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Facebook Jodo Shu Sangha

edited May 2011 in Sanghas
Gassho, just want to help those who aren't near a temple that Jodo Shu, the Japanese Pure Land sect, has a temple in LA that's reaching out to the unaffiliated via facebook. They're posting Q & A, dharma talks, home service, " ask the ministers", they're very friendly & approachable;working on a true online sangha, Just start typing in Jodo Shu & click on below. If you have any questions, just ask me.
Jodo Shu North America Pure Land Buddhism of Honen Shonin
with gassho
Rory

Comments

  • Is this bit that I found on jodo.org correct?

    "Honen Shonin taught people that it was enough to simply recite Nembutsu. He firmly believed that true Buddhism should be able to be practiced easily anywhere and at any time.

    You will experience deep tranquility and the silence of peace when you abandon your ego, reflect on how ignorant and sinful you are as a human being, and leave everything to the compassion of Amida Buddha, reciting Namu Amida Butsu many times."

    http://www.jodo.org/teachings/nembutsu.html

    I think there's an issue on the site with "outreach" by particular sanghas. You may want to check with a moderator or the site owner about this.
  • Lazy_eyeLazy_eye Veteran
    Hi SherabDorje,

    I'm not an expert on Jodo Shu or Honen, but the quote above appears to be an accurate reflection of his teachings. He certainly did teach that the single practice of nembutsu is enough, and that anyone can do it.

    His disciple, Shinran, went even further -- he concluded that we can't do anything to liberate ourselves. Nembutsu for him is an expression of gratitude to Amitabha, who has already vowed to bring us to sukhavati.

    I'm not sure how the TOS works with regard to sangha outreach, but just wanted to say that the information Rory posted was useful to me. I could see room for concern regarding various shady operations or teachers trying to abuse this discussion forum, but this looks as legit as they come. Thank you Rory.
  • "We have buddha-nature within ourselves but we cannot reveal its true nature by ourselves. Its revelation is achieved only by Amida's grace."

    http://www.jodo.org/about_plb/what_plb.html

    ???
  • Gosh Jodo Shu, is an ancient established Japanese school Chion-Ji, the main temple, was built in the 13th Century.
    http://www.jodo.org/about_js/temples_jp04.html

    Jodo Shu is the 2nd biggest sect in Japan after Jodo Shinshu, it is very old, going back to 1175 C.E.

    Jodo Shu L.A. is a Betsuin, an authorized temple and the Bishop Joji Atone is a known scholar, and the priest are authorized & fully trained. There is absolutely no doubt about their credentials.So this Facebook group is legitimate. we also have a google group:
    http://groups.google.com/group/jodoshubuddhism with authorized ordained priests there,

    Sherab, Pure Land Buddhism is the largest school in Asia and one of the oldest, it's found in China, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. Pure Land texts come from Afghanistan, I'm a pure lander so feel free to ask me anything. Shan-tao was the Chinese Master whom Honen followed. It's all very authentic.
  • I have to be brief at the moment, but let me just say I apologize. As I get older (59), and having chronic illnesses, I find myself drawn to Pure Land. Actually, it occurred to me this afternoon to ask you for references to or a more comprehensive discussion of "other-Buddha".

    I have done some Tibetan Pure Land mantra and practice.

    I admit I confused this with something else and I apologize.
  • edited May 2011
    Lazy Eye thanks for your help & I'm glad the link is useful to you. Sherab,I understand you are trying to protect people & that's admirable. All of us should be prepared to answer such questions without any problem.
    For a short history of Pure Land in China & Honen this is the research wing of Jodo Shu
    http://www.jsri.jp/English/Main.html

    But what do you mean by "other Buddha"? Do you mean "other power" called tariki in Japanese.If so here is an excellent piece that discusses it.
    https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=190816254279986
    hope this is helpful, feel free to ask me anything. No offense is taken
    gassho
    Rory
  • I have been practicing Jodo Shu for about three years and would like to connect or join a sangha. Any help would be most appreciated
    Gasho
    Joe Page

  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator

    Would any member with the wherewithal to help @JoePage with his enquiry please be kind enough to drop him a PM.
    many thanks guys!

    :+1:

  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator

    @JoePage, it would help us if we knew where you live and how you have been practising so far? Feel free to start a new thread in 'buddhist Basics'...
    Thank you :)

This discussion has been closed.