which is an inward journey to explore what is within one’s self. Self is, so to speak, seen reflected in the mirror of transcendent wisdom. One is driven by Amida to look deep inside one’s self. Thus, Self-reflection reveals deeper and deeper parts of self until all the content is exposed. Self-reflection leads to awareness of one’s karma — psycho-physical energy — which has created and recreated one’s existence since the beginningless past and is continually working underneath one’s consciousness without a moment’s rest. Too often karma is ignored, left to run its course unbridled. To achieve a healthy expansion of one’s self, it is essential to control one’s karma and redirect it towards enlightenment. Self-reflection reveals the reality of one’s karma.

Deep Mind is twofold: to believe deeply, I am an unenlightened man, full of evil passions and subject to cycles of birth-and-death; I have been constantly sunk in the sea of samsara, without finding a chance to attain deliverence...

Shan-tao, Sanzen Gi

All living beings, since the beginningless past, have been transmigrating in the sea of ignorance, drowning in the cycle of existences, bound to all sorts of sufferings, and having no pure, serene faith.

How sad it is that I am sunk in the vast sea of greed and attachment and lost in the great mountain of desire for fame and profit.

Ibid.

Since I am not capable of any religious practice whatsoever, hell is definitely my dwelling place.

Tannisho

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