The Benefits We Receive From Jodo Shinshu Teaching

On Sept. 1, we gathered at the Buddhist Church of San Francisco to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) in conjunction with the two other significant events: the 850th anniversary of Ven. Shinran’s birth and the 800th anniversary of the establishment of Jodo Shinshu teaching. 

I was really appreciative that we were able to celebrate those important anniversaries with so many people! I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the committee members and everyone who worked so diligently to make this celebratory event possible.  

Jodo Shinshu Buddhism came to the mainland United States with Japanese immigrants over a century ago. Despite the hardships they faced, these first-generation Japanese immigrants found spiritual support in the teaching. 

Thanks to their perseverance, dedication and sacrifices, Jodo Shinshu temples were established in various places so people could gather and share the Buddha-Dharma with others. Today, there are 59 temples affiliated to the BCA throughout the mainland United States.  

The Jodo Shinshu teaching was inherited by his family, priests and followers after the passing of the founder Ven. Shinran. Thanks to the innovative propagation and leadership of the 8th abbot, Ven. Rennyo (1415-1499), Jodo Shinshu Buddhism became the largest Buddhist organization in Japan, a country of Buddhism. The development of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in the United States is closely tied to the fact that many of the Japanese immigrants were from these Jodo Shinshu families.

We celebrated the three anniversaries on Sept, 1. Let us think about their significance. In one sense, I understand that the teaching of Jodo Shinshu has benefitted countless people for such a long time. 

If the teaching were not relevant or disconnected from people’s lives, it wouldn’t have endured. The fact that this Buddhist tradition has endured for such a long time proves that there have been people who have dedicated,  supported and preserved to learn the teaching because of the importance and the benefits that they received.

What kind of benefits do we receive from the teaching? There are many possible answers, but the first and foremost is that we will be liberated from the life of suffering in samsara and attain Buddhahood once we complete this life. 

To my understanding, Buddhism is essentially the teaching for us to become a Buddha, one completely free from all defilements and liberated from suffering. Different Buddhist traditions offer various paths to this goal. 

Jodo Shinshu Buddhism teaches that one can attain Buddhahood by just sincerely entrusting oneself to Amida Buddha’s compassionate Vow for liberation. As Amida Buddha’s compassionate vow truly touches one’s heart, the utterance of this Buddha’s name, “Namo Amidabutsu,” arises as a grateful response to what is gifted. 

It is as if we cannot but say “I love you” or words that express ourselves, when our heart is filled with a love to somebody, or we naturally shed tears when we are deeply moved. This teaching is quite simple and unique among many other Buddhist paths. The more difficult or complicated the path is, the less people can successfully accomplish it. Conversely, the simpler or easier the path is, the more people can successfully make it. 

The simplicity and ease of the path reflects the depth of Amida Buddha’s compassionate vow to broadly accommodate and embrace all beings regardless of their capabilities. 

Jodo Shinshu Buddhism teaches entrustment to Amida Buddha’s compassionate embrace rather than the engagement to rigorous Buddhist practices or disciplines. Many people have found this to be a beneficial and practical feature of Jodo Shinshu.  

Jodo Shinshu Buddhism teaches liberation from samsara and attainment of Buddhahood after completing one’s life, not within this lifetime in this sahā world, which is the primary feature of Pure Land Buddhism. 

Because of this, some people may think that Pure Land Buddhism is a teaching for death. Although Pure Land Buddhism teaches so, it also provides us with spiritual guidance so that we can live our everyday life more meaningfully and profoundly. 

For example, as we deeply listen to the teaching of Amida Buddha, we receive the light. No matter how good our eyesight, if there is no light, we cannot see anything. When we cannot see things clearly due to the lack of light, we do something wrong based on our misjudgment or stumble. 

In Buddhism, it is thought that our suffering and troubles are caused by “darkness” or ignorance within ourselves, which prevents us from seeing things clearly or as they are. Therefore, we need light that dispels the darkness within us. In Buddhism, Buddha’s wisdom or teaching is symbolically compared to light because it helps or allows us to see things more clearly or correctly by dispelling such darkness.

During the celebratory service on Sept. 1, we chanted the “Shoshinge,” a gatha composed by Ven. Shinran that summarizes the teaching of Jodo Shinshu. In one section, he praises Amida Buddha with these words:   

Everywhere the Buddha casts light immeasurable, boundless, 

Unhindered, unequaled light-lord of all brilliance, 

Pure light, joyful light, the light of wisdom, 

Light constant, inconceivable, light beyond speaking,  

Light surpassing sun and moon is sent forth, illumining countless worlds; 

The multitudes of beings all receive this radiance. 

— “Collected Works of Shinran,” P. 69

Amida is a Buddha that has been universally and ceaselessly casting the light of wisdom so that all beings can receive it wherever they are or whenever it is. 

This light candidly shows us who I really am and how I actually live my everyday life. In the light, some might become aware of how much support they have received from others to maintain their lives, which would nurture a sense of gratitude. Others might realize how many troubles they have caused, which would nurture a sense of humility, responsibility or harmony. 

Such insights that we receive as a result of receiving the light of Amida Buddha or in the course of deep listening to the teaching make our everyday lives more meaningful and profound. Jodo Shinshu Buddhism is not merely a teaching for the afterlife, but a teaching that has the power to change and benefit our lives here and now.    

It is my sincere hope that each of us reaffirm and deepen our appreciation of the Jodo Shinshu teaching on this occasion of the triple celebration and continue to share Amida Buddha’s wisdom and compassion so that more people in the world will encounter them.