Introduction
Religion and faith carry different meanings for everyone.
This is just a personal thought — my own “taste,” as we say in Japanese:
Could it be that all gods and Amida Buddha are, in some sense, “one and the same”?
This is not an official doctrinal statement from the Hongwanji. It is simply my personal reflection.
If it gives you even a small hint for your own thinking, I will be glad.
A Glimpse of the Larger World in the Amitabha Sutra
The Amitabha Sutra describes the Pure Land with these words:
“Moreover, Śāriputra, in that land there are always various wonderful birds — white cranes, peacocks, parrots, śaris, kalaviṅkas, and two-headed birds.
Day and night, six times a day, they sing harmonious and elegant songs…
Śāriputra, do not think these birds are born as a result of karma for past misdeeds.
Why? Because in that Buddha Land there are no three evil paths — not even their names exist there.
These birds are all transformations made by Amitabha Buddha, intended to proclaim the Dharma.”
This passage tells us that the beautiful birds and flowers of the Pure Land are not separate beings.
They are manifestations — compassionate transformations — of Amida Buddha.
Could Other Gods Also Be Transformations of Amida?
Perhaps this is a bold interpretation, but when I read this passage, I can’t help but wonder:
If birds and flowers are manifestations of Amida, could not other gods and buddhas also be his transformed appearances?
Religions are, in a way, collections of stories.
Perhaps Jodo Shinshu becomes a karmic link for someone to encounter Christianity, or the other way around.
What if the buddhas of Buddhism and the gods of Christianity or Islam are not separate at all?
Why Are We So Sure They’re “Different”?
Many people firmly believe that “my god, my buddha, is the only true one.”
But can we really say that with certainty? Are we gods ourselves, to know such things?
The world of divine beings is far beyond the comprehension of us ordinary, foolish humans.
When we instantly insist, “No, they’re different,” where does that certainty even come from?
It’s worth pausing to question that reflex.
It’s Okay to Imagine They Are “Together”
Whether Amida and other gods are actually the same, I don’t know. None of us do.
But isn’t it also okay to imagine them as sharing the same realm?
Picture this for a moment:
Amida Buddha, God, and Muhammad sitting together above the clouds, warmly chatting with one another.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if such a scene were true?
Religion is, in many ways, storytelling — and there can be as many stories as there are people.
Looking at Ourselves, Respecting Others
In Jodo Shinshu, we are taught to “listen deeply to the origin of faith.”
That means looking honestly at where we stand:
What culture and society shaped us?
Who are we, really?
We see the world only through our own eyes. No one can know with certainty what is absolutely “right.”
That is why it’s important not to cling too tightly to our own standpoint — but instead to understand others and show them appropriate respect.
Religion, Its Blessing — and Its Danger
Religion is originally meant to make people happy.
But history shows us that it has often been misused for politics, persecution, and war.
If a nation is on the brink of destruction, taking up arms may be unavoidable.
But killing “for God’s sake” beyond what is necessary — that is blasphemy.
It destroys the very refuge that religion is supposed to be.
Once that refuge is gone, what remains is only nihilism.
And nihilism destroys not only our spiritual stories but also our daily lives.
A Wish for the Future
Let us not create a world where everything collapses into that kind of emptiness.
Take another look at where you stand. Look carefully at the people around you.
You are not living this life alone.
With your light, and I with mine —
let us all bloom together, each in our own brilliance.
Gasshō (respectful bow)
For Japanese readers:
This story is also available in Japanese.
↓ 日本語版は（note）へ
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