The Way of Jodo Shinshu

Jodo Wasan | Koso Wasan | Shozomatsu Wasan | About The Way of Jodo Shinshu | Links

Reflections on the Wasan of Shinran

I praise Amida's wisdom and virtue
So that beings with mature conditions throughout
    the ten quarters may hear.
Let those who have already realized shinjin
Constantly respond in gratitude to the Buddha's
    benevolence. - Shinran (1173-1263)

Drawing on classical writings, and the commentaries of the dharma masters of India, China and Japan, Shinran Shonin (1173-1263) compiled a comprehensive compendium called The True Teaching, Practice and Realization of the Pure Land way. This was his great work of exegesis: the principal scripture of Shin Buddhism, or Jodo Shinshu.

Shinran also composed three volumes of verses in Japanese, or wasan. These songs celebrate the essence of Jodo Shinshu. They touch upon every facet of the spiritual life, and the most enduring elements of the Pure Land way.

Jodo Wasan

In the poems of the Pure Land, Shinran finds his inspiration, first and foremost in the songs of the Chinese Pure Land master, T'an-luan (476-542 CE) but then turns his attention to the sutras.

Koso Wasan

The second collection of wasan tells of the transmission of the nembutsu way through history, from Nagarjuna Bodhisattva to Shinran's own time.

Shozomatsu Wasan

Finally, we find ourselves in the present: far from the influence of Shakyamuni, living in dark and confused times.

Reading The Way of Jodo Shinshu

The Way of Jodo Shinshu is a series of essays based on the Sanjo Wasan of Shinran Shonin. The verses form a narrative, which moves through time and space, so it is suggested that the essays are read in numerical order.

Wisteria

Shinran's Works
in Russian
Russian

The Way of Jodo Shinshu
www.shinranwasan.info
Copyright © 2009-10
George A Gatenby
(ABN 40 218 347 962)
PO Box 170 Welland SA 5007 Australia
All rights reserved.

Top