THE TRUE TEACHING, PRACTICE AND
REALIZATION OF THE PURE LAND WAY
A translation of Shinran’s Kyõgyõshinshõ
Volume III
INTRODUCTION
The two chapters included in this volume – “Chapter on Realization” and “Chapter on True Buddha and Lan” – Present both the wellspring and the end of the Pure Land way and bring to conclusion the portion of Kyõgyõshinshõ treating the true teaching. Two fundamental questions confront the person seriously engaged by the Buddhist path t awakening; the method by wich the path is traversed and the natuer of goal. In the first three chapters of Kyõgyõshinshõ, Shinran takes up the first question. In “Chapter on Teaching”, he identifies the Large Sutra of Immeasurable Life as imparting the true teaching, and then, in “Chapter on Practice”and “Chapter on Shinjin”, he sets forth the great practise that results in attainment of birth in the Pure Land – saying the nembutsu-and explain that it is the awakening of the Buddha’s mind in a person as shinjin or genuine entrusting that lies at the core of saying the Name and makes it true practise. In the fourth and fifth chapters translated here, Shinran takes up the question of the nature of attainment itself, and in the sixth and final chapter, he goes on the explore the significance of the provisional teachings of the Pure Land way.
CONTENTS
LIST OF PASSAGES
INTRODUCTION
IV. CHAPTER ON REALIZATION
True Realization
Passages from the Sutras
Passages from the Masters
Conclusion to the Aspect for Going Forth
Aspect for Return to This World
Passages from the Masters
Conclusion
V. CHAPTER ON TRUE BUDDHA AND LAND
True Buddha and Land
Passages from the Sutra
Passages from the Masters
Conclusion
NOTES ON SHINRAN’S READING
NAMES AND TITLES CITED