Pure Land poems by Gansen John Welch

Gansen John Welch

Gansen John Welch is a member of Amidaji temple and a close Dharma friend. He is also the narrator of my books. He already finished recording the audio version of The Four Profound Thoughts Which Turn the Mind Towards Amida Dharma (click here to listen) and The True Teaching on Amida Buddha and His Pure Land (click here to listen)

He is now working on the audio version of my newest book, The Meaning of Faith and Nembutsu in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism - click here to see the playlist. 

Here you can read about his spiritual journey - My Path to True Shin Buddhism

Here in this playlist you can listen to all his poems on Pure  Land Buddhism:

Beautiful religious gifts from Izumiya Company (Japan) for Amidaji temple

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE NEW UPGRADES AT THE TEMPLE 

Various religious items were sent to Amidaji temple by Izumiya Company (Japan) through Rev Oku Kyokai of Zuikoji temple (Osaka): two candle holders (rosokutate), two flower vase (kebyo), one metal incense burner (kanagoro), golden fabric to put on the altar table, and other beautiful things that are too many to mention. In these photos you see how I upgraded the altar of Amidaji with the new items.

I am very grateful for this unexpected presents and sponsorship.

Thank you, Izumiya Company and Rev Oku Kyokai.

Namo Amida Bu 

Thank you! Namo Amida Bu 

A short discussion on suicide by Pure Land followers

Victory Banner - symbol of the victory
of Buddha Dharma. People of shinjin are victorious
  over death and rebirth, because they entrust
themselves to Amida's Power, and are assured of birth 
in the Pure Land, so their last life as samsaric beings may
be one of service, helping others to entrust to Amida and 
be sure of birth in the Pure Land. 

Question by D.K.: Some ancient accounts tell of Pure Land disciples committing suicide in order to go to the Pure Land. I've heard some Buddhist scholars say that this is equal to killing a Buddha... because by killing oneself one is tampering with karma and because we ALL have a Buddha nature. Please tell me dear Rev. Josho what your take on this is. Namo Amida Bu

My answer: Killing oneself is NOT the same with killing a Buddha. This does not even worth discussing. All I can say is this - if one has shinjin (faith in Amida) the conditions of his death (suicide or other causes) does NOT matter because he will certainly go to the Pure Land. However, a person of shinjin can continue his life in human form to help others receive shinjin too, as Shinran advised, "receive yourself shinjin and help others receive shinjin". This is the attitude of our school, and not like those people from who knows what "ancient account" (definitely NOT from the account of our school!). 

What is the rush to go to the Pure Land by suicide, when we’ll certainly die sooner or later? Lets live a life of faith, try to be an example of faith for others, spread the Amida Dharma or help others spread it, and don't make society think that we are a sect of desperate suicidal people who can't handle life.

D.K.: I agree. I myself have entrusted myself and my karmic destiny to Amida. So my future in this realm of Samsara has been entrusted to Him.  I was just curious as to our school's view on this topic.

           

My answer: Certainly I have never seen in Shinran's writings any condemnation, or encouraging of suicide. But I clearly saw an encouragement to live a life of faith and helping others receive faith. This being the case, I gave the above answer.

Shushin Ioana Marinescu - Amidaji representative at the 19th European Shin Buddhist Conference

Shushin and Rev Sasaki
from International Association
for Buddhist Culture

Between 20^th – 24^th August the 19^th European Shin Buddhist Conference was held in Southampton, UK. Such Conferences are organized once in two years since 1986, in various places in Europe and are attended by representatives of all European sanghas. Guests from Japan, including the Shinmon-sama (next Patriarch of Hongwanji) or Zenmon-sama (the retired Patriarch) have always being present, too. I myself attended almost all these Conferences since 2002, gave lectures, held services there, etc.

Some of the things I'll do when I attain Buddhahood in the Pure Land of Amida

After my birth in Sukhavati and attainment of Buddhahood there, I will always wear the image of Amida on the crown of my head, like Avalokitesvara. Wherever I'll go in the ten directions to save sentient beings, and whatever form I will manifest for their sake, this will be one of my main features as a Buddha.

In all the places of the universe I will proclaim the Primal Vow of Amida and help all beings entrust to Him. I will be a guide towards Amida's Light, a ship for His Pure Land, and a witness to His Holy Name.

Wherever beings will say Amida's Name I will be there to protect them against all obstructions; they will have in me a constant companion and friend, and to those who don't entrust to Amida yet, I will be like their own shadow, never being separated from them even for a moment until they receive faith.

Suggested order of reading my texts and books for those new to Buddhism and Jodo Shinshu Buddhism

Here is a suggested order for reading my texts and books if you want to get proper knowledge of general Buddhism and Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in particular:

INTRODUCTION: 

 Some General Notions of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, especially recommended to beginners.

Amida Dharma  - the essentials of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism as it is taught at Amidaji temple. A must-read book for all members and students. 

The Meaning of Faith and Nembutsu in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism (free online edition)

This book is, as the title shows, an attempt to explain the meaning of faith and Nembutsu in accordance with the teaching of our school.

I start my explanations with the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha because without it there would be no Jodo Shinshu. As Shinran said:

“If Amida’s Primal Vow is true, Shakyamuni’s teaching cannot be false. If the Buddha’s teaching is true, Shan-tao’s commentaries cannot be false. If Shan-tao’s commentaries are true can Honen’s words be lies? If Honen’s words are true, then surely what I say cannot be empty.”[1]

Every Buddhist school has a lineage of transmission. Ours starts with Amida Buddha, then continues with Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, the seven Masters, Shinran Shonin, Rennyo Shonin and any true teacher that came after them and was loyal to the Primal Vow. What all the representatives of our lineage said with one voice is that the Primal Vow is true and that it contains everything we need for our attainment of Buddhahood in the Pure Land of Amida.