Rev. Hachiya Yoshikiyo (1880- 1964) liked to say, “We must understand the greatness of Rennyo Shonin.” That’s interesting because some people considered Hachiya Sensei to be the second coming of Rennyo.
Of course, Rennyo (1415-1499) is considered the “second founder” of Jōdo Shinshū after Shinran Shonin (1173-1263).
Hachiya-sensei’s writings were inspired by his own spiritual experiences. He writes without any intellectual, doctrine-like smell, showing great empathy for the suffering of others. I feel fortunate to have repeatedly read all his works. They exude the essence of Rennyo’s life and teachings. He deeply respected this great teacher.
Hachiya-sensei wrote:
“There is no need to worry about anything, you who are weak, just keep thinking of me and move forward, move forward!” This is the voice of Namu Amida Butsu.
I thought about Hachiya-sensei on his 60th year memorial anniversary last December. Sensei truly nurtured my appreciation for Nenbutsu, “Namu Amida Butsu.” He was a student of Kiyozawa Manshi, a Shin priest at a Higashi Honganji temple in Osaka, and the father of my teacher.
He wrote:
Nembutsu is the strength to live in the present, and Faith (Shinjin) is the way to recover from the pain of life.
Chatani Yasusaburo once said to D.T. Suzuki: “Hachiya Yoshikiyo-sensei always talks about Rennyo Shonin. I’m moved every time I hear him.”
Suzuki replied, “That’s what’s great about Hachiya-sensei. He touches people with a sincerity that comes from his personal experience. Even if talks about spirituality are logical, they won’t resonate with people if they don’t arise from personal experience.”
Hachiya-sensei’s books are powerful. I recommend his book, The Art of Listening, translated into English from Japanese and published as an eBook by Shinshu Center of America.
Namuamidabutsu,
-Rev. Miki Nakura is minister of Jodo-Shinshu Shin-Buddhist New York Sangha