06/03/2026
We received an inquiry asking, in essence, how things like reifu, omamori, and other such talismans work, and if they are effective. The reply sent (slightly revised below for clarity) may be useful for everyone, not only regarding such things, but also revealing something about our practice as a whole. So we're posting it here, and it will also be the subject - in more detail - of the next Abbot's Journal entry on our Patreon:
"Regarding the efficacy of things like talismans or protective amulets, it is important to understand the Buddhist teaching of causes and conditions.
Basically, everything that arises has causes. But those causes manifest as effects only when the right supporting conditions are also present.
For example, one cause of the effect we call a tree is the original seed. But that seed becomes a tree only when supported by conditions such as water, sunlight, good soil, warmth, and time.
In our lives, the causal seeds of what we encounter and experience may sometimes be clear, while in other cases they are difficult to trace. But we can always contribute to positive conditions. Morality, repentence, clarity of mind, sincere intent, prayer, disciplined action, and many other things are powerful supporting conditions that can help positive effects to manifest.
This also helps explain how things like reifu or omamori can function. They are not magical devices that simply make things happen for us. Rather, they are supporting conditions. In our understanding, they bring together the power of the lineage, the buddhas and other beings invoked, the intention and practice of the person who makes the talisman, and the sincerity of the person who requests it.
This means that the requesting person still has their own work to do, by focusing their will, prayers, conduct, and actions toward the desired outcome. But when these positive supporting conditions come together, with the talisman serving as a focus or nexus, powerful results may become possible.
Our teachers have spoken of the effectiveness of things like reifu used in this way. We have also observed the seemingly mysterious power that they can have. But the important point, again, is that we should view talismans like these as supportive conditions that help focus and strengthen our own prayers, intent, and actions, rather than as magical devices that simply make things happen for us."
