While there are many excellent and helpful publications listed in the “Books” section of Shin Dharma Net (see index at right), unfortunately, Shin literature isn’t easy to come by in general bookstores. Still, there are two consistently dependable sources: Buddhist … Continue reading
In the U.S., our annual fourth of July celebration will soon be here. For the occasion, my good friend, Rev. Richard Tennes, minister at the Honpa Hongwanji Betsuin temple in Honolulu, has written an illuminating essay that breathes the spirit … Continue reading
The Bon season is upon us. For readers not familiar with this, Bon commemorates the deaths of our ancestors, traditionally, as far back as seven generations. The traditional Buddhist story authorizing the commemoration relates how the monk Mogallana, a disciple … Continue reading
Occasionally, I receive inquiries concerning some contemporary Shin teachers who advocate a literal interpretation of the Sutras and claim that people who view Amida Buddha as a symbol lack true faith. If it were just a matter of interpretation of … Continue reading
To my knowledge, there is no discrimination against homosexuals or repudiation of homosexuality in Shin Buddhism, or in fact other sexual practices. The Hawaii Shin sect recently made a public statement accepting Civil Union, which has been proposed in the … Continue reading
The question of rejecting old beliefs when one becomes a follower of Shinran is an important issue. It should be noted that while Shinran didn’t specifically require people to abandon former beliefs, there was an implicit rejection of superstitious beliefs … Continue reading
To start the blog dialogue, here’s a point that seemed particularly interesting to explore. Reader’s comment: “I was talking to a friend about Shin Buddhism, the nature of Amida, the Vow, and Nembutsu. He said that the Dharma, the teaching, … Continue reading
I’m glad you’ve found your way to this blog. I hope this entry will be of interest and spark your comment. Now and then I receive inquiries concerning Shin Buddhism. A major problem is that we are very thinly spread … Continue reading