [This is a beautiful avatar so much so that the Buddha, the Christ, and the dark Lord Krishna (whose name means "black" Kānha, Sanskrit कान्हा, "The dark-complexioned beloved one" 108 Names of Shri Krishna) are said to be avatars and incarnations or emanations of this god. Of course, in the case of the historical Buddha, this can't be quite right. It is a beautiful sentiment, indeed, but the Buddha is not reborn here or elsewhere, is not a "god," and rises beyond the gods.

• 

  Radha and Krishna=Jesus and Mary

  As for a historical Jesus, maybe, but surely most Christians (or perhaps they should more rightly be labelled Jesuits or Jesevites) would not like to think that their all-powerful, supreme controller, creator of the entire universe were an avatar of a neighboring faith, in spite of the fact that Jesus practiced Hinduism to some extent or was exposed to it in his 18 years of travel in Tibet and India (Nicolas Notovitch). However, the title avatar may well apply to Lord Krishna, the central object of veneration and faith in popular Hinduism today, sometimes rivaling Lord Shiva and the great Goddesses Lakshmi, Sarawati, Parvati, Kali, Ma Durga, and his consort Radha.]
• Ishtadeva or Ishtadevata (Sanskrit इष्ट देव(ता), iṣṭa-deva(tā), literally the "cherished divinity" from iṣṭa, "personal, liked, preferred, cherished" and devatā, "deity, divinity, godhead, tutelary deity" or deva, "deity"), is a term used in Hinduism denoting a worshipper's favorite deity [1, 2] or favorite form of the deity if approached from a monotheistic or henotheistic point of view. More

Could a Hindu godman restore faith?

(Supreme Yoga Vidya) When Ramana Maharishi revealed his powers

(experiences of Rangan, Maharishi's childhood friend)

Three religions, one teaching?

(Finding Meaning Project) If Buddhism says there's no self, what's reborn?

Are nuns 2nd-class citizens in Buddhism?

(Natasha Yehenara) Are Buddhist nuns, who are forced to accept the garudhammas or "Eight Additional Rules," second-class citizens?

Ayya Tathaaloka (Alliance for Bhikkhunis)

[They sure have been treated as such by sexist and patriarchal monks trying to enhance and preserve their worldly power as abuse-prone clergyman. But these additional rules are NOT historical, as revealed by the scholarship of Ayya Tathālokā Bhikkhunī of California looking into the Theravada Bhikkhuni Vinaya, were not laid down or approved by the Buddha, and have been shown to be later additions. For instance, on one occasion, the Buddha's mother, the first Buddhist nun in history, comes to the Buddha seeking clarification on some matter or other, which would never have happened IF such additional rules had been laid down by him. The fact that she asks what she does, as documented in a vinaya backstory preserved among the ancient Buddhist texts, proves the Buddha didn't do it. And the fact that monks at later Buddhist councils added such sexist and oppressive stipulations is tantamount to crimes against humanity and the Sangha, maybe even a "defeat" (parajika) offense of a schism between monk and nun communities. Wisdom Quarterly stands firmly on the side of nuns, Natasha, and all future female-embodied persons (because we can all be reborn any gender whether we like it or not) seeking enlightenment and liberation. We have covered this topic many times in the past.]

(Joe Rogan Experience Clips) The dark truth

behind the crucifixion of Jesus Christ

Pastor, when will 'The Rapture' arrive? ✝️

American Dad! "Rapture's Delight" segment

Wait, this religion is real?

"Rapture's Delight" is the ninth episode of the sixth season of the American animated television series American Dad! It originally aired on the Fox TV network in the United States on Dec. 13, 2009 [and remains one of the funniest and most satirical takes the show dared to make]. This episode centers around CIA Agent Stan and his housewife Francine's life after the vast majority of the church, including their children Hayley and Steve, are raptured ("taken up"), leaving everyone else Left Behind. When Stan begins to blame Francine for not getting into heaven, Francine ends their relationship and befriends a man whom she later finds out to be Jesus Christ. Francine becomes his bride, leaving Stan behind to participate in the showdown at Armageddon. More

• List of American Dad! episodes

The Christian myth of The Rapture

God is coming to beam us up, well, His son

"The Rapture" is a Christian eschatological ("end-times") belief held by some Christians, particularly those of American evangelicalism, consisting of a magic event when all dead Christian believers will be resurrected and, together with Christians who are still alive, will rise "in the clouds, to meet the Lord [who might be in a spaceship] in the air" [1, 2].

I don't want to be left behind with all the sinners!

Many different timelines have been asserted that tie to ideas of a seven-year "Great Tribulation": pre-tribulation [3], mid-tribulation, pre-wrath, and post-tribulation raptures; and to a thousand-year age of Messianic rule: millennialism, pre-millennialism, post-millennialism, a-millennialism, and preterism [4, 5].

The origin of the term extends from translations of the First Epistle to the Thessalonians in the Christian Bible, which uses the Greek word harpazo (Ancient Greek ἁρπάζω), meaning "to snatch away" or "to seize."

The idea of a rapture as it is defined in dispensational premillennialism is NOT found in historic Christianity. It is a relatively new doctrine, originating from the 1830s.

Why was I left behind, not good enough?

Most Christian denominations, and the numerically largest, do NOT believe or subscribe to "rapture theology" and have a different interpretation of the aerial gathering described in 1 Thessalonians 4 [6].

They do NOT use "rapture" as a specific theological term, nor do they generally subscribe to the dispensational theology associated with its use [7].

Instead, most Christians typically interpret "rapture" in the sense of the elect (the saved) gathering with Christ in Heaven directly after the Second Coming. They reject outright the idea that a large portion of humanity will be "left behind" (like the very profitable, fearmongering book series depicts) on Earth for an extended tribulation period after the events of 1 Thessalonians 4:17 [6, 8]. More

Tao of Not Trying: Alan Watts, Lao Tzu, B Wen

(After Skool) Taoism Founder Lao Tzu on Art of Not Trying

Care about what they all think, prisoner?

Wu wei (Chinese 無為, simplified Chinese 无为, Pinyin wúwéi) is a concept [popular in Zen Buddhism] from ancient Chinese philosophy that literally means "not-acting" or "non-doing," variously interpreted and translated as actionlessness, inaction, or effortless action [1, 2].

• Is it the "flow state" in Western psychology?

If I were Zen, would I thereby be a Taoist, too?

In Taoism, it denotes the nature of Tao, meaning that while the Tao (the way, path, or flow of nature) is the source of all existence and manifestation of all phenomena, its intrinsic formless essence is that it acts or moves in a silent, invisible, ineffable, often-unnoticed manner that may even seem motionless and effortless [3, 4, 5, 6, 7].

Accordingly, Taoists aspire to live their lives in alignment with such a harmonious state of free flowing and unforced activity.

In a political context, it also refers to an ideal form or principle of spontaneous and non-aggressive governance [8]. More

The Path of Least Resistance

(Benebell Wen) Ziran (The Taoist Path of Least Resistance)

Let nature reign and all will be well?

Ziran (Romanized tzu-jan) is a key concept in Taoism and East Asian Buddhism. It literally means "of its own" or "by itself" and therefore "naturally; natural; spontaneously; freely; in the course of events; of course; doubtlessly" [1, 2].

ETYMOLOGY: This Chinese word is a two-character compound of zì (自, "self," "oneself," "from," "since") and rán (然, "right," "correct," "so," "yes"), which is used as a -ran suffix marking adjectives or adverbs (roughly corresponding to English -ly).

What is the most intelligent response? Flow

According to the Shuo Wen lexicon, the character 自 zi means "nose" [one's nose, oneself when not interfered with by outside influences.] In Chinese culture, the nose (or zi) is a common metaphor for a person's own point of view [3]. More

Alan Watts, what's the Philosophy of the Tao?

Alan Watts – Philosophy of the Tao, Pt.1 | Flow, Balance, and the Course of Nature (full talk)

• Pantheon of Taoist Gods (Tao.org)

A decolonized intro to Taoism

(Benebell Wen) Taoism: A Decolonized Introduction

Hsi Lai: The Buddha's Birthday (5/24-31)

Please join Coming West (Hsi Lai) Temple in celebration of the birth of our teacher, Shakyamuni (Gautama) Buddha, which is one of the most important events on the Buddhist calendar. During this celebration, we partake in the traditional bathing of the baby Buddha (Prince Siddhartha), and pray not only for auspiciousness in our lives, but to also emulate him and his teachings. Date Sunday, May 24, 2026-Sunday, May 31, 2026, 9:00 am-5:00 pm at Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights, San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles County, California

• Hsi Lai Temple
• 3456 Glenmark Drive (near Colima)
• Hacienda Heights, CA 91745
• info@ibps.org, (626) 961-9697

Communal Cultivation at Hsi Lai Temple

Hsi Lai Buddhist Retreat, June 7-June 21, 2026 (ages 16-35)

Buddhist Question and Answers at Hsi Lai Temple

Hsi Lai Temple's Sangha Day Celebration, July 17, 2026

Hsi Lai Temple English Dharma Service

Every Buddhist "God" explained in minutes

(Greg Knows All) Every major Buddhist "God" explained in 38 minutes

• These are the "Gods" of faith-based Mahayana, Vajrayana, Jodo Shinshu, Nicheren, Shingon...rather than the much smaller (10%) back-to-basics Theravada Buddhist tradition, which recognizes countless brahmas and devas, particularly Great Brahma and Sakka (Sakra, Indra), King of the Devas, but neither worships them nor regards them as "Gods" in the Western sense.
• Pure Land (Sukhavati) of Amitabha Cosmic Buddha

Ajahn Chah: Detachment within activity

Ajahn Chah - Detachment Within Activity (1983dukkha)

Happy Halfway Day: passion to profit

Have others ever felt a passion -- a sense of urgency -- to do what is profitable, what is wholesome and useful toward liberation? If one, there is an accompanying feeling that one is not doing nearly enough to make reasonable progress toward the goal. How much time has passed, and how much time will pass, before we get on the ball? "Long enough, wanderers," the Buddha frequently said, "has it been that we have wandered on in this round (samsara) -- long enough to have become dispassionate toward all formations."

Lord Time clips Cupid's wings

(TOI) It’s July 2nd. You’re sipping ice water, wondering where [half] the year went, maybe even scrolling photos thinking, Didn’t we just celebrate New Year’s? Suddenly, someone says, “Hey, you know today is exactly halfway through the year?”

Wait, what? Yep. July 2nd isn’t just another random summer day stuck between fireworks and a cousin’s birthday party. It’s Halfway Day — the dead-center midpoint of the year.

Half of 2025 is behind us. The other half? Still ahead, ready to be claimed [if we seize the day, or squandered if we worry about Trump and other corrupt politicians advancing Project 2025].

Whether feeling super accomplished or lowkey behind on every goal made back in January, this little calendar milestone is a gentle nudge from the universe to pause, [meditate like you thought you would], reflect, and maybe even restart. More

• Words Leading to Disenchantment and Samsara: Two Essays (Bodhi Leaves, BPS.lk)

Why would anyone meditate?

Time keeps on ticking, ticking...How can I gain energy to make effort in meditation?

Overcoming complacency in meditation

(Beth Upton) April 21, 2025: Here I discuss what we can do if we notice ourselves becoming complacent (lazy, fatigued, unenthusiastic) in our daily meditation practice.

These videos are only made possible by generous donations. Please consider supporting this work: bethupton.com/support-my-work. Patreon: bethupton Find out more about my work here: bethupton.com. Shot by Alexis P.N. and Zsolt Batar. @GuavaFunk: laffcotchtv. Contact: alexispn777@gmail.com.

• Moment of Zen videos | Watch
• Carpe diem: "Seize the Day"
• New Year's Resolution Recommitment Day: June 1, 2026 (National Today)
• Model Ekaterina Stukanova; Times of India, July 2, 2025; Beth Upton, meditation advice, 2025; Dhr. Seven, Ananda (Dharma Buddhist Meditation), Jen B. (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Eckhart Tolle: How to let go

Why our inner state matters more than our goals | Eckhart Tolle

(Eckhart Tolle) Oct. 17, 2024: Ever wonder why achieving your goals doesn't always bring the happiness you expected? Eckhart Tolle dives into the difference between external success and inner fulfillment in this video. He reveals how a deeper understanding of faith can transform your daily life and explains why feeling whole now is the key to effortless manifestation. If you're tired of the endless pursuit of more, Eckhart's wisdom offers a refreshing alternative. Discover more insights from Eckhart Tolle: Subscribe to his channel today!

How to stop pretending and start living | Eckhart Tolle

(Eckhart Tolle) Oct. 22, 2024: Eckhart Tolle shares practical wisdom on how to be your authentic self in every situation. He explains why playing roles can hold us back and offers simple tips for staying present, even in high-pressure moments. Whether we're dealing with work stress or social anxiety, Eckhart's insights can help us find more ease and authenticity in our daily interactions.

ABOUT: Eckhart Tolle is widely recognized as one of the most inspiring and visionary spiritual teachers in the world today. With his international bestsellers, The Power of Now and A New Earth —translated into more than 50 languages — he has introduced millions to the joy and freedom of living life in the present moment. The New York Times has described him as “the most popular spiritual author in the United States,” and in 2011, Watkins Review (now Watkins Mind Body Spirit) named him “the most spiritually influential person in the world.” Eckhart’s profound yet simple teachings have helped countless people around the globe experience a state of vibrantly alive inner peace in their daily lives. His teachings focus on the significance and power of Presence, the awakened state of consciousness, which transcends ego and discursive thinking. Eckhart sees this awakening as the essential next step in human evolution.

Find this video helpful? Want more peace of mind or to bring more Presence into days, work, and other areas of life? Join Eckhart Tolle Now, Eckhart’s online community, and get access to his new in-depth teachings every month, practical Q&A sessions with Eckhart, and member-only discounts on Eckhart’s online programs. Enroll in The School of Awakening - A 5-Month Online Advanced Training Program to teach, lead, and live your highest purpose: https://bit.ly/School-of-Awakening-YT... Get FREE access Eckhart Tolle’s new miniseries - The world needs you as a teacher of Presence: https://bit.ly/become-a-teacher-2024 Enjoy a FREE 10-DAY TRIAL to Eckhart Tolle Now: https://members.eckharttolle.com/10-d...

LA County (SEIU Union) workers on strike

Meet the DOGE layoff victims that Elon Musk deemed wasteful | Desi Lydic | The Daily Show

(KTLA 5 News, Los Angeles, 4/29/25) Over 55,000 L.A. County workers go on strike

Over 55,000 L.A. County workers go on strike

(KTLA 5) April 29, 2025: It's not just federal workers being booted into unemployment. Los Angeles COUNTY employees aren't making enough to keep up with inflation (or Trumpflation as one might call it). So they are on strike, as LA pays $4 billion in child rape and sexual abuse settlement costs from abusing so many children in its care Tens of thousands of workers employed by Los Angeles County continued striking Tuesday, consequently disrupting some public services. The members of labor union SEIU 721 walked off their jobs after 7:00 pm Monday in an effort to negotiate for a new and fairer contract with the county. KTLA's Rachel Menitoff reports on April 29, 2025. Details: ktla.com/news/local-news/abou...

Miracle: Holy Fire (Jesus' spirit) appears

Jesus' spirit (Holy Fire) appears in Jerusalem

(Blakwoodz) April 17, 2025:Today, let's look at 🌟 The Holy Fire ("Holy Light") in Jerusalem – an annual Easter miracle at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Palestine. 🌟 Hey, Doubting Thomas, you can't walk on water (if you disbelieve).

Welcome to full coverage of The Holy Fire 2025, the annual miracle that takes place on Holy Saturday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

The Holy Fire, Miracle, or Myth? 🕊️ Documentary #holyfire #holylight

• LA Marzulli talks about the "miracle" and how the local doubting Muslims, those who follow Islam, tried to debunk it and became converts.

This sacred event, known as the Holy Fire miracle, draws thousands of faithful from around the world each Easter to witness this awe-inspiring tradition. 🔥

The Holy Fire is one of the most ancient and spiritual Easter traditions celebrated in Jerusalem. Every year, during Orthodox Easter and Holy Saturday, the miracle of the Holy Fire takes place in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed to be the site of the resurrection.

(LA Marzulli) Exclusive, the Shroud of Turin made by Holy Fire?

In this video, witness the moment the Holy Fire (alleged to be the "spirit of Jesus" except for Jews who call it the Holy Spirit in Judaism) appears like a dove (Holy Spirit, Holy Breath, Pneuma, Prana, Holy Ghost), the powerful reactions of the crowd of believers, and the deep meaning imputed on this sacred tradition.

Burning Bush but more European

Join us as we explore the historical significance, religious symbolism, and modern-day celebration of this unique Easter event. We will also discuss more about all the biblical prophecy and The Third Temple of Solomon being built by Israel.

📍 Location: Jerusalem, Israel (Occupied Palestine) ⛪ Site: Church of the Holy Sepulchre 📆 Event: Holy Fire 2025, Orthodox Easter, Holy Saturday.

See the buildup to the Holy Fire ceremony, the exact moment the "Holy Fire" appears, Orthodox Christian pilgrims lighting candles and singing hymns, the atmosphere inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the way Easter (borrowed from the ancient pagans) is celebrated elsewhere.

Burning Bush that doesn't burn up

[Let's explore the history, the miracle, and the cultural impact of this Holy Light – a "fire" that does not burn (like that Burning Bush Egyptian Jewish Moses, if he ever existed, saw in that psychedelic/entheogenic vision that one time), that connects millions of believers during Orthodox Easter in the heart of the Holy Land taken over by Ashkenazi Jews for their war on Palestinians, God and Bible based genocide on human beings, and the start of a new US-sponsored empire in the Middle East ruled by secular Jews from Europe and their proxies.]

Biblical prophecy, space aliens, UFO sightings, ghosts, creepy TikToks, and scary videos, The Woodz Show has got it all. 

• Blakwoodz,  The Woodz Show, April 17, 2025; Christian Youth Channel, April 27, 2024; LA Marzulli; Sheldon S., Shauna Schwartz, Seth Auberon, Pfc. Sandoval (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Alan Watts: self-will. Jiriki vs. Tariki

55 Zen quotes to calm the mind

It might be good if Ananda's student, the struggling American meditator "Doggone," not to be confused with Ven. Dōgen, could learn from former soldier in the U.S. military Ven. Scott, who has found peace through Zen practice, which includes a lot of Taoist philosophy (and probably a sizeable amount of Confucianism and Shinto, too).

It's hard if not impossible to get a "pure Buddhism" as the Dharma is always steeped in a culture colored by shamanic and other preexisting spiritual traditions and philosophies.

Look, Everybody, I'm being mindful and Zen.

The West is a good example. We color the heck out of Buddhism to make it understandable, not realizing how much we're distorting what the Buddha taught. Early Buddhism was colored by Saka/Scythian (Central Asian) and Vedic proto-Indian (Brahminical, Magadhi, subcontinental views) customs and cultural baggage.

• What happened to Doggone? Zen koans (TED)
• Who is Amida Buddha or Amitābha?
• MANTRA: Namu Amida Butsu ("Homage to Amitābha Buddha")
• Pure Land Buddhism (tariki vs. jiriki)

Not all forms of "Buddhism" are alike.

Instead of muscling through everything, efforting and straining, there's a better way that bends with the wind, goes with the flow, and thereby follows "The Way," the Tao.

Western translator and spiritual entertainer Alan Watts speaks of a great divide in outlook in Japan that developed in Buddhism: self-power (jiriki) versus other power (tariki).

Can we do the impossible and pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps? Or must we rely on some higher power, an outside source, to pull us out of the mire?

In practice, the latter may make more sense or seem much easier. The former may work, but it will take subtlety and great mindfulness (sati-patthana) so that ego is not just leading ego around, self-willed as it has so long been, thinking it's getting anywhere worth going.

Let's shut up and stop talking to ourselves to see

Is Pure Land Buddhism even still Buddhism?

Will faith in something outside ourselves us save us? Yes, there are the Three Treasures, the Three Jewels to whom we can go for enlightened guidance: the historical Buddha, the early Dharma, and the noble Sangha.

• It is important to qualify these words as nowadays there are lots of buddhas or alleged "supremely enlightened teachers, and many latter-day interpretations of the Dharma (the Buddha's Teaching or Doctrine), and it is not the monastic Sangha ("spiritual community") that serves as this ultimate guide but rather the "noble" (Aryan/Ariya) or enlightened community, which refers to these eight people, who may or may not be Buddhist monastics.
• It is NOT "going for refuge" but for "guidance"
• Sarana means "going for guidance" not "refuge"

Can we just worship Goddess Guanyin instead?

Or must we take responsibility for our behavior and cultivate our own direct wisdom? (Of course we must do this, but the former may help in doing it).

Two Buddhisms have developed in Japan over this vital question of tariki versus jiriki. Shall we follow the example of the historical Buddha or the later (possibly make believe) "Cosmic Buddhas," who seem more like old time Vedic/Hindu gods (brahmas and devas) than the buddhas the Buddha talked about as having taught in the distant past.

There is Amitabha, Ksitigarbha, Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin, Kwan Yin, Kwannon), Budai, or whoever. It is the Kali Yuga (the "Decadent Age") after all, as Hinduism's holy books, the Vedas, tell Mahayana Buddhists. In these dark times, blind faith will seem far more attractive to faith-types full of attachments than the letting go asked of us by wisdom, confidence (saddha, reasoned and verifiable faith, conviction), and a persevering-practice.

Sit a little every day; that is far more powerful thana marathon effort every so often. Practice is key. Even trying to sit once will make this tariki vs. jiriki debate suddenly make sense. In the meantime, listen to Alan Watts. He, though irascible with an irreducible rascality, knows a thing or two.

• Alan Watts via Art of Zentrification | Discovering the Depths of Shinshu Buddhism; Dhr. Seven, Pfc. Sandoval, Ananda (Dharma Buddhist Meditation) (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Where is the Western Pure Land?

Self-power versus other-power

Amitabha: Infinite Light (Alamy)

"Amida Manifesting in the Dharma-body of Expedient Means," Japanese painting, at The Met.

"Self-power" (Chinese zìlì 自力, Japanese jiriki) and "other-power" (Chinese tālì 他力, Japanese tariki) are key terms used to explain and define Pure Land practice in East Asian Buddhism [179].

• Main article: Other-power

It was Shandao who first argued that Amitabha's power helped take people to the Pure Land after death (previous authors having held that Amitabha created the Pure Land and it was up to an individual's own effort to make it there).

This other-power relationship was compared to how a lowly man who is accompanied by a king can enter previously inaccessible places [180].

Did Christianity just steal this idea of tariki in whole, or is it a natural devolution of religion?

.

Whose power, my own or a magic Cosmic Buddha?

Chinese Pure Land Buddhism never denied the importance of self-power. Instead, according to Jones, Chinese Pure Land generally holds that "Rebirth in the Pure Land results when the two powers work together, an idea that the modern Taiwan Pure Land master Zhiyu (Zhìyù 智諭, 1924–2000) captured with the phrase "the two powers of self and other" (zì-tā èr lì 自他二力)" [179].

Thus, in Chinese Pure Land, rebirth in the Pure Land arises from a cooperation of the practitioner and the Buddha [179].

方便法身尊影: Amida's Dharma-
body of Expedient Means (The Met)

Yúnqī Zhūhóng argues that the practitioner's efforts connect with the Buddha's power through "sympathetic resonance" (gǎnyìng 感應) which links them with the Buddha, attuning their mind with that of the Buddha, much like one plucked string in a lute can make another string nearby resonate in sympathy [181, 178].

According to this view, the more that one practiced nianfo, the stronger and more enduring this bond with Amitabha became [182].

However, Chinese Pure Land masters also argued that one certainly cannot rely on self-power alone, which they denigrated as a futile effort [183]. More