Amida-shu is a spiritual community, an international network of people bound together by a consciouness of "Amida", of the spirit of love and truth at work in the world in the midst of ordinary, fallible beings like ourselves. Beyond this it does not require any particular form of belief or doctrine or theory. Amidists have a practice of calling the Name of Amida. In addition to this, you do not have to meditate or pray or adopt any particular practices, though you can if you want to.
Amidism is not a way of achieving anything. It is, rather a celebration and a communion. Amidists are not necessarily virtuous or wise or accomplished. We are simply people who celebrate the spiritual presence, each in his or her own way, yet together. Amidists often practice in groups, but practice can vary from group to group. Amidists are creative. We like rituals, but we do not cling to one particular form - the spirit can be celebrated in many ways.
Amidists appreciate the whole range of mystical heritage, irrespective of which religion it comes from. Although we are most closely associated with the tradition of Pureland Buddhism, we understand this vehicle as a generic spirituality and appreciate the wisdom of all those who have transmitted direct knowledge of the Spirit down the ages.
::link - join Friends of Amida: find out about the many facets of the Amida Trust, make spiritual friends close to home and around the world, arrange to meet them in person at one of the courses or events, read articles, listen to or watch Dharma talks and Pureland Buddhist ceremonies, suppoert the work of the Trust as a volunteer or by donation, join in discussions around specific themes...and much, much more!
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