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Higashi Honganji USA

Jodo Shinshu Buddhism for everyone

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Category: Buddhist practice

Posted on March 13, 2023

Making a Commitment

By Gary Link

I was nervous. Passing the chanting test would be a big step towards becoming an ordained Higashi Honganji priest. This journey began more than 25 years ago. Continue reading “Making a Commitment”

Posted on February 21, 2023

Becoming ordained

By Gregory Thomas

Receiving ordination from Higashi Honganji was an important step, both for my personnel growth and to help me share the Dharma with people in France.

On a personal level, becoming ordained is an expression of my commitment to Jodo Shinshu and the teachings of Shinran Shonin. It pushes me to study and practice more than ever. It’s a natural outcome of my studies over the past ten years. Continue reading “Becoming ordained”

Posted on January 17, 2023January 21, 2023

Deathbed Rituals and Jodo Shinshu

Welcoming Descent of Amida Buddha (1668) (Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Japanese Buddhist rituals related to death, even today, are misconstrued and muddled in the minds of many and practiced for misunderstood reasons. Looking back at their history can clarify the confusion. Continue reading “Deathbed Rituals and Jodo Shinshu”

Posted on August 24, 2022

Introspection: Jodo Shinshu’s path

What exactly is Jodo Shinshu’s path to spiritual awakening? What are we supposed to do? The answer isn’t always clear.

Responses typically include “Just listen to the teachings” or “Accept Amida Buddha’s compassion.” Is that enough? Another makes sense: “Jodo Shinshu is about self-reflection and introspection.” Yet this last answer proved controversial.

Continue reading “Introspection: Jodo Shinshu’s path”

Posted on March 8, 2022March 8, 2022

Importance of Rituals and Ceremonies in Buddhism

By Rev. Ken Yamada

Many people feel religious rituals and ceremonies are silly and meaningless. After all, what’s the use of burning incense and chanting a bunch of words we don’t understand? But they’re important in helping to deepen our spirituality, especially in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Continue reading “Importance of Rituals and Ceremonies in Buddhism”

Posted on February 23, 2022February 24, 2022

Nenbutsu: Not a Name Alone

“Namu Amida Butsu” calligraphy (Berkeley Higashi Honganji temple)

By Rev. Ken Yamada

What does calling Amida Buddha’s name mean in Jodo Shinshu and how does it work? Traditionally, the answer relates to “faith,” leading many to blindly recite “Namu Amida Butsu,” hoping to go to “the Pure Land” upon death. Is this really Buddhism? Continue reading “Nenbutsu: Not a Name Alone”

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505 East Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Email: info@higashihonganjiusa.org

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About This Site

Higashi Honganji Buddhist temples follow a Buddhist tradition called Jodo Shinshu, or “True Essence of Pure Land Buddhism,” and is affiliated with the Shinshu Otani-ha denomination, based in Kyoto, Japan.

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Copyright

All articles can only be copied or repost when original link is referenced. Copyright by Higashi Honganji North America Mission

About This Site

Higashi Honganji Buddhist temples follow a Buddhist tradition called Jodo Shinshu, or “True Essence of Pure Land Buddhism,” and is affiliated with the Shinshu Otani-ha denomination, based in Kyoto, Japan.

Search

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