"I always used to think of the nembutsu as some sort of formula one recited in the expectation of obtaining relief from suffering. When I was taken seriously ill, however, and was rushed to intensive care by ambulance, I found myself, after I came to again in bed, pronouncing the nembutsu for the very first time out of pure gratitude.” Young Dharma friend.

“I was taken aback when a priest said to me one day when I happened to leave my shoes without turning them properly, ‘You may not be able to put on your shoes again when you leave unless someone turns them around 180 degrees for you.’” Dharma friend.

“It is because of my selfish nature that I have been busily trying to mould people around me to my own image.” Young priest at the temple.

“Watch our Head Priest when he is doing service inside the shrine and you will see how deeply he bows, with his forehead touching the floor, whenever a letter is read out from The Letters by Rennyo Shonin. We should all bow as deeply as the Head Priest and not just stick to the rules of etiquette taught in the traditional Tea Ceremony.” Senior priest.