 Naturalness:
A Classic of Shin Buddhism
By Kanamatsu, Kenryo
2002/04 - World Wisdom Books
0941532291 - Trade Paper
Our Price $12.95
Related Books: Buddhism
Publisher Comments
Shin, or Pure Land, is the flower of Japanese Buddhism. Although it is
less well known in the West than Zen, Vipassana or Tibetan Buddhism, its
message of holy freedom, or naturalness, which arises when man conforms
with sincere attachment to the Eternal saving will of the Buddha has
been an illuminating way of spiritual awakening for multitudes of
Japanese people since the sixth century when Buddhism came to Japan.
Kanamatsu''s Naturalness, written in l949, is more than an
introduction to the essence of Shin Buddhism. It is a profound and
enlightened meditation on the relationship between man and Amida Buddha,
who is pure mercy and whose Name is a vehicle of Nirvanic Reality.
Combining the erudition of a philosopher with the sensitivity of a poet,
Kanamatsu leads the reader into the heart of the subject where man may
unite with the Buddha-Nature even in the ordinary activities of everyday
life. The deep compassion and beautiful simplicity of this classic
work-- which like a haiku speaks volumes with few words-- will appeal to
all people who seek a spiritual antidote to the artificiality and
ugliness that causes much of the suffering in our world
Very few books have appeared in the West on the Shin tradition, yet
D.T. Suzuki -- recognized as the foremost exponent of Buddhism to
Western culture -- has characterized Shin Buddhism as Japan''s major
religious contribution to the West. Kanamatsu''s Naturalness allows the
reader to experience that "even here lies the other shore waiting
to be reached -- yes, here is the Eternal Present, not distant, not
anywhere else."
|
|
