Walking with Kukai–Becoming a Buddha: Pilgrimage in Shingon Buddhism
Since the Meiji restoration in the 19th century, Buddhism in Japan has seen the development of a third category of practitioner in addition to the
Since the Meiji restoration in the 19th century, Buddhism in Japan has seen the development of a third category of practitioner in addition to the
One day my daughter asked me, “Dad, I know ‘Western’ religion emphasizes belief in God. However, if someone asks me what Buddhists believe, what should
The Two Other Kinds of Perseverance It is joyful to read the books written by Master Shandao, the de facto founder of Pure Land Buddhism,
If you have ever felt joyful upon hearing of Amitabha Buddha’s deliverance and admittance to his Pure Land, you are now on the right track
Shakyamuni’s “Secret Message” for Ultimate Liberation Many people have the general impression that Buddhism is very difficult to understand. Just as in many other subjects,
An Easy Path for Uncultured People I first approached Buddhism as a philosophy in 1988, when I was searching for the truth about life and
My Dad was Skeptical about Buddhism My dad passed away in April 2012 at the age of 95. He was not well educated, and had
Dogen’s (1200–53) Soto Zen is known for its emphasis on shikantaza—“sitting only.” In his popular Once Born Zen – Twice Born Zen: The Soto and Rinzai Schools
Buddha-invocation (Ch. nianfo; J. nembutsu) in its various forms is the most common practice in Buddhism. It is a routine daily practice in nearly all schools of
Wisdom and Faith: Two Sides of the Same Coin For years, I have been searching for the meaning of life, the absolute truth, the ultimate
The Importance of “Sincere Mind” “Sincere Mind” is the first of the “Three States of Mind,” in other words, “Sincere Mind,” “Deep Mind,” and “Mind
This is the first of a series of articles on Japanese Buddhism written by Gereon Kopf for Buddhistdoor. When I was teaching at the University