Jodo Shinshu Buddhism for everyone
By Rev. Ken Yamada A century ago, Jodo Shinshu began transforming its image from beliefs in superstition and the supernatural towards teachings addressing modern day problems, bolstered by efforts of a new academic journal called The Eastern Buddhist. Today, the journal remains an active voice in English, clarifying Shinshu teachings, along with various other Buddhist …
Continue reading “The Eastern Buddhist: A Century of Shinshu Studies”
Innovative Jodo Shinshu Buddhist thinkers of the modern era typically begin with Manshi Kiyozawa, but another name sometimes tops the list.
His life could come from today’s headlines—controversial, charismatic and polarizing, with a life filled with tabloid worthy scandals. Rev. Haya Akegarasu (1877-1954) became a renowned Buddhist whose teachings were strongly influenced by Manshi Kiyozawa, whose own experiential approach modernized Jodo Shinshu. Akegarasu eventually held the top administrative post in the Higashi Honganji denomination.
I first noticed what the Muslim prayer hall and our Buddhist temple had in common: no sign.
By Rev. Patti Nakai In the face of the suffering of others, whether in large groups of people or as individuals, how do we as Shin Buddhists respond? Describing relief efforts in eastern Japan devastated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Otani University president Prof. Yasushi Kigoshi gave two poignant presentations related to his personal …
By Rev. Patti Nakai In the face of the suffering of others, whether in large groups of people or as individuals, how do we as Shin Buddhists respond? Describing relief efforts in eastern Japan devastated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Otani University president Prof. Yasushi Kigoshi gave two poignant presentations related to his personal …