“Women who remain in lay life should realize and never entertain the slightest doubt that those who, without calculation, deeply rely on Amida Buddha single-mindedly and unwaveringly, entrusting themselves to the Buddha for their emancipation in the afterlife, will all be saved.
This is the intent of the Primal Vow of Other Power, the vow of Amida Tathagata.
Beyond this, whenever they feel joy and gratitude for their emancipation in the afterlife, they should simply say, “Namo Amida Butsu.””
Rev. Bert Sumikawa
Windward Buddhist Temple
This is one of several letters written by Rennyo addressed to women. He considered women to be important followers of the Nembutsu teachings and emphasized that this teaching was for everyone, priest or lay, man or woman, without discrimination.
It is with deep gratitude to Eshinni’s letters that were found about a hundred years ago, that the Nembutsu teachings guided the life of a real, living person, that of Shinran Shonin. We learn from those letters how deeply Eshinni cared for her husband and children while living apart from him as he was pursuing his life-long studies. Thought her harsh life, she rejoiced in the Nembutsu path through difficult conditions.
We rejoice in the memory of Shinran’s daughter Kakushinni because had it not been for her, his teaching might not be available for us. She kept the memory of her father alive by using land that was made available through her second husband to create a memorial. Her lineage continues to this day through her son, and succeeding 25 generations, with the present head of the Hongwanji, the Monshu Kojun Ohtani.
In the book Dharma Treasures, a book compiled by the Rev. Tatsuo Muneto, gives deep spiritual insights from some of Hawaii’s Women Shin Buddhist Pioneers. Eshinni and Kakushinni, both deep followers of the Nembutsu, were deeply engrossed in the Dharma and the writings of Shinran, as were the poems and musings of the women portrayed in the book. Through their writings we learn of the interconnectedness of all beings, that we are wonderful part of the “Golden Chain of Love.” Their devotion to the Dharma is deeply appreciated and is transmitted to all of us.
Thanks to Eshinni, Kakushinni and to all women who lived the life of Onembutsu and entrusted themselves to Amida Buddha without doubt. Thanks to them and all women, that we learn that this teaching applies to all without discrimination, without exception.