pletely exposed and there is a deep awareness of karma and one’s powerlessness to control it, one is fully awakened to Amida’s all-embracing Compassion through his wisdom and power. In other words, Great Compassion makes its presence known by revealing one’s entire existence in the light of the transcendent wisdom and with the control of one’s karma with the universal, pure karmic power which Amida has attained through his Vow and practice. Serene Faith (shinjin) is awareness of and awakening to Great Compassion. More precisely, it is Great Compassion itself transferred to man. It is through awakening to Great Compassion that one encounters Amida in the true sense of the term.

Serene Faith is the vast, ocean-like mind, in which Amida’s perfect Great Compassion is fulfilled and his all complete virtue is consummated. .. . Since this faith is Amida’s Great Compassion itself, it is without doubt the cause of birth in the Pure Land.

Shinran, Kyogyoshinsho, chap. on Faith

This mind is the pure and true Serene Faith consummated by the Vow. It is called shinjin. Shinjin is the mind of Great Compassion; hence, it is not mingled with doubt.

Shinran, Monruijusho

the infinite, is the feeling of ultimate fulfillment and contentment. It is a “pure” emotion in the sense that it is not mixed with self- centered illusory passions.

the true One Mind is the mind of Great Joy; the mind of Great Joy is the true shinjin....

Kyogyoshinsho, chap. on Faith

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