Jodo Shinshu Buddhism for everyone
What does Jodo Shinshu Buddhism say we should do about today’s social problems, world conflict, economic uncertainty, and political instability? According to modern Buddhist thinker Kiyozawa Manshi, first think of “spirituality.” Continue reading “Kiyozawa’s Radical View of Ethics and Morality”
By Rev. Noriaki Fujimori
In life, we often encounter many obstacles and unpleasant situations. In a moment of self-pity, you might wonder, “Why must I face this problem, while other people’s lives seem so smooth?” Continue reading “Tackling Life’s Obstacles”
By Rev. Ken Yamada
When visiting Japan last Spring for the 800th Anniversary of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism’s founding and Shinran Shonin’s 850th Birthday, our tour group traveled to an historic site on the Japan Sea coast made famous by Rennyo Shonin.
Considered the “Second Founder of Jodo Shinshu,” Rennyo revitalized the Honganji temple and sangha, attracting legions of followers. In Yoshizaki (present-day Fukui Prefecture), he built a temple atop a hill that quickly became a lively and important religious and social hub of activity.
A large part of Rennyo’s appeal was his focus on women. Not only did they face discrimination in male dominated society, women also faced a kind of spiritual discrimination. Viewed as weak and vulnerable, ancient Buddhist teachings spoke of the near impossibility of their religious salvation. Continue reading “Legend of the Devil Mask”
Lives built on false pretenses and erroneous views are destined to fall, like sand castles standing before ocean tides.
Manshi Kiyozawa knew such truth, his life ravaged by disease, job loss, the death of loved ones, and gnawing poverty. Yet, spiritually he stood strong. He wrote: “The most important thing is that we should find firm ground for our spirit to strike root in. We can build houses only on firm ground. Our spirit cannot stand firm if it has no foundation.” Continue reading “Kiyozawa: Stand on Solid Ground!”
By Rev. Ken Yamada
Banished from the capital, Shinran Shonin was sent faraway to Echigo province in 13th Century Japan. In April, we journeyed there—present-day Niigata prefecture—where he lived in exile, deepening his understanding of human existence. Continue reading “Shinran Tour: Life in Exile (Part II)”
By Rev. Ken Yamada
This year marks the 850th Birthday of Shinran Shonin and the 800th Anniversary of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism’s founding. In April, a group of us from the North America District traveled to Japan to attend the commemoration at Higashi Honganji’s main temple. Continue reading “Shinran 850th Birthday Tour (Part I)”