Kyogyoshinsho - Chapter 4

Chapter 4

In the comparatively short Chapter 4, Shinran begins by writings about nature of Amitabha as the Dharmakaya itself, and that those who attain shinjin are assured of Nirvana. Noteworthy is the quote at the beginning of the chapter:

...Because they dwell among the truly settled, they necessarily attain Nirvana...Supreme Nirvana is uncreated dharma-body . Uncreated dharma-body is true reality. True reality is dharma-nature. Dharma-nature is suchness. Suchness is oneness. Amida Tathagata comes forth from suchness and manifests various bodies...

After the introduction, Shinran writes about the idea, first posited by Hōnen, about Amitabha's intent to lead all beings to the Pure Land through smarana, so that they can become Bodhisattvas. These Bodhisattvas, will then return to the world to lead other beings along the Buddhist path.

Again, Shinran expands on these ideas by citing the writings of past patriarchs of Pure Land thought.