Genza

Last night's reading on Genza was inspiring. He was a Buddha, for he was fast to forgive and kind. Instead of criticizing and judging and trying to sway people into what his self wants, he understands that people follow their own nature, their unique refractions of the Light. And I think he responds with forgiveness and kindness and acceptance because he knows that everything is part of the Great Life. Despite the social and political changes happening around him that encourages people to be protective of their properties, Genza seems to have full belief that he will not lack and the Great Life will provide for him abundantly. And if not, then it is the Great Life's will. He welcomes whatever happens. The constant recitation of the nembutsu reminds him of this.

The more I read about Genza, the more I realize how far I am from him. How faithless I am to the Great Life, how afraid and frightened I am to things that have not happened. I am more of an ant than a grasshopper, and it affects the fulfillment I get from life.

What gives me some reprieve right now is that slowly, I think, I let more chance and change to creep into my life. I allow my days to be more flexible, my plans to be revised, and I am more patient to how projects move. There is a huge work to be done with how I deal with people, especially those closest to me. But I'm not giving up.

From Miki:

Genza, mentioned by Yu and Vince, was a deeply Buddhist and true Myokonin who lived in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, until about 90 years ago. He was an illiterate farmer, but from a young age, "What does entrusting myself to Amida Buddha mean?" became his life's theme, and he eventually gained decisive faith through his serious and struggling listening to the Buddha-dharma for more than ten years.

His words and actions influenced many people, and were made into a book and a manga, which has also been translated into English. Vince has a copy of the manga, and it has wonderful, profound content.

I also love Genza, and as Vince said, I always listen to the Dharma with the hope of becoming the kind of person who, like Genza, can accept whatever inconveniences he faces with a "Welcome, welcome".

Photos of Genza.

Below is Genza's village.