Rick wrote: Paul's advice about not chanting SHOSHINGE at this time is well
taken as I see it. There is simply so much factual information packed into those
120 verses that could and probably would leave most beginners in Shin Buddhism
wondering what Master Shinran was saying.

So I just talked with Paul, and together we came to the conclusion that instead
of SHOSHINGE, the best verses to recite would be the JUNIRAI ("TWELVE
ADORATIONS") of Bodhisattva Nagarjuna, which I'll copy below.

>>>

Hi Rick and all -

Rick misunderstood me a little bit, so let me offer a correction to his words
above.

I am NOT try to tell anybody not to chant all or part of the Shoshinge, or to
chant the Junirai instead.

If you find yourself drawn by Amida to chant all or part of the Shoshinge, of
course you can and should do so.

What I am saying, which Rick agrees with, is that the Junirai is really much
more simple, and more accessible - and therefore it might be more "skillful
means" in helping someone as Stephen his helping his parents.

I have found, in the years since I have embraced Shin Buddhism, that certain
passages, certain hymns, and certain words of our Dharma masters have spoken
deeply to me. I use them, over and over, to LISTEN DEEPLY to the Dharma.

I think that is what is truly important. Concentrate your energy and attention
on those passages that can really speak to you most clearly. Don't read for the
sake of reading, or chant for the sake of chanting.

When we listen deeply, we listen first with the head, to understand the message
intellectually. If we can't do that, we simply can't listen deeply.

And then, having understood with the head, we listen even more deeply, so we can
have the revelation of the Dharma message in our hearts. That deep revelation
is what Amida wants to give us, so we can experience the removal of our
delusions and obscurations, and experience the clearing of the channels of faith
deep inside.

Gassho,

Paul