Heart of the Shin Buddhist Path: A Life of Awakening

by Takamaro Shigaraki, David Matsumoto (Translator)

In his Heart of the Shin Buddhist Path , Takamaro Shigaraki examines Shin Buddhism anew as a practical path of spiritual growth and self-transformation, challenging assessments of the tradition as a passive religion of mere faith. Shigaraki presents the core themes of the Shin Buddhist path in fresh, engaging, down-to-earth language, considering each frankly from both secular and religious perspectives. Shigaraki discloses a nondual Pure Land that finds philosophical kinship with Zen but has been little discussed in the West. With its unassuming language and insights drawn from a life of practice, Heart of the Shin Buddhist Path dispels the fog of misconception that has shrouded Western appreciation of Shin traditions to reveal the limitless light of Amida Buddha that reaches all.

Genres: Buddhism, Japan, Religion, Spirituality, Nonfiction

184 pages, Paperback

First published February 18, 2013

Reviews

[Michael Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone already on the Shin Buddhist path, or for those contemplating joining us on the path, this book should be considered required reading. Rev. Dr. Shigaraki takes us through a journey to understand what the Shin Buddhist path is, giving us the historical picture and tying together the lineage of the teachings, the teachers and putting them into a historical context. He the helps us to understand shinjin from multiple aspects. Finally, and possibly most importantly for those just trying to find their way in the world, he explains the attributes and nuances of living the Shin Buddhist life.

The book is beautifully translated by Rev. Dr David Matsumoto and the readability of the book is a testament to his knowledge, linguistic skills and love of the Dharma. The book is very easy to read and understand, and yet full of important detail presented in vibrant fashion rather than dry, academic prose.

There are points of view which, for this reader, are different from my thoughts going into the book. But these have only served to broaden my perspective and deepen my understanding. The first two parts of the book are full of necessary and relevant details about many concepts in Shin Buddhism. So, for the academic and student of Shin Buddhism in me, these are the important chapters. But in my role as a follower, as a sojourner on the Shin Buddhist path, the final part, on living a Shin Buddhist life is where the real revelations are to be found.

Please read, study and enjoy this important work. Namo Amida Butsu.

[Malum · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a bit torn on this one.
This has a lot of great Shin theology and deep explanations of Shin ideas that I don't often see anywhere else.
On the other hand, it is a bit academic at times and Shigaraki takes a strong "I'm right and other Shin scholars are wrong" approach which was a bit off-putting to me. This was especially true because a lot of his ideas I hadn't really encountered before, which makes me feel that some of his thinking is a bit fringe.

For anyone interesting in Shin Buddhism, this is probably a must read, but it certainly shouldn't be the only thing that you read on the subject.

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Deeply Spiritual Book

I am thankful for Sensei Shigaraki's profound analysis of Shin Dharma. He has helped me to have a clearer understanding in particular of the role of shinjin not only as an individual, but also it's importance in society.

[Bun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Very clear and straightforward, and a good introduction to both Buddhism and Pure Land.

[Mrspam4ever · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always been interested in the views of others, especially spiritual beliefs. As a Christian I dd not understand the book, but I think those who are interested in becoming a Buddhist will find it very helpful:)

[Jinpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delves deeply into one of the most misunderstood schools of Buddhist thought in the West.