Comments on: Buddhist Texts and Sutra Collection

By: Hanzono

Hanzono — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:33:17 +0000

Great to see some atheist “converting” or rather attempting the Way to Buddahood. Very brave move, indeed! Somebody once remarked: (and i paraphrase) “if you have not started with Buddhism; don’t start. If you have started with Buddhism; don’t stop.” What they meant I do not know, but when i encountered the quote i was already to deep into Buddhism.

In my tradition (Chinese Pure Land) we regularly chant the Amitabha Sutra, but more importantly is the [i]nien fo[/i] ([i]nembutsu[/i]) for daily use.

Looking forward to read about your guys practice.

Doug great work; the sutras assembled here.

Namo Amitofo

Hanzono.

By: Doug

Doug — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 20:32:25 +0000

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.

By: Kristiina

Kristiina — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:29:30 +0000

Thank you for the great site! Do you have any documents for Rishukyo – The Way of Great Enjoyment – in Hiragana or Romaji?

By: Ashley K

Ashley K — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:05:59 +0000

Thank you! I will.

By: Doug

Doug — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:42:03 +0000

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

By: Ashley K

Ashley K — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 03:45:06 +0000

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!

By: Doug

Doug — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:02:47 +0000

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!

By: Michael H.

Michael H. — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:19:21 +0000

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!