Tsunami

QUESTION: How does an amidist comprehend the incomprehensible suffering and destruction that has resulted from the tsunami disaster? namo amida bu - tharakesh

DHARMAVIDYA: We live in a world of troubles where the elements treat us as “straw dogs”. We are of no significance to waves and rocks. Everything is impermanent except the Dharma. The uncertainty of our situation should give us a sense of urgency. Let us think what is most important and get on with it. If we think "I will do it after I have ....... " - fill in your own blank - then we may well be swept away first and never do what matters. A spilt bucket of water might be a tsunami for the ants that live around the kitchen floor. We are no different. There is no point in building up philosophies predicated upon ourselves as a special case. The universe treats us just like everything else. We are in this existential situation where the wave may come any day. So many people live their lives tossed about, never having done anything that is not trivial. The Pureland perspective helps us to realize that even seemingly insignificant beings can be vehicles for universal love. Even if our life is only a pin prick, it can be the one that lets light into the dork world. The light comes from beyond.