Japan: Life and Religion

7 Responses to “Buddhist Texts”

1. 1 Michael H. April 23, 2009 at 12:19 am

   What a great resource! I’m considering converting to Jodo Shinshu from atheism lol and it’s nice to have all the sutras and liturgical material right here. Thanks!

   Namu Amida Bu!
2. 2 Doug April 23, 2009 at 9:02 am

   Hi Michael H. and welcome to the JLR! I’ve been through an “atheism” phase myself a long time ago, and while I appreciate it’s focus on reason and logic, it’s definitely missing something. I think atheism spends too much time criticizing others for their beliefs, and not cultivating enough self-reflection and compassion toward others. I’d never go back to any Western religion myself, but I find Buddhism fills in the gap left by a strictly materialistic view of the world.

   In any case, the thing with Buddhism is that you’re welcome to explore it all you like, and no one’s going to bite your head off if you decide it’s not for you. People ask from time to time if Buddhism is a religion or philosophy or way of life, but I wrote something on the subject a while back here:

   Is Buddhism just a philosophy?

   Hope it helps. Take care!
3. 3 Ashley K October 19, 2009 at 3:45 am

   Hey Doug,
   I’m also interested in becoming a Buddhist as the guy above is however I’m not sure which Buddhist sect I want to go into. Do you know of any good books that look at all of the types of Buddhism and compare them? I’m also an atheist and am not completely sure if I want to believe in the religion or just practice their way of life but either way I’d like to see all of my options.

   Thank you very much,
   Ashley K

   PS- I’m going to read that article you referred above too!
4. 4 Doug October 19, 2009 at 5:42 am

   Hi Ashley K and welcome to the JLR. As far as Buddhist sects go, I think your best bet isn’t to read/analyze the various sects, but instead to go to various temples in your area and just “go shopping” so to speak. See how they work, and get a feel for the vibe. Buddhism is very much about practice, not so much intellectual arguments, and it’s good to see which kind of Buddhism fits your inclinations. That’s what I’d say to go with. Sometimes it’s not the one sect you’d expect either, as I learned.

   Good luck and keep me updated on your adventures.

   Sincerely,
   Doug
5. 5 Ashley K October 20, 2009 at 3:05 am

   Thank you! I will.
6. 6 Kristiina February 28, 2010 at 3:29 pm

   Thank you for the great site! Do you have any documents for Rishukyo – The Way of Great Enjoyment – in Hiragana or Romaji?
7. 7 Doug February 28, 2010 at 8:32 pm

   Hello Kristiina, I am not familiar with Risshukyo, but as such I probably don’t know of any texts related to it too. Sorry I can’t be of more help.

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