Jodo Shinshu Buddhism for everyone
By Rev. Ken Yamada
What does Jodo Shinshu say about social and political activism? An important question amid today’s social unrest.
Buddhists sometimes are criticized for being passive and uninvolved, too focused on their own personal enlightenment. But according to Rev. Junshō Tamamitsu, a Higashi Honganji teacher focused on activism, Jodo Shinshu urges us to look outward and face society’s problems. Continue reading “Protests, Patriotism, and Jodo Shinshu”
Now you can watch live this year’s Hōonkō services broadcast from Higashi Honganji’s mother temple in Kyoto, Japan. See below for the schedule of services and speakers honoring Shinran Shonin, founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, beginning November 20th for one week. Continue reading “Watch: Hoonko Service in Kyoto”
Overseas District Abbot Yul Otani gives his message for this year’s Hoonko, Shinran Shonin’s memorial. He was born and raised in Brazil and now lives in Kyoto, Japan.
By Gary Link
“To arrive” means coming from somewhere else. What happens between is a journey. In my case, it was a Buddhist journey. Continue reading “Arriving Here”
Book Review: Let This Be Known: Finding the Shin Buddhist Path by James Pollard
by Rev. Patti Nakai
This isn’t a book for “nightstand Buddhists” who avoid organized religion and challenges to their so-called spirituality. James Pollard’s Let This Be Known: Finding the Shin Buddhist Path helps readers gain a deep understanding of Shinran’s teachings. Continue reading “Not For Nightstand Buddhists”
By Rev. Frederick Brenion
A finger pointing to the moon is only of value
when the moon illuminates it.
A book pointing to your heart is only of value
when your mind opens and you read it.
As a former bookseller, librarian, life-long reader and now Jodo Shinshu minister, let me recommend a few of my favorite Buddhist books.
Many are available from bookstores and online booksellers; others are out-of-print, but found in local libraries. Many titles are now e-books. You might also find them in thrift stores and yard sales. A wealth of wisdom awaits. Continue reading “Books for a Buddhist Nightstand”