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You Were Born for a Reason: The Real Purpose of Life
As human beings, we have one thing in common: we search all our lives for lasting happiness. YOUR WERE BORN FOR A REASON tells us that happiness can indeed be found. But it is not found in the place we ordinarily look, such as status, achievements, or family. This book, which has sold nearly half a million copies since its original publication in Japan, shows us how to navigate life's obstacles from a deep and abiding source of inner peace. The authors•a Buddhist teacher, a psychotherapist, a philosopher•bring their combined wisdom to bear on the age-old question: what is the purpose of life? They direct us toward answers contained in often-overlooked Buddhist teachings•specifically, in the words of Shinran, who is the founder of Jodo Shinshu, the largest of Japan's schools of Buddhism. In clear and compelling language, YOU WERE BORN FOR A REASON shows why human life is not only meaningful, but infinitely precious. It considers the many ills that plague modern society•suicide, murder, angst, a constant sense of futility•and guides us to the enduring truths that can renew our hearts and finally provide real happiness. CONTENTS: The Eternal Questions. Shinran's Answer/ The Root Cause of Suffering/ The Dark Mind: The Source of Suffering/ The Mind Shrouded in Ignorance/ The Dark Future Casts a Shadow on the Present/ The Tragedy at Rajagrha and the Vow of Amida/Shinran's Fulfillment of Life's Purpose/ Shinran's Masterwork Begins and Ends with a Cry of Joy/ The Clash over Whether or Not Life Has a Purpose/ The Key to the Mystery of Why We Live/ Turning a Blind Eye to Ourselves/ The Difficulty of Knowing Oneself/ Revelation of the True Self, etc.
- GenresBuddhism
224 pages, Hardcover
First published April 20, 2001
24 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Kentetsu Takamori
20 books31 followersI have dedicated my life to faithfully conveying the teachings of Shinran (1173-1263), the founder of True Pure Land Buddhism. I have lectured throughout Japan and worldwide on Buddhism for more than sixty years. I am the author of several bestselling titles in Japanese and the chair of the Buddhist organization Jodo Shinshu Shinrankai.
Excerpt from the “Introduction” of Unlocking Tannisho:
In spring of 1944, at the age of sixteen, I volunteered to join the Japanese Imperial Naval Air Service and was trained as a fighter pilot. Months before the end of the Pacific War, still a teenager, I watched as one after another of my comrades took off in an airplane loaded with explosives and just enough fuel for a one-way trip. Their orders were to crash their planes into allied warships and aircraft carriers in a desperate, last-ditch attempt to win an unwinnable war.
The treatment meted out to kamikaze pilots in training was cruel and brutal. We were constantly beaten, trained only to obey and die. We were brainwashed, told that to give up our lives was a great honor and that through our sacrifice we would not only save our sacred nation and serve the emperor but be granted immortality. Still too young to make the list, I knew it was only a matter of time before my turn came—yet deep down I prayed to live, as did my comrades. All of the doomed pilots tried to find meaning in that desperate situation. I well remember that as their only companion on that final flight, many chose to take along the book Tannisho and the message of Shinran.
After the war, my life fortunately spared, I turned my attention to that small book and its great teachings. My encounter with them transformed my life and filled me with renewed purpose. I still grow hot with anger when I think of how my friends and I were deceived, instilled with the idea that throwing away our lives was somehow beautiful. Yet I am grateful beyond words to have been granted the happiness of knowing the truth. I have dedicated my life to deepening my understanding of, and sharing with others, the same undying principles that were a ray of bright hope to those youths setting off on their dark and hopeless journeys.
Excerpt from the “Introduction” of Unlocking Tannisho:
In spring of 1944, at the age of sixteen, I volunteered to join the Japanese Imperial Naval Air Service and was trained as a fighter pilot. Months before the end of the Pacific War, still a teenager, I watched as one after another of my comrades took off in an airplane loaded with explosives and just enough fuel for a one-way trip. Their orders were to crash their planes into allied warships and aircraft carriers in a desperate, last-ditch attempt to win an unwinnable war.
The treatment meted out to kamikaze pilots in training was cruel and brutal. We were constantly beaten, trained only to obey and die. We were brainwashed, told that to give up our lives was a great honor and that through our sacrifice we would not only save our sacred nation and serve the emperor but be granted immortality. Still too young to make the list, I knew it was only a matter of time before my turn came—yet deep down I prayed to live, as did my comrades. All of the doomed pilots tried to find meaning in that desperate situation. I well remember that as their only companion on that final flight, many chose to take along the book Tannisho and the message of Shinran.
After the war, my life fortunately spared, I turned my attention to that small book and its great teachings. My encounter with them transformed my life and filled me with renewed purpose. I still grow hot with anger when I think of how my friends and I were deceived, instilled with the idea that throwing away our lives was somehow beautiful. Yet I am grateful beyond words to have been granted the happiness of knowing the truth. I have dedicated my life to deepening my understanding of, and sharing with others, the same undying principles that were a ray of bright hope to those youths setting off on their dark and hopeless journeys.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 2, 2015
Although this book required courage to read through its first part, I found it so realistic in describing everything that makes this world so horrible at times to live in and part 2 offers how to live amid impermanence and constant change of our environment. I never knew it was ever possible to let go of our suffering and attachment until I read this book. But I've also had the privilege of listening to the author's lectures as well and that probably has been most helpful in truly understanding this book. His lectures are available through webinars too and Skype in English (as retold by others who have listened and taken notes). If you feel you are fed up with this world and horrible news we hear everyday and want a find a way out and some peace of mind, I recommend you read this book. if you just want some introduction to Buddhism, then I recommend the author's other books.
June 16, 2017
Introduction
Today in countries around the world, people enjoy wealth and comfort unheard of in centuries past. Medical and scientific advances mean that we live longer and have greater ability to change and control our environment to suit our needs. But have these advances brought greater happiness ? Modern society is plagued with ills such as violence in its many forms, including tyranny, terrorism, murder, and suicide. Real answers to these problems continue to elude us.
Our advances many have made us richer, but they have not done anything to ensure our happiness or provide us with a sense of abiding meaningfulness. In fact, modern life often seems only to bring more acute feelings of isolation, loneliness, and emptiness.
Why is it that, although blessed with physical health and an abundant lifestyle, we cannot find heart’s ease ?
This question was addressed more than twenty-five hundred years ago in India by Siddhartha Gautama(Sakyamuni), the founder of Buddhism. Born a prince, he excelled from boyhood in literary and military arts; he wedded the loveliest young woman in the Kingdom; he lacked for nothing. Yet his heart was not cheered in the least. He passed the days despondently,knowing that even though good health, treasure, status,honor,family,and talent were his,he would one day lose them all: no earthly happiness could prevail over old age,sickness,and death. Realizing the nature of human existence, Siddhartha was unable to experience true ease or satisfaction.
Finally,when he was twenty-nine years old,he crept out the palace one night in search of true happiness. For six years he lived the life of a mountain ascetic,until his eyes were opened to the truth that all people can obtain absolute happiness,and he achieved
Buddhahood.
The lesson taught by Salyamuni Buddha are timelessly true. We all are vulnerable to the devastation of sudden illness striking oneself or a love one. And although we may immerse ourselves in work or a hobby,the day will come when old age prevents us from enjoying such activities, When we die,moreover,we must part from those we love.What is there in life that will never betray us,that we can devote ourselves to without regret?
Throughout his life, Sakyamuni continued to teach that the purpose of life is none other than to gain unassailable,eternal happiness. In Japan, the essence of this message was preached by Shinran(1173-1263),founder of Shin Buddhism (the True Pure Land School).
Shinran laid out the purpose of life and urged its attainment with incomparable clarity: The universal purpose of life is to destroy the root of suffering and gain joy in being alive,so that you rejoice at having been born human and live on in eternal happiness. No matter how hard your life may be,keep on until you accomplish this purpose. The nine decades of his life were focused single-mindedly on this message.
Yet mankind today remains lots in the dark,ignorant of life’s purpose and unsure whether life has nay meaning.
War, murder, suicide, violence, abuse―could it be that all such tragedies arise out of the darkness of mind that cannot make sense of life, or find any reason to go on living?
Simply lowering the legal age of criminal responsibility is not a solution,since it will not reform the heart of these young offenders who have no awareness of their wrongdoing. These terrible blights on society will resist all countermeasures unless the dignity and purpose of life are made clear. Until that happens, any action is as futile and transitory as drawing pictures on the water.
Is there a purpose in life?
What is the meaning of life?
These age-old questions cry out for clear answers. Shinran stated the purpose of life more plainly than ever before, and urged its attainment. He is indeed the light of the world that breaks through the dark delusions of the human race.
Is there a purpose in life? In this book we will address this question head-on through the prism of Shinran’s word. We begin in Part One by examining the human condition, along with the comments of leading writers, thinkers, and newsmakers from East and West.
In Part Two we turn to quotations from Shinran’s teachings that demonstrate the unchanging, timeless purpose of life, with paraphrase and commentary as aids in understanding.Across the centuries,the words of Shinran have helped untold millons in Japan to hear the message of life’s purpose. It is our great hope and dream that book may convey his words to millions more around the world, so that they too many enter into true and lasting happiness.
Today in countries around the world, people enjoy wealth and comfort unheard of in centuries past. Medical and scientific advances mean that we live longer and have greater ability to change and control our environment to suit our needs. But have these advances brought greater happiness ? Modern society is plagued with ills such as violence in its many forms, including tyranny, terrorism, murder, and suicide. Real answers to these problems continue to elude us.
Our advances many have made us richer, but they have not done anything to ensure our happiness or provide us with a sense of abiding meaningfulness. In fact, modern life often seems only to bring more acute feelings of isolation, loneliness, and emptiness.
Why is it that, although blessed with physical health and an abundant lifestyle, we cannot find heart’s ease ?
This question was addressed more than twenty-five hundred years ago in India by Siddhartha Gautama(Sakyamuni), the founder of Buddhism. Born a prince, he excelled from boyhood in literary and military arts; he wedded the loveliest young woman in the Kingdom; he lacked for nothing. Yet his heart was not cheered in the least. He passed the days despondently,knowing that even though good health, treasure, status,honor,family,and talent were his,he would one day lose them all: no earthly happiness could prevail over old age,sickness,and death. Realizing the nature of human existence, Siddhartha was unable to experience true ease or satisfaction.
Finally,when he was twenty-nine years old,he crept out the palace one night in search of true happiness. For six years he lived the life of a mountain ascetic,until his eyes were opened to the truth that all people can obtain absolute happiness,and he achieved
Buddhahood.
The lesson taught by Salyamuni Buddha are timelessly true. We all are vulnerable to the devastation of sudden illness striking oneself or a love one. And although we may immerse ourselves in work or a hobby,the day will come when old age prevents us from enjoying such activities, When we die,moreover,we must part from those we love.What is there in life that will never betray us,that we can devote ourselves to without regret?
Throughout his life, Sakyamuni continued to teach that the purpose of life is none other than to gain unassailable,eternal happiness. In Japan, the essence of this message was preached by Shinran(1173-1263),founder of Shin Buddhism (the True Pure Land School).
Shinran laid out the purpose of life and urged its attainment with incomparable clarity: The universal purpose of life is to destroy the root of suffering and gain joy in being alive,so that you rejoice at having been born human and live on in eternal happiness. No matter how hard your life may be,keep on until you accomplish this purpose. The nine decades of his life were focused single-mindedly on this message.
Yet mankind today remains lots in the dark,ignorant of life’s purpose and unsure whether life has nay meaning.
War, murder, suicide, violence, abuse―could it be that all such tragedies arise out of the darkness of mind that cannot make sense of life, or find any reason to go on living?
Simply lowering the legal age of criminal responsibility is not a solution,since it will not reform the heart of these young offenders who have no awareness of their wrongdoing. These terrible blights on society will resist all countermeasures unless the dignity and purpose of life are made clear. Until that happens, any action is as futile and transitory as drawing pictures on the water.
Is there a purpose in life?
What is the meaning of life?
These age-old questions cry out for clear answers. Shinran stated the purpose of life more plainly than ever before, and urged its attainment. He is indeed the light of the world that breaks through the dark delusions of the human race.
Is there a purpose in life? In this book we will address this question head-on through the prism of Shinran’s word. We begin in Part One by examining the human condition, along with the comments of leading writers, thinkers, and newsmakers from East and West.
In Part Two we turn to quotations from Shinran’s teachings that demonstrate the unchanging, timeless purpose of life, with paraphrase and commentary as aids in understanding.Across the centuries,the words of Shinran have helped untold millons in Japan to hear the message of life’s purpose. It is our great hope and dream that book may convey his words to millions more around the world, so that they too many enter into true and lasting happiness.
Read
August 11, 2016I abandoned this book partway through because I had a hard time getting into it. It was a heartfelt gift from a coworker and I wanted to like it, but it just wasn't speaking to me. Might've just been the wrong time for me to read it, as I often find with any book I have a hard time getting into. Perhaps I will give it another try in the future!
April 3, 2011
Read for my monthly book club. Basic Buddhist philosophy here. Read some stories that were new to me.
November 12, 2015
If you are new to Buddhism this is a great guide. Not only that it gives practical advice. Something or lots of things you can use in daily life.
June 25, 2025
You Were Born for a Reason is a deeply moving and philosophical book that explores life’s purpose and the meaning of suffering through the lens of Shin Buddhism. The author, Takamori Kentetsu, encourages readers to face life’s hardest questions—not by avoiding pain, but by understanding its role in our personal growth and spiritual journey.
The book speaks directly to those who feel lost, broken, or unsure of their value. It reminds us that every life has meaning, even in the darkest moments. Instead of giving shallow answers, the book offers spiritual clarity, emotional healing, and gentle hope. It's not about religion only—it's about discovering why you matter, no matter your background.
The book speaks directly to those who feel lost, broken, or unsure of their value. It reminds us that every life has meaning, even in the darkest moments. Instead of giving shallow answers, the book offers spiritual clarity, emotional healing, and gentle hope. It's not about religion only—it's about discovering why you matter, no matter your background.
September 21, 2022
Inspirador, esclarece um pouco sobre uma das linhas do budismo.
February 12, 2018
Livro interessante sobre a doutrina do Budismo Shin da Terra Pura, o ramo mais praticado do Budismo no Japão. A primeira parte do livro discorre sobre as angústias e males da vida moderna e sobre a perspectiva budista sobre essas vicissitudes, ao trazer, também, importantes análises e citações de grandes pensadores ocidentes, como Nietzsche. A segunda parte da obra, por sua vez, aprofunda nos ensinamentos do Budismo Shin propriamente dito, ao expor conceitos fundamentais como o Propósito da Vida, a salvação pelo Voto Primordial do Buda Amida e o Ichinen. O livro é muito bem escrito e agradável de ler, e a progressão entre cada capítulo é excelente. Obra muito recomendada para quem se interessa por aprender mais sobre a doutrina do Budismo.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews