Who is faith for?

Hello.
We met for the second time.
How are you?

Thank you for Naokyu's question, “What do monks believe for?” It's also an opportunity for me to think about myself again.

I didn't start “faith” (in general terms) with any purpose from the beginning. Rather, I had a good relationship, and before I knew it, I began to “believe.” I didn't think about it, make a choice, and end up with Buddhism or the Jodo Shinshu; the expression that I just had a relationship fits the most.

There is a discrepancy between this and the general image of “faith,” but in the Jodo Shinshu sect, I don't believe it. I think you will be blessed with a heart of trust and devotion due to the Buddha's encouragement (in other words, having a relationship). It is a heart that will always be blessed to listen, and keep listening to the Buddha's teachings.

Now, let's think again about the meaning of “faith” in the question “what do you believe for.” The word “faith” has a purpose for me, and aren't you capturing this as an image of believing with all your strength with your own heart? Also, don't you have any preconceived notions that religion is like that?

At least I think religion, or Buddhism, is not a “faith,” but a devotion. The Buddha says he will take you to paradise, so oh, that's the one on the left. They say they're putting their hands together to make them nembutsu, so yeah, it's like the left. It's just a matter of receiving it like this.

There is no need to say “for what”.
After all, the purpose I thought up doesn't fall into the category of self-interest or private desire.

There is no need for me to set “for whom”.
The Buddha says he will save everyone, so you can leave it up to us.

However, I just want to honestly accept the purpose that the Buddha has set, what he wants you to pass away in paradise, and that you want to survive your life while being a nembutsu. That's all.

I believe Buddhism is for me.

Hopefully, I feel that it would be nice for Yokoyama to have a path where he can feel that Buddhism exists for Yokoyama himself.

Yokoyama-sama

I believe that “faith” should not be blind, irrational, or fanatical.

As there is in the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, “one should not simply accept the teacher's teachings with respect, and the goldsmiths should carefully examine whether the money they handle is real or fake, and they should also accept the teacher's teachings in such a way as to be carefully examined by burning, cutting, and polishing the gold,” even if it is the teachings of a great respected master, of course, the teachings of Buddha, were repeatedly examined critically and rationally, and I was firmly convinced It is becoming important to practice those teachings from above.

I believe that firm faith is built upon doing as much research as possible by oneself, rationally verifying it, and being satisfied.

Also, “you can be saved just by believing” is not Buddhism.

Buddhism is, in a sense, a practical philosophy.

We must practice Buddhism (mainly the accumulation of wisdom and blessings) on our own. The only way to save yourself based on teachings is to be yourself.

It's a “self-lighting method lighting.”

Kawaguchi Hidetoshi Gassho

Buddhism is first and foremost a technique to reduce one's own worries and suffering.
Furthermore, it is useful for reducing the worries and suffering of others and other living creatures.