River of fire, river of water : an introduction to the Pure Land tradition of Shin Buddhism

by Taitetsu Unno

Paperback, 1998

Publication

Imprint: New York : Doubleday, 1998. Responsibility: Taitetsu Unno. Physical: Text : 1 volume : xxvii, 244 pages : illustrations ; 21 cm. Features: Includes glossary, index.

Call number

Commentary / Unno

Barcode

BK-04661

ISBN

0385485115 / 9780385485111

CSS Library Notes

Sects/Lineage: Shin : Pure Land .

Description: The Pure Land tradition dates back to the sixth century c.e., when Buddhism was first introduced in Japan. Unlike Zen, its counterpart which flourished in remote monasteries, the Pure Land tradition was the form of Buddhism practiced by common people. Consequently, its practice is harmonious with the workings of daily life, making it easily adaptable for seekers today. Despite the difference in method, though, the goal of Pure Land is the same as other schools -- the awakening of the true self. --from back cover

Table of Contents: The historical ligacy --
The color gold --
The spirit of the valley --
Home composting --
Primal vow --
Nembutsu: The name-that-calls --
Other power --
Self-power --
The quest --
Unhindered light --
Faith as true entrusting --
Awakening --
Transformation --
Two kinds of compassion --
Conspiracy of good --
Attainment without a teacher --
Humility --
Arrogance --
True disciple of Buddha --
Myokonin --
Lotus blooms in fire --
Ocean of the primal vow --
One bright pearl --
The cry of Cicadas --
As is: Sono-Mama --
Duality --
Nonduality --
Interdependence --
Self as dynamic flow --
All is a circle --
Know thyself --
Hell is my only home --
The world of dew --
Unrepeatable life --
My grandmother --
The pure land --
When a person dies --
House or home --
True and real life --
Buddha-nature --
Mother Teresa and Hitler --
The single thread.

FY1999 /

Physical description

xxvii, 244 p.; 21 cm

Description

With great spiritual insight and unparalleled scholarship, Dr. Taitetsu Unno--the foremost authority in the United States on Shin or Pure Land Buddhism--introduces us to the most popular form of Buddhism in Japan. Unique among the various practices of Buddhism, this "new" form of spiritual practice is certain to enrich the growing practice of Buddhism in the United States, which is already quite familiar with Zen and Tibetan traditions. River of Fire, River of Water is an introduction to the practice of Pure Land Buddhism for readers with or without prior experience with it. The Pure Land tradition dates back to the sixth century c.e., when Buddhism was first introduced in Japan. Unlike Zen, its counterpart which flourished in remote monasteries, the Pure Land tradition was the form of Buddhism practiced by common people. Consequently, its practice is harmonious with the workings of daily life, making it easily adaptable for seekers today. Despite the difference in method, though, the goal of Pure Land is the same as other schools--the awakening of the true self. Certain to take its place alongside great works such as Three Pillars of Zen, The Miracle of Mindfulness, and Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind--River of Fire, River of Water is an important step forward for American Buddhism.… (more)

Language

Original language

English

Rating

(10 ratings; 4.2)
Page: 0.1382 seconds