John Paraskevopoulos - Call of the Infinite: The Way of Shin Buddhism

Call of the Infinite

The Way of Shin Buddhism

This book takes on the big questions of human existenceWho am I? What am I here for? Where am I going? How can I live my life to the full, with the wisdom of knowing the way things are and with compassion for all beings? It then leads the reader to discover answers from the perspective of the Shin Buddhist path. This is a timely work for troubled times, with a refreshing message and vision for our twenty-first century global society.

[Prof. Ruben L. F. Habito, Founding Teacher, Maria Kannon Zen Center, Dallas, author of Experiencing Buddhism: Ways of Wisdom and Compassion .]

Following the traditional Buddhist pattern of diagnosis and treatment, Call of the Infinite probes the perplexities of the modern human condition and offers the teachings of Shin Buddhism as a plausible, indeed powerful, response. Common presentations of Buddhist practice as an impersonal process of stripping away our human nature are exposed as limited, and the author quarries the rich spiritual, emotional and aesthetic resources of the Pure Land traditionfrom deep within the heart of the Mahayanaenabling them to speak clearly and effectively to the contemporary spiritual seeker. A truly beautiful book.

[Dr Wendy Dossett, Director, Religious Experience Research Centre, University of Wales at Lampeter.]

This accessible, elegant and penetrating interpretation of the essential teachings of Shin Buddhism is a significant addition to the slender body of Western writings on a little-understood branch of the Buddhist tradition. Lucid and sometimes provocative, this book is an invitation to the profound spiritual experience which can be found through time-tested methods available to any sincere wayfarer.

[Prof. Harry Oldmeadow, La Trobe University, Bendigo, author of Journeys East: 20th Century Western Encounters with Eastern Religious Traditions .]

This presentation of the Shin Buddhist teachings addresses universal spiritual concerns in a way that leaves readers reassured and wanting to know more. Paraskevopoulos writing is luminous and soothing, as if one were reading poetry. As a pioneer of Shin Buddhism in Australia, he offers fresh insights rarely seen in Japan. His treatment, in particular, of the importance of beauty to our spiritual life is inspirational.

[Prof. Kenneth K. Tanaka, Musashino University, Tokyo, President, International Association of Shin Buddhist Studies, author of Ocean: An Introduction to Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in America .]

Paraskevopoulos has pondered Shinrans thought with forth-rightness and has written an eloquent meditation on questions that arise in a contemporary engagement with the Pure Land path. Drawing on a generous range of traditional sources, he explores the practical implications of the Shin Buddhist challenge to modern conceptions of the self.

[Prof. Dennis Hirota, Ryukoku University, Kyoto, co-author of Shinran: An Introduction to His Thought .]

This splendid book is uplifting, inspiring, accurate, authentic and positive. The work of a knowledgeable authority, Call of the Infinite exemplifies the affirmative dimension of Buddhismthat which reveals the Buddhas ever-present and ever-beneficent Great Selfin contrast to the joyless negativism that commonly usurps the Buddhist name. Thoroughly and unreservedly recommended.

[Dr Tony Page, Bangkok University, editor of the Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra .]

John Paraskevopoulos

SOPHIA PERENNIS

San Rafael CA

First published in the USA

by Sophia Perennis

John Paraskevopoulos 2009

All rights reserved

Series editor: James R. Wetmore

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without permission

For information, address:

Sophia Perennis, P.O. Box 151011

San Rafael, CA 94915

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Paraskevopoulos, John.

The way of Shin Buddhism / John Paraskevopoulos.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN 978-1-59731-952-2 (pbk: alk. paper)

1. Shin (Sect)Doctrines. 2. Pure Land BuddhismDoctrines.

I. Title

BQ8718.5.P37 2009

294.3'926dc22 2009047653

Cover design by Tony McKenzie, Yellow Moon Multimedia

Photograph (Morning Clouds) courtesy of Photos8.com

Calligraphy ( Namo Amida Butsu ) by Rev. Zuiken S. Inagaki (18851981).

Call of the Infinite is a concise and clear introduction to the major concepts of Shin Buddhism, a tradition that has received scant attention from those with a Western background. The book is likely to stir a deeper interest in this path amidst the diversity of spiritual perspectives and alternatives available today. Its realistic appraisal of our human condition is perceptive and the author is able to unpack dimensions of spiritual reality with skill, while keeping his feet firmly planted in earthly realism. While this book represents a serious intellectual exploration, it remains very readable and has much to offer the genuine seeker.

Emeritus Professor Alfred Bloom, University of Hawaii

author of The Essential Shinran: A Buddhist Path of True Entrusting

Buddhism is much more diverse and multifaceted than many people think. Shin (Pure Land) Buddhism manages to be, simultaneously, one of the most widely practised forms of this tradition (the largest Buddhist school in Japan) and the least understood in the West. From the beginning, Shin was a highly sophisticated lay form of Buddhism. This thoughtful short outline of its spirituality, while disclaiming academic originality, is distinguished by its clarity, enthusiasm and indeed its high level of accuracy. Written by a Shin priest, it shows very well why this form of Buddhism real Buddhism, a form of Buddhism very different from the many popular images of it current in the West might appeal to modern seekers who find themselves depressed and frustrated with the decadent and sterile world around them. It also suggests why Shin Buddhism has so much to offer in fruitful dialogue and collaboration with its Christian brothers and sisters. Paraskevopoulos little book is a delightful read, adorned with the fragrance of light to quote a Buddhist text. It is highly recommended.

Professor Paul Williams

Co-director, Centre for Buddhist Studies, University of Bristol

author of Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations

The excellence of this presentation of Shin Buddhism reflects the authors mastery of the subject and the clarity of his concise and accessible expression. Both pastoral and instructive, the text moves seamlessly from its opening reflection on suffering and dissatisfaction to its ultimate celebration of infinite beauty and joy. What links beginning with end is the Dharma-Body, the realm of Nirvana which comes to know itself as the true and real mind pervading the whole of reality. In the process, the author clarifies the nature of self-power and Other-Power, and skillfully explicates the great Vow of Amida Buddha as the fundamental ground of all spiritual endeavor. In this regard, his explanation of the practice of the Name, and its relationship to other modes of Buddhist meditation and moral cultivation, is both penetrating and lucid. As an introduction and a sophisticated exposition, this is an indispensable text on Shin Buddhism.

Professor Brian Brown, Iona College, New York

author of The Buddha Nature

CONTENTS

This book is dedicated to my mother, Nicoleta, for her unstinting courage in the face of seeming hopelessness and for the untold kindnesses bestowed on so many, when life has afforded her so few.

For those who are ready,

The door to the deathless state is open.

You that have ears,

Give up the conditions that bind you