amida's love

Here's a beautiful description of Susthama's experience of the 24 hour nembutsu chanting at the start of the Bodhi retreat:

The Bodhi retreat is the high point of my year. I spend all year looking forward to it and then when it comes I lap up all the love I can get from Amida, order members, school members, and newcomers. There is a certain atmosphere that is generated from the people who come to these retreats, especially in December when the weather is cold outside - and the days are short while the nights long. On the outside looking in, it looks wonderfully cozy and inviting; all huddled together with Amida, in a big room lit up with candles.
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