The thirteen contemplations are provisional practices while the Nembutsu of faith is the main Gate to the Pure Land

 “Jogan Shonin (1168-1251) thus stated: ‘Someone said to Honen Shonin, ‘The perception of the physical features of Amida Buddha is taught in the Contemplation Sutra. Should even Nembutsu practitioner observe this meditative practice?’ Honen Shonin replied: ‘I, Genku, also observed such a futile practice at the beginning, but I do no...