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American Buddhist Study CenterAn interview with Priya KumariHoshina Seki interviews Priya Kumari, author and publisher of children's books. In this interview, Priya talks about how she started writing children's books and then setting up her own publishing company Eternal Tree Books. Even though her books are for kids 3 to 8, she adds a workbook at the end for parents and teachers. Take a listen; I think you will enjoy it. 2023-02-2409 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterAn interview with Priya KumariHoshina Seki interviews Priya Kumari, author and publisher of children's books. Priya's books are all beautifully illustrated, heartwarming stories about Buddha and Indian culture. These books are meant to teach children the values of gratitude and compassion. Please take a listen, I think you will enjoy it.2023-02-2409 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 68 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma-Ages) 115-116Hi Dharma-friends!
Welcome back for the conclusion of our traversal of the Shōzōmatsu Wasan or Hymns of the Dharma-Ages. , These verses are among Shinran's last public thoughts and are particularly trenchant, even for such a fearless guy as Shinran. In these verses, Shinran looks directly into the mirror and identifies himself as a fellow foolish being of this last dharma-age, our dharma-age, the time when the teaching alone remains, but the self-power practices and realization have become extinct. Shinran, our great teacher, does not exempt himself from his understanding of Amida's Primal Vow to bring to th...2022-09-2905 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 67 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma-Ages) On Jinen HōniHi Dharma-friends,
This episode is a little different than others in the series because it is a prose passage inserted into the collection instead of verses. It is like a little Dharma talk or message from Shinran himself. It is known as "On Jinen Hōni" Jinen Hōni is often rendered into English as "naturalness." By way of introduction to this very basic Shin Buddhist concept of "naturalness," a definition by Rev. Mark Unno found online is very helpful: "The foolish being is always contriving or calculating to reach a goal dualistically, whether that goal is material...2022-09-2206 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 66 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma-Ages) 110-114Hi Dharma-friends,
In this episode we continue with 5 more verses of the Shōzōmatsu Wasan known as "Additional Hymns of Lament on the Term Hotoke." Hotoke commonly means "Buddha." According to the commentary found in The Collected Works of Shinran (CWS), "Probing into the origins of the term, Shinran traces it back to an early critic of Buddhism, Mononobe no Moriya (d. 587), who opposed its introduction into Japan. According to Shinran, Moriya applied the term, with the meaning "sick with fever," to a statue of Amida that was discovered in Naniwa Bay (present Osaka) and later enshr...2022-09-1708 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 65 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma-Ages) 105-109Hi Dharma-friends!
Today let's conclude the section entitled "Gutoku's Hymns of Lament and Reflection" by listening to the last five verses. These are poems of a very personal nature by Shinran, reflecting his awareness of himself as someone sharing the deepest weaknesses of his age. This is the Last Dharma-Age, and we are in the same boat. Shinran calls out high-ranking monks and dharma teachers of his time who are said to be so in-name-only. Showing no self reflection, they often give themselves over to worldliness and seek honors and status, all the while paying lip-service to the...2022-09-0909 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 64 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma-Ages) 99-104Hi Dharma-friends!
Today you can hear 6 more verses of "Gutoku's Hymns of Lament and Self-Reflection," part of the Shōzōmatsu Wasan. Shinran wrote these verses toward the end of his life, when he was around 85 years old. They are profound expressions of his own self-reflection. He also calls out the various deficiencies, as he sees them, of this own age. Particularly, he laments a superficial adoption of the Buddhist Teaching by both monks and laity. Significantly, he recognizes these same deficiencies in himself. The commentary on this section in The Collected Works of Shinran (CWS) explains: "Shinran...2022-09-0109 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 63 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma-Ages) 94-98Hi Dharma-friends!
Welcome back after a brief hiatus! This episode is the start of the next section of the Shōzōmatsu Wasan. It is called "Gutoku's Hymns of Lament and Reflection" in sixteen verses. This episode contains the first five of these. These sixteen verses as a whole are a particularly deep personal self-reflection by Shinran. Please recall that the Shōzōmatsu Wasan are the product of Shinran's final years, written when he was about 85 years old. The commentary in The Collected Works of Shinran (CWS) explains: "Shinran expresses his own awareness of himself as a person sh...2022-08-2508 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 62 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma-Ages) 88-93Hi Dharma-friends!
In this episode, we conclude the section of the Shōzōmatsu Wasan called "Hymns in Praise of Prince Shōtoku" with six more verses. As you know, Prince Shōtoku (574-622 CE) promoted Buddhism in Japan throughout his life and was greatly revered because of this. Shinran was personally very devoted to him. Shinran associates Prince Shōtoku with Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, and believed that he appeared in Japan providentially as the world was entering the last dharma-age. In the last dharma-age, as you already know, only the teachings remain. The various Bud...2022-08-0409 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 61 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma-Ages) 83-87Hi Dharma-friends!
In this episode, we begin the next section of the Shōzōmatsu Wasan called "Hymns in Praise of Prince Shōtoku" in eleven verses. This episode covers the first 5 Wasan in this section. Prince Shōtoku (574-622 CE) is fondly remembered in Japan as having established the imperial government on a firm footing and also for vigorously promoting Buddhism there in his lifetime. Shinran had a profound personal devotion to Prince Shōtoku. The commentary in the Collected Works of Shinran tells us, "Prince Shōtoku's importance in the Hymns of the Dharma-Ages stems from Shinr...2022-07-2907 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 60 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns on the Dharma-Ages) 76-82Hi Dharma-friends!
This episode contains the concluding 7 verses of the section "Hymns on the Offense of Doubting the Primal Vow" Throughout this section, Shinran has been encouraging us to entrust wholeheartedly, without any reservations at all, in the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha to bring all beings to awakening in his Pure Land. Clearly, Shinran is trying very hard to make an impression about having absolutely no doubts or reservations! But, as foolish beings, we always have such reservations when we try to achieve liberation using our own steam. Fortunately, knowing our foolishness, Amida's Light & Life grabs us a...2022-07-2208 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 59 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma-Ages) 68-75Hi Dharma-friends!
In this episode, let's continue with eight more verses in the section entitled "Hymns on the Offense of Doubting the Primal Vow." Shinran's purpose in this entire section is to encourage us to wholeheartedly entrust in Amida's Primal Vow to bring all beings, especially those of us living in this last Dharma-Age, to liberation in the Pure Land.
We will conclude this part next time. Until then, please be well, always saying -- following Shinran's advice -- Namo-Amida-Butsu.
Check out the home page of the American Buddhist Study Center ambuddhist.org fo...2022-07-1510 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 58 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma-Ages) 60-67Hi Dharma-friends!
In this episode, we begin the next section of the Shōzōmatsu Wasan entitled "Hymns on the Offense of Doubting the Primal Vow." There are 23 verses in this part, and today you can hear the first eight.
In this section, Shinran is focusing on "doubt," which is a key feature of his understanding. Shinran teaches that in this last Dharma-Age, only the teachings of the Buddha remain. Ordinary beings lack the capacity and conditions to put these teachings into practice by their own efforts. Amida Buddha, having great compassion for ordinary beings, est...2022-07-0810 min
American Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 57 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma-Ages) 56-59Hi Dharma-friends!
In this episode, we conclude the first part of the Shōzōmatsu Wasan, the collection known as "Hymns on the Right, Semblance, and Last Dharma-Ages." Shinran encourages us ordinary beings of this Last Dharma-Age to take refuge in Amida's Great Vow and say the Name and, thereby, attain liberation through Power-Beyond-Self. Shinran teaches that awakening or liberation through self-power practices is futile in this Last Dharma-Age in which we find ourselves. Note the last verse, No. 59, is the famous "Ondokusan" recited or sung by Shin Buddhists everywhere as an expression of deep gratitude for this...2022-06-2508 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 56 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma Ages) 51-55Hi Dharma-friends!
Today you can listen to five more verses by Shinran in the collection Pure Land Hymns of the Right, Semblance, and Last Dharma Ages. Shinran reinforces his understanding of Power-Beyond-Self as Amida's directing of virtue for going forth and return. How fortunate for us to hear this teaching! Amida, though great love of sentient beings, directs virtue for our going forth. We attain great compassion thereby which, Shinran explains, is Amida's directing of virtue for our return. We are told that Amida (Light and Life), Mahāsthāmaprāpta (Wisdom), and Avalokiteśvara (Compassion) sail together...2022-06-1808 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 55 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma Ages) 46-50Hi Dharma-friends!
In this episode, we read five more verses of the Pure Land Hymns on the Right, Semblance, and Last Dharma Ages. Shinran further explains his understanding of how only by completely relying (in Shinjin) on Amida's Vow to Liberate All can beings in this Last Dharma Age realize awakening. It is Amida's directing of virtue for going forth from the Pure Land and returning that makes this possible. How grateful we are!
Next time we'll continue with five more verses by Shinran Shonin. Until then, please be well! For more Dharma content, please visit...2022-06-1008 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 54 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma Ages) 41-45Hi Dharma-friends,
Welcome back to Weekly Wasan! Today, continue listening to the Shōzōmatsu Wasan or Hymns of the Dharma Ages with five more verses. Shinran reflects in this group on the present age - the Last Dharma Age - and its difficulties and challenges. Mired, as we are, in an endless and futile go-round of striving for Awakening through our own limited efforts, we find ourselves stuck. However, Shinran says that, when we receive the true cause of birth in the Pure Land from Śākyamuni and Amida, we will unfailingly attain Nirvana. All the Buddhas, countless...2022-06-0308 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 53 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma Ages) 36-40Hi Dharma-friends!
This episode's verses from the Pure Land Hymns on the Right, Semblance, and Last Dharma Ages are very powerful and are among my favorite expressions of the Dharma by Shinran Shonin. Shinran is telling us not to worry that our own limitations due to distractions and self-indulgence are too heavy for Liberation. The Light of Amida's Vow of Wisdom is like a great torch illuminating a dark place. That Light is boundless and reaches everywhere. Because saying the Name, Namo-Amida-Butsu, in Shinjin is Amida's own practice, it overcomes literally every obstacle. Through the working of the w...2022-05-2711 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 52 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma Ages) 31-35Hi Dharma-friends!
Today let's listen to five more verses in the collection "Pure Land Hymns on the Right, Semblance, and Last Dharma Ages." in today's group, Shinran explains how the Nembutsu teaching is a function of Wisdom. Our own aspiration for Awakening is in itself caused by the compassion of Śākyamuni and Amida for sentient beings. Amida entrusts his selected Primal Vow (the Nembutsu) to the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, Mahāsthāmaprāpta. It is Mahāsthāmaprāpta (Wisdom) who nurtures us on the Pure Land path. Shinran says that "...since Amida's Vow is wisdom, the emergence of...2022-05-2009 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 51 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma Ages) 26-30Hi Dharma-friends!
Today we hear 5 more verses from this collection by Shinran Shonin. A striking image in these verses is Shinran's comparison of those who now follow the Nembutsu path with Maitreya Bodhisattva. Maitreya Bodhisattva is the next fully enlightened Buddha after Śākyamuni who will appear in the world when causes and conditions are right to do so. Nembutsu followers, saying the Name of Amida Buddha through Shinjin, realize the same Awakening or Enlightenment as Maitreya when this present life has run its course through the power of the Vow. Amazing stuff!!
Until next time, please...2022-05-1308 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 50 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma Ages) 21-25Hi Dharma-friends!
This is our fiftieth episode! Today let's listen to five more wasan verses in the section entitled "Pure Land Hymns on the Right, Semblance and Last Dharma Ages." Shinran really gets into the nitty-gritty of his understanding of the Buddha's teaching for our times. Amida Tathagata has directed his Primal Vow universally towards sentient beings. When ordinary people of this Last Dharma Age entrust themselves to this Vow and abandon their limited self-powered efforts to achieve merit, they are merged into Amida's universal merits and thereby attain the stage equal to perfect enlightenment. Shinran says they...2022-05-0611 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 49 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma Ages) 16-20Hi Dharma-friends!
In this episode of the Shōzōmatsu Wasan, we hear 5 more verses. Shinran, in the earlier verses, having described in somewhat bleak terms the difficulties of the situation in which we find ourselves in this latter Dharma Age, now turns to the way open to us: entrust ourselves to the Vow of Amida Buddha (Unmeasured Light and Life) to liberate all beings through the Nembutsu, become reborn into Amida's Pure Land, and thereby enter into Awakening ourselves with others through the Buddha's great compassion. Shinran, in the remaining verses in this part called "Hymns on t...2022-04-3010 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 48 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma Ages) 11-15Hi Dharma-friends!
In this episode, we continue the section "Pure Land Hymns on the Right, Semblance and Last Dharma Ages." Shinran is really making the case that he finds himself (and, therefore, we also find ourselves) in the Last Dharma Age - a very difficult time to find Awakening for ordinary beings such as us. Shinran is impressing upon us the need to entrust ourselves to the Primal Vow and say the Name, Namo-Amida-Butsu. That is the one guaranteed way to enlightenment. As Shinran says "...The Buddha's path alone is pure. / Only by going forth and reaching enl...2022-04-2110 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 47 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma Ages) 6-10wasanssss2022-04-1611 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 46 - Shōzōmatsu Wasan (Hymns of the Dharma-Ages) Introduction & 1-5Hi Dharma-friends!
In this episode, you can listen to the opening verses of the Shōzōmatsu Wasan collection. These poems are from the end of Shinran's life when he was around 85 years old. There are 116 verses in the collection. The core of the book consists of 56 wasan on the Dharma-Ages, "Pure Land Hymns on the Right, Semblance, and Last Dharma Ages." Shinran taught from the perspective that he was living at the beginning of the Last Dharma-Age, when only the teaching of Śākyamuni survived. Needless to say that this is the age in which we find ourselve...2022-04-0210 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 45 - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) Hōnen 113-117 & Concluding Verses 118-119asanHi Dharma friends,
This episode concludes Shinran's verses on his own teacher, Master Genkū (Hōnen) of Japan, the seventh master in Shinran's Jōdo Shinshū lineage. In these verses, Shinran reverently recognizes Hōnen as a manifestation of Amida Buddha and describes his passing in terms familiar from the entry of Śākyamuni Buddha into Nirvana. Shinran concludes the Kōsō Wasan collection with two concluding verses. In the first, the teachings of all seven masters are summarized and restated: When sentient beings of this world of five defilements (that is: all of us) entrust themselves to the selected...2022-03-1911 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 44 - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) Hōnen 108-112Hi Dharma friends!
Today's episode contains five more Wasan verses by Shinran Shonin on Master Genkū (Hōnen), who lived in Japan 1133-1212 CE. Hōnen was Shinran's personal teacher, and in these verses, he reiterates how Hōnen is the embodiment of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas teaching the Pure Land Way (that is the Way of Nembutsu). Having received this wonderful and guaranteed teaching from such a great master himself, our teacher Shinran is saying that we too should follow the same way with confidence.
Next time we will conclude the Kōsō Wasan with the rema...2022-03-1207 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 43 - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) Hōnen 103-107Hi Dharma-friends,
We continue with five more Wasan verses by Shinran Shonin on his own teacher Master Hōnen, also known as Master Genkū. Hōnen lived 1133-1212 CE in Japan and was Shinran's personal teacher. Shinran's devotion to Hōnen was profound, even to seeing him as manifestations of Mahāsthāmaprāpta, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, and Amida Buddha himself. Shinran wishes us to understand the profound import of Hōnen's teaching and to say Nembutsu ourselves with complete confidence.
Next time we will cover five more of Shinran's Wasan verses on Master Hōnen. Unt...2022-03-0508 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 42 - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) Genkū (Hōnen) 98-102Hi Dharma-friends!
In this episode, we begin the section of the Kōsō Wasan on Master Genkū, also known as Master Hōnen. Hōnen (1133-1212 CE) is the seventh master in Shinran's Jōdo Shinshū lineage. Hōnen was Shinran's personal teacher, and Shinran -- although a great master himself and the founder of Jōdo Shinshū -- never regarded himself as anything other than a true disciple of Hōnen. Master Hōnen was a very distinguished Tendai monk and was famed as a master of the entire Buddhist canon of scriptures. While studying the Pure Land Sutras...2022-02-2609 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 41 - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) Genshin 93-97Hi Dharma-friends!
In this episode, we conclude the section of the Kōsō Wasan on Master Genshin, who lived in Japan 942-1017 CE. He is the sixth master in Shinran Shonin's designated Jōdo Shinshū lineage. Master Genshin greatly popularized the Nembutsu teaching in the Japan of his day, and Shinran greatly admired him. He is known as the master who distinguished the "fulfilled" and "transformed" lands, always encouraging us to rely on saying Amida's Name of the Primal Vow and thereby ensuring our own births in the fulfilled Pure Land without fail.
Next time, we'll b...2022-02-1909 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 40 - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) - Genshin 88-92Hi Dharma-friends!
Today we begin Shinran Shonin's Wasan verses on the Sixth Master in the Jōdo Shinshū lineage: Master Genshin. Shinran moves from China to Japan with Genshin. Genshin lived from 942-1017 CE and was a Tendai monk on Mt. Hiei (as were Shinran's own teacher Master Hōnen and Shinran himself for a long time). Genshin was really huge in making the Pure Land teaching popular in the Japan of his own day. Shinran greatly admired Genshin's virtue and broad learning. He regarded Genshin as a Buddha who, having returned to Japan in this latter age, tau...2022-02-1210 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 39 - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) Shan-tao 82-87Hi Dharma friends!
In this episode, we conclude our traversal of Shinran Shonin's Wasan verses on Master Shan-tao of China (613-681 CE). Shan-tao was so important to Shinran's understanding of the Buddha Dharma. In this group Shinran again affirms that true-entrusting or awakening, which he calls "Shinjin," arises from the spontaneous working of Amida's Primal Vow through Nembutsu. After reflecting on the various obstacles this teaching has encountered, Shan-tao and Shinran urge us to persevere and gratefully receive the Pure Land Way - according to Śākyamuni Buddha, the only authentic way to Awakening for ordinary people of the l...2022-02-0410 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 38 - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) Shan-tao 77-81Hi Dharma-friends,
In this episode, you can listen to 5 more of Shinran's Wasan verses on Master Shan-tao of China (613-681 C.E.) Building on what he said previously, Shinran further describes the qualities of diamond-like (or doubt-free) Shinjin or true entrusting -- how it alone fulfills Śākyamuni Buddha's intent as well as the teaching of the other Buddhas for ordinary people in our present circumstances. We are taught to remember that this diamond-hard confidence is not our own doing but is part of Amida Buddha's aspect of benefitting others. We are grasped and never abandoned in the Nembu...2022-01-2809 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 37 - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) Shan-tao 72-76Welcome back, Dharma friends!
In the episode, you can listen to the next group of 5 Wasan verses based on the writings of Master Shan-tao (613-681 CE). This group contains some wonderful images by Shinran conveying his understanding of the Buddha Dharma through Shan-tao's thought. One is "diamond-like Shinjin," or leaving our own blind passions and relying exclusively on the power of the Primal Vow. Another powerful image is that of Śākyamuni and Amida as our own father and mother, guiding us by any means it takes to obtain that diamond-like assurance which will bring us to Awakening witho...2022-01-2109 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 36 - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) Shan-tao 67-71Hi Dharma friends!
Today we cover 5 more of Shinran Shonin's Wasan verses on Master Shan-tao (Zendo in Japanese). Shan-tao (613-681 CE) lived in China and is the Fifth of the Seven Masters, making up the Jōdo Shinshū lineage. We learned in the last episode that one of the most basic contributions of Shan-tao to Shinran's thought is how simply saying or vocalizing the Name of Amida Buddha is the only essential practice for Awakening or Enlightenment. In today's group of verses, Shan-tao teaches that we should focus exclusively on the Pure Land Way. The fundamental intent un...2022-01-1511 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 35 - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) Shan-tao 62-66Hi Dharma friends!
Welcome back to the Weekly Wasan podcast. Today we begin Shinran's Wasan verses on Master Shan-tao, who lived in China 613-681 CE. Master Shan-tao (Zendo, jp.), the Fifth Master in the Jōdo Shinshū lineage, was a direct disciple of Master Tao-ch'o the Fourth Master. His influence on Hōnen (Shinran's teacher) and thereby on Shinran himself is really huge. There are many points where Master Shan-tao clarifies and expands on the teachings of the prior Pure Land Masters. The most important one is how simply saying (or vocalizing) the Name of the Buddha is suffi...2022-01-0710 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 34 - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) Tao-ch'o 55-61Hi Dharma friends!
This episode contains all 7 of Shinran's Wasan verses on Master Tao-ch'o, who lived in China 562-645 CE. Master Tao-ch'o is the fourth in Shinran's lineage of Seven Masters. Tao-ch'o, employing T'an-luan's distinction between self-power and other-power, divides the whole of Buddhist teachings between the "Path of the Sages" or the Sacred Path and the Pure Land Path. The Sacred Path leads to attainment by one's own efforts and the Pure Land Path through the Other Power of Amida Buddha. Tao-ch'o teaches that no one in this Dark Age of the Declining Dharma ("Mappo') can atta...2021-12-1111 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 33 - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) T'an-luan 50-54Hi Dharma-friends!
With this episode, we conclude our traversal of Shinran's 34 Wasan verses on Master T'an-luan, who lived in China 476-562 CE. Master T'an-luan is the great teacher of Other Power or Power Beyond Self, which is a core feature of Shinran's understanding of Buddhism. In today's verses, T'an-luan explains that whether one's practice is fully in accord with reality is determined by Shinjin (entrusting or awakening). The shinjin of Self-Power is shown to be lacking, while the shinjin of Other-Power is in accordance with ultimate reality. Other-Power or Power Beyond Self quickly leads to the enlightenment of Ni...2021-12-0408 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 32 - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) T'an-luan 45-49Hi Dharma friends!
Today's episode covers 5 more verses written by Shinran Shonin based on the writings of Master T'an-luan, who lived in China (476-542 CE). As you know already, Shinran relies on Master T'an-luan for the teachings on Other Power. In today's Wasan verses, we learn that only the Shinjin of Other Power is sufficient for birth in the Pure Land. Shinjin is often understood as "true entrusting" or "awakening." T'an-luan explains why Shinjin based on Self Power is not adequate for birth in the Buddha-land of happiness -- thereby implying which qualities the Shinjin of Other Pow...2021-11-2609 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 31 - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) T'an-luan 39-44Hi Dharma friends,
We're continuing with Shinran Shonin's verses on Master T'an-luan of China (476-542 CE). Today we encounter the marvelous image of ice and water - how the ice of our blind passions melts into the water of virtues through the power of Amida's Vow and ultimately flows into the great ocean of Enlightenment. This analogy was beloved by Shinran and subsequent Shin Buddhist masters and teachers ever since. Enjoy these Wasan verses, and please tell your friends about the podcast.
Palms together, Gary2021-11-2010 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 30 - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) T'an-luan 33-38Hi Dharma friends! In this episode, Shinran delves into the nitty-gritty of Master T'an-luan's teaching. We hear about the important concept of Amida's "directing of virtue," which we are told has two aspects: that of going forth and that of return. T'an-luan is the master upon whom Shinran relies for his understanding of Other Power or Power Beyond Self, a key part of his understanding of Buddhism. Next time we'll continue with six more verses in this collection.
If you are enjoying the podcast and the Wasan readings, please tell your friends to check it out as well...2021-11-1310 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 29 - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) T'an-luan 27-32Hi Dharma friends,
Welcome back to our reading of Shinran Shonin's verses on Master T'an-luan, the third master in the Jōdo Shinshū lineage. T'an-luan, who lived 476-542 CE in China, is the one who best explained the teaching of Other Power, a key concept in Shinran's understanding of Buddhism. While today's verses lean more toward the biographical end of the spectrum in this collection, there are tantalizing intimations of the powerful teachings that follow. Please enjoy them!
If you like hearing the regular Wasan verses, please encourage your friends to listen also. Check out the ho...2021-11-0510 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 28 - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) T'an-luan 21-26Hi Dharma friends! Today we begin the series of Wasan verses written by Shinran Shonin on Master T'an-luan, who lived in China 476-542 CE. Shinran wrote 34 verses based on T'an-luan's writings, regarding him as the clarifier and teacher of Other Power, a very important part of the Jōdo Shinshū understanding of Buddhism. Other Power has been sometimes misunderstood or criticized by those unfamiliar with it as being "non-dualistic." However, for Shinran, that was not the case at all. T'an-luan is the Master who takes the lid off the box of Other Power, as it were, and shows us what it...2021-10-2909 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) - Vasubandhu 16-20Hi Dharma Friends,
This week we cover the five remaining Wasan verses by Shinran on Bodhisattva Vasubandhu. The teachings of Bodhisattva Vasubandhu on "the mind that is single" is central to Shinran's understanding of Buddhism. That is why Shinran regarded Vasubandhu as the second of the seven masters in the Jōdo Shinshū lineage. The Wasans in this episode are among my personal favorites. See what you think! Next time we will start the next section, which is on Master T'an-luan, 34 gathas or hymns based on his writings.
If you "follow" or "subscribe" to this podcas...2021-10-2308 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 26 - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) Vasubandhu 11-15Hi Dharma Friends!
Welcome back to our traversal of the Kōsō Wasan by Shinran Shonin. Today's verses are based on the writings of Bodhisattva Vasubandhu, who lived in India from around 320-400 C.E. Shinran particularly wishes us to pay attention to Vasubandhu's understanding of "the mind that is single," the mind that focuses completely on the path to awakening, which is Nembutsu Path. This episode covers the first five of Shinran's verses on Vasubandhu. Next time, we'll hear the second five. Please be well, always saying Namo-Amida-Butsu!
With palms together, Gary2021-10-1508 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 25 - Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) Nāgārjuna 6-10Hi Dharma Friends!
Today, please listen to the second group of Master Shinran's verses based on the writings of Bodhisattva Nāgārjuna. Nāgārjuna taught that there were two paths to reach Enlightenment: the Difficult Path (the Great Path of the Sages or the way of Self-Power, for deeply accomplished people) and the Easy Path (the Nembutsu Path or the way of Other-Power, for ordinary people such as ourselves). Shinran encourages us to listen to Nāgārjuna and follow the Easy Path, always saying the Name of Amida Buddha. Next time, we'll continue with the first...2021-10-0808 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 24 Kōsō Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land Masters) Intro. & Nāgārjuna 1-5Hi Dharma friends!
With this episode we begin a new collection of Wasan by Shinran Shōnin, The Kōsō Wasan or Gathas of the Pure Land Masters. The Seven Masters comprise the lineage of Jōdo Shinshū from Śákyamuni Buddha to today, as transmitted to us through the teaching of Shinran. The Seven Masters are: 1. Nāgārjuna (c. 150-250) 2. Vasubandhu (c. 320-400) 3. T’an-luan (476-542) 4. Tao-ch’o (562-645) 5. Shan-tao (613-681) 6. Genshin (942-1017) 7. Genkū (Hōnen 1133-1212).
Each wasan verse is about a point on the Master that Shinran considered important for us to know and unders...2021-10-0110 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterInterview with Professor Aaron ProffittIn this episode, learn about how a Southern Tennessean ended up teaching East Asian Studies at the University of Albany. Professor Aaron Profit talks about his love of Buddhism that took him out of the back hills of Tennesse to the University of Colorado and then on to Japan. 2021-09-2417 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 23 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 115-118Hi Dharma friends!
With this episode, we conclude our journey listening to the Jōdo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) of Shinran Shonin. In this section, Shinran venerates Mahāsthāmaprāpta, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, who Shinran especially associates with his own teacher, Master Hōnen. Just as he received his own profound understanding of Nembutsu through Master Hōnen, Shinran now passes it along to us. How truly grateful we are! It has been a joy reading this collection of Wasan verses with you. I hope we will be able to hear other collections of Shinran...2021-08-1306 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 22 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 111-114Hi Dharma friends!
Let's start the final section of the Jōdo Wasan, "Hymns To Mahāsthāmaprāpta, Based of the Sutra of the Samadhi of Heroic Advance" Mahāsthāmaprāpta is the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. Shinran Shonin identified his own teacher, Master Hōnen (who he also calls Master Genkū), with this bodhisattva in particular. It might be helpful to keep this in mind as you listen to the verses.
Thanks for listening! Next time we'll finish up the Jōdo Wasan. You can also hear the latest episode on the phone at 607-350-AB...2021-08-0606 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 21 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 106-110Hi Dharma Friends!
Thanks for listening to Weekly Wasan. Today we conclude the section "Hymns on Benefits in the Present." Next time we'll begin the final section of the Jodo Wasan, which is called "Hymns To Mahasthamaprapta: Based on the Sutra of the Samadhi of Heroic Advance," which consists of eight gathas. It's been quite a journey. Please tell your friends about the podcast and kindly "follow or subscribe" via your podcast provider app. You can also hear the latest verses by phone at 607-350-ABSC (607-350-2272). Check out the American Buddhist Study Center home page ambudd...2021-07-3006 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 20 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 101-105Hi Dharma Friends,
Welcome to the 20th Episode of the Jodo Wasan of Shinran Shonin! We're in the section called "Hymns on Benefits in the Present." This week, enjoy listening to the middle five Wasan verses in this section. Next week, we will conclude the section with the remaining five. Please tell all your friends who might be interested in the podcast and help share the Dharma. As you know, the latest episode can also be heard on the phone by calling 607-350-ABSC (607-350-2272). Check out the American Buddhist Study Center's webpage for more cool Dhar...2021-07-2206 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 19 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 96-100Welcome back, Dharma-friends!
Today we begin a new section of Shinran's Jodo Wasan, "Hymns on Benefits in the Present." This section consists of 15 Gathas or hymns, and we will split them up into 3 groups of five Wasans. If you enjoy these Wasan readings, please tell your friends and check out the American Buddhist Study Center webpage ambuddhist.org for more good content. Also, if you know someone who has difficulty using the internet, please let them know that the latest episode can be heard over the phone at 607-350-ABSC (607-350-2272).
Palms together, Gary2021-07-1607 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 18 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 91-95Hi Dharma friends! In this episode, we conclude the section "Hymns in Praise of Amida Based on Various Sutras." Next time, I'll start the next group of the Jodo Wasan, "Hymns on Benefits in the Present," consisting of Fifteen Gathas or Hymns. The current episode is also available on the phone by dialing 607-350-ABSC (607-350-2272). Check out the ABSC website ambuddhist.org for more cool programs and links!
Namo-Amida-Butsu
With gratitude, Gary2021-07-0108 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 17 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 87-90Hi Dharma friends! Let's begin the next section of the Jodo Wasan, 'Hymns to Amida Based on Various Sutras (Nine Hymns). I am using the text found in The Collected Works of Shinran Kyoto: Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha (Shin Buddhism Translation Series), 1997. I hope you are enjoying the verses and, if so, please tell your friends about the podcast! The latest episode can also be heard over the phone by dialing 607-350-ABSC (607-350-2272). In addition to the Wasan, there are other nice things to hear there as well. Check the American Buddhist Study Center's webpage ambuddhist.org for lots o...2021-06-2507 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 16 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 82-86Hey Dharma friends! Welcome to this episode of Weekly Wasan, which contains Five Hymns or Gathas on the Amida Sutra. The Amida Sutra (also known as the Smaller Sutra or the Amida Kyo) is the third of the 3 Sutras on which the Pure Land school is based. Next week, we will continue our traversal of the Jodo Wasan by starting Shinran's next section, "Hymns to Amida Based on Various Sutras." I hope you'll be back for those. Until then, please be well! Namo-Amida-Butsu. With palms together, Gary2021-06-1808 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 15 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 78-81Hi Dharma Friends! With this episode, we conclude the section "On the Contemplation Sutra." These have been quite the tongue twisters - thanks for putting up with my reading. You may wish to read or re-read the entire Sutra because it is a great story and the spiritual insights Shinran conveys using it are immense. One good translation is that of Hisao Inagaki and Harold Stewart in The Three Pure Land Sutras, published by the Numata Center for Buddhist Translation & Research in their BDK English Tripitaka Series. There are others out there as well. If you are looking for the ea...2021-06-1207 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 14 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 73-77Hi Dharma friends! In today's episode, we begin the next part of the Jodo Wasan, consisting of nine Gathas or Hymns on The Contemplation Sutra. We cover the first 5 in this episode and will finish them up next time. This might be a great time to read or re-read The Sutra of Contemplation on Amida Buddha. Shinran's verses guide us to appreciate the essence of the story of King Bimbisara, Queen Vaidehi, King Ajatasaru, etc., and what it should mean for us in our own lives.
Please consider subscribing or following the podcast on your device and gett...2021-06-0409 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 13 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 67-72Hi Dharma Friends! With this episode, we conclude the reading of the Jodo Wasan section, "On the Larger Sutra." Next time we will start another group, "On the Contemplation Sutra." I really hope you have been enjoying these readings.
Remember that when questions about Shinran's thoughts arise upon hearing some of these verses, those are golden opportunities to ask about them to your ministers, other reliable teachers, or knowledgeable Sangha friends. In this way, your own understanding can deepen, and the Dharma will spread. This is the true purpose of the writings of Shinran Shonin. We are "fello...2021-05-2810 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 12 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 61-66Hi Dharma friends,
Welcome back to Weekly Wasan! This week we continue with the Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land), On the Larger Sutra. If you are enjoying these readings, please select "follow" or "subscribe" on your Podcast Provider app, and you will get a notification on your device as soon as a new episode is uploaded. You can also listen to the current episode over the phone at 607-350-ABSC (607-350-2272). Check out the American Buddhist Study Center website https://americanbuddhist.org for even more good stuff. Palms together, Gary2021-05-2210 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 11 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 55-60Hi Dharma Friends!
In this episode, you can listen to the next 6 Wasan verses from the Section "On The Larger Sutra." I hope you are enjoying the readings each week. If you like this series, consider "following" it via your podcast provider. Your phone or device will get a notification every time a new episode is uploaded, and you can listen at a time convenient for you.
You can also listen to the current episode of the podcast on the phone, 607-350-ABSC (607-350-2272). There are other readings from the American Buddhist Study Center t...2021-05-1510 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 10 Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 51-54Welcome back, Dharma Friends! Today we begin the next part of the Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land). In prior episodes, we heard 50 Hymns on Gathas in Praise of Amida Buddha. In today's installment, we hear the first 4 Hymns On the Larger Sutra. Master Shinran wrote 22 Wasan Hymns in this group. I hope you enjoy them. Please tell your friends about the Weekly Wasan series, and please remember that the latest episode can also be heard on the phone by dialing 607-350-ABSC (607-350-2272). Peace to you all! Namo-Amida-Butsu.
With palms together, Gary2021-05-0809 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 9 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 45-50-Hi Everyone! Hope you all enjoy Episode 9, Hymns of the Pure Land, Numbers 45-50. This concludes the first section of Shinran's Jodo Wasan. There are 118 Hymns in the collection. Next week, we'll begin the next section, "On the Larger Sutra, Twenty-Two Hymns." Hope you will listen and please tell your friends if you are enjoying the podcast. You can also hear the latest episode over the phone by calling 607-350-ABSC (607-350-2272). Please be well. Namo-Amida-Butsu.2021-05-0110 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 8 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 39-44Welcome back for today's Wasan verses! We are using the translation found in the Collected Works of Shinran, published in Kyoto by Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, Shin Buddhism Translation Series. There are other great translations out there. Why not find one and read it as a comparison? Each translation has different nuances. If you can read in the original Japanese and have access to that text, even better! The latest episode of this podcast can also be heard by phone: 607-350-ABSC (607-350-2272). Tell your friends who may have difficulties using the internet to call. Until next time, be well. ...2021-04-2409 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 7 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 33-38Hi Dharma friends! Please enjoy six more verses of the Jodo Wasan. You can also listen to the latest episode on the phone by dialing 607-350-ABSC (607-350-2272). Tell all your friends! Wishing you peace of mind and heart, Gary2021-04-1709 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 6 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 27-32Dear Dharma Friends, Hope you are enjoying our podcast of Shinran Shonin's Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land)! There are 110 verses in this collection and we are reading them six at a time. You can also hear the most recent episode on our phone line: 607-350-ABSC (607-350-2272). Tell your friends!! Palms together, Gary2021-04-0908 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 5 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 21-26Hope you are enjoying the Weekly Wasan! Those without internet facilities can also listen to the latest episode on ABSC's phone number: 607-350-ABSC (607-350-2272).2021-04-0310 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterAn interview with Rev. Miki NakuraIn this episode, I interview Rev. Miki Nakura, a Jodo Shinshu minister in New York City. Rev. Nakura holds monthly Seiza (silent sitting) meditations for the Study Center over Zoom. Later this year (hopefully) he will once again have in-person meditation at our Study Center.
I think you will enjoy this podcast with Rev. Miki Nakura. He openly talks about his path to becoming a Shin minister.
2021-03-2827 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 4 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 15-20You can also listen to the latest episode on our phone number: 607-350-ABSC (607-350-2272), ideal for friends and relatives with sight impairment issues! Listen every week to six more Wasan by Shinran Shonin. We are using the translation in The Collected Works of Shinran published by Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, Kyoto. 2021-03-2709 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 3 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 9-14We continue our reading of the Jodo Wasan, Hymns of the Pure Land, by Shinran Shonin. This episode contains Numbers 9-14. You can also listen to the current episode over the phone at 607-350-ABSC (607-350-2272). Ideal for the sight impaired! Tell your friends.2021-03-2010 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterAn interview with Karl PalmaIn this episode, I'm talking to Karl Palma the building manager and caretaker of the New York Buddhist Church, where the ABSC is located in. Karl has a passion for Buddhism and Japanese culture. Karl talks about how a Filipino ended up working for a Buddhist Church for the past ten years. During that time he learned Japanese cooking and opened his own Japanese street food business. 2021-03-1847 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Episode 2 - Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 3-8Welcome to Weekly Wasan! We're reading Shinran's Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) in little groups. Episode 2 contains Jodo Wasan 3-8. You can also listen to the current episode over the phone at 607-350-ABSC (607-350-2272), which might be easier for some people. Tell your friends!2021-03-1409 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWeekly Wasan - Introduction & Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land) 1-2Welcome to Weekly Wasan! In today's episode, you can listen to a brief introduction to our podcast of Shinran Shonin's Wasan. Wasan are short poems (also translated as Gathas or Hymns) in collections. Shinran wrote them in the vernacular and, while they of course repay detailed study, they also make a very beautiful listening experience on their own. Today, listen to the Jodo Wasan (Hymns of the Pure Land), Gathas 1 & 2. We'll be back each week with 6 more Gathas until the collection is completed.2021-02-2709 minAmerican Buddhist Study CenterIlluminating Reflections a Fine Art ABSC FundraiserA Fine Art Virtual Auction in support of the American Buddhist Study Center, will be open for bidding at 10 a.m. EST on Monday, Nov. 30, and will close at 8 p.m. EST on Sunday, Dec. 6. You may view the auction items now at the ABSC Fine Art Gallery on our website www.ambuddhist.org. The artist, Ken Horii, sees his work as a confluence of contemporary art practice and Buddhist philosophy and is presenting 25 pieces for auction, ten works on paper, and 15 sculptures. A portion of each art purchase will go directly to support the ABSC and our mission.2020-11-2911 min
American Buddhist Study CenterAmerican Buddhist Study CenterWelcome to the American Buddhist Study Center's first podcast show. Our mission is to introduce Buddhism Values and Japanese culture.
Interview with Rajnesh Avtar.2020-09-0806 min