Buddhist Psalms translated from the Japanese of Shinran Shonin

Name: Buddhist Psalms translated from the Japanese of Shinran Shonin
Author: Shinran

By Shinran

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About This Book

A compact anthology of devotional verses and short homilies that meditate on reliance upon the Infinite Light and the salvific efficacy of the Holy Name, blending praise, thanksgiving, and candid confession. The pieces outline key Pure Land teachings, addressing faith and doubt, the spiritual difficulties of a degenerate age, and the promise of deliverance, often using vivid religious imagery. Several hymns honor earlier teachers and describe visionary signs associated with transmission. Closing sections contain lamentations, exhortations to trust, and brief additional psalms intended for communal recitation and private reflection.

About the Author

Shinran

Shinran (1173–1262) was a Japanese Buddhist monk and the founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect, which emphasizes the importance of faith in Amida Buddha for salvation. His teachings focused on the concept of tariki, or 'other-power,' contrasting with self-powered efforts to attain enlightenment. Shinran's most notable work, "Buddhist Psalms," presents a collection of hymns that express deep devotion and the essence of his spiritual insights. His influence on Japanese Buddhism is profound, and he is revered for making Buddhist teachings accessible to the layperson, fostering a more inclusive approach to spirituality.