Once more, I’d like to post a quotation from the 13th-century text, the Essays in Idleness (徒然草, tsuré dzuré gusa). In particular, the author Kenkō quotes from a collection of sayings by eminent priests of the Jodo Shu sect of Buddhism, collected in a text called the Ichigon Hōdan (一言芳談). The translation is by Professor Donald Keene, section 98 of the Essays:
- “When in doubt whether or not to do something, generally it is best not to do it.”
- “A man concerned about the future life should not even own even a miso pot. Owning valuables, even if they happen to be personal copies of sutras or images of guardian Buddhas, is harmful to salvation.”
- “The hermit’s way of life is best; he feels no want even if he has nothing.”
- “It is good for the man of high rank to act like a humble person, for a scholar to act like an ignoramus, for the rich man to act like a pauper, and for the talented man to act awkwardly.”
- “There is only one way to seek Buddhist enlightenment: you must lead a quiet life and pay no heed to worldly matters. This is the first essential.”
The Buddha did indeed encourage a life free from entanglements, as evinced in many sutras, including the Gotami Sutta (AN 8.53), among many others.
Separately, in the Essays, Kenkō writes on something attributed to the Jodo Shu founder, Honen:
[39] A certain man once asked the High Priest Hōnen, “Sometimes as I am saying the nembutsu I am seized by drowsiness and I neglect my devotions. How can I overcome this obstacle?” Hōnen replied, “Say the nembutsu as long as you are awake.” This was a most inspiring answer. Again, he said, “If you are certain you will go to heaven [the Pure Land], you certainly will; if you are uncertain, it is uncertain.” This too was a sage remark. Again, he said, “Even if you have doubts, you will go to heaven [the Pure Land] provided you say the nembutsu.” This too was a holy utterance. (trans. Donald Keene)
For Pure Land Buddhists and Buddhists in general, I hope this advice helps. 
Namu Amida Butsu
Hello, this blog is about my life as a father, Buddhist and Japanophile / Koreaphile. Any useful information I can pass along will hopefully make the 
Wow, this is encouraging!
By the way, let’s say somebody plays the shamisen awkwardly. Do I…I mean, does such a person get credit for being awkward even though he has no talent? (Just kidding!)
Or let’s say someone likes to write small posts on the Internet. You know, for the reading of others on minor, boring subjects and is of middling skill… *cough*