The Eighteenth Vow speaks of "sincerely believe and rejoice." But what are we meant to believe in? Not other Buddhist teachings or alternative interpretations, and certainly not our own fleeting emotions—our feelings of inspiration, gratitude, or spiritual highs. Rather, we believe this: that anyone who recites Amitabha's name and sincerely wishes to be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss will certainly arrive there. This applies to everyone—sages and ordinary people, the virtuous and the wicked, those who practice throughout their lives and those who turn to it only at death's door, even beings in the bardo state or suffering in the three wretched realms.

        Master Shandao makes this crystal clear: reciting Amitabha's name is what "sincerely believe and rejoice" means. Yet some people mistake emotional experiences for genuine faith. They might say, "I felt Amitabha's deliverance so powerfully—I was deeply moved and grateful in that moment." But when life's difficulties return and that emotional high fades, doubt creeps in. They begin to question Amitabha Buddha himself. This happens when we confuse temporary feelings with true faith.

        Genuine faith rests on objective reality, not shifting emotions. We believe in Amitabha Buddha's actual existence and trust in what he teaches about our path to rebirth.

        Master Shandao interpreted "sincerely believe and rejoice" as simply "reciting my name." This is beautifully concrete and unchanging, regardless of our moods or feelings.

        Moreover, reciting Amitabha's name guarantees rebirth—and it's something anyone can do. Whether you're wise or simple, emotional or analytical, you can understand it and practice it.

        If we base our faith on feelings instead, we're setting ourselves up for suffering. As Master Shandao warned, "Even if a clear mind arises, it’s like drawing on water"— before your hand lifts, it’s gone.

(Translated by the Pure Land School Translation Team;
edited by Householder Fojin)