Discover how Shin Buddhism may have become the religion “best adapted to life in North America.”

Learn how your life can be full of grace, despite blind ambitions and foolish passions, by just entrusting ourselves to the compassion that exists in our interdependent universe.

Saturday, June 11th, 7:00pm at the Manitoba Buddhist Temple, 39 Tecumseh Street.
Admission is free. Donations accepted.

Jeff Wilson is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and East Asian Studies at Renison University College at the University of Waterloo. He is also the founder of the “Buddhism in the West” program unit at the American Academy of Religion and author of numerous books and articles on the development of Buddhism in North America. His most recent books include: Mourning the Unborn Dead: A Buddhist Ritual Comes to America (Oxford University Press 2009) and Buddhism of the Heart: Reflections on Shin Buddhism and Inner Togetherness (Wisdom Publications 2009). His next book, with University of North Carolina Press, will examine Buddhism in the American South.

Monshu Koshin Ohtani is the spiritual head of Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha in Kyoto, Japan. He is a scholar whose articles have appeared in major magazines for several years, including an interview with the Dalai Lama in 2008 in which they exchanged views of religion in to­day's world.

Jodo Shinshu members in North America have had limited opportunities to read Monshu's messages in English. Now, for Shinran Shonin's 750th Memorial, an English translation of his 2003 book, "Ashita niwa Kogan arite" is available as "The Buddha's Wish for the World." It gives English-speaking Shin Buddhist members a wonderful oppor­tunity to get to know Monshu Ohtani's views on life, family, religion and society.

Here is a brief excerpt from a recent interview with the Monshu, courtesy of the American Buddhist Study Centre:

HEAR MORE FROM MONSHU OHTANI ON YOUTUBE...
LEARN MORE AT THE AMERICAN BUDDHIST STUDY CENTRE...

Reviews for "The Buddha's Wish for the World" are now appearing. Rev. Gregory Gibbs of the Oregon Buddhist Temple has previewed the book and has these comments:

"For Jodo Shinshu Buddhists in North America this book will be important. The Go Monshu/Chief Abbot has not been obvious in a leadership role so far as understanding our teachings goes for some decades. People look to the Kangakuryo for questions of accuracy but a committee cannot be a leader. His Eminence Monshu Koshin Ohtani will now be more obviously in his proper role of leadership for those of us who are pretty much limited to the English language for our appreciation of the Buddha-dharma.

Here are some partial reviews so far...

Precious Metal: the blog

I really enjoyed the book because it not only taught me about the tradition of Shin Buddhism but also brought to light the importance of values this form has picked up based on its geographical origins. Specifically, the importance of family and surrounding oneself with family. Not only considering our direct family, but all of humanity as one big family.

Flatbed Sutra

Buddhist practitioners of all schools (including Zen) are certain to discover many affinities with the Shin teachings–which can certainly provide some profound insight into their own traditions. While it is true that students and practitioners of all Buddhist traditions will find many similarities, it may be the unique qualities of the Pure Land teachings, when compared to other traditions, that offer some of the more profound insights.

The Buddha Blog

It is a short book and can be read in one sitting but don't let that fool you into thinking that it's not full of great wisdom. It is frankly wonderful how much wisdom and unique insights Monshu offers in this thin but enriching monogram.

Robert Thurman (from the introduction)

To read The Buddha’s Wish for the World is to feel enfolded within that wish, which the author so deeply feels to be expressed in the vision of the original compassionate vow of the bodhisattva Dharmakara, who eventually became the Infinite Light Amitabha Buddha.

READ A SAMPLE OF THE BOOK AT THE AMERICAN BUDDHIST STUDY CENTRE...
PURCHASE THE BOOK AT THE BCA BOOKSTORE...

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Yoshimaru Abe was an immigrant who came to Canada from Japan in 1927. He would live the ultimate Japanese-Canadian experience. Facing discrimination during the war and then experiencing hardship while trying to rebuild a life for his family, he was still able to maintain his culture and identity.

Now, a book has been released honouring Yoshimaru Abe. It's called "Shaku of Wondrous Grace: Through the Garden of Yoshimaru Abe" and it introduces us to a man who lived "creatively and simply" while having faith in Buddhism.

"Throughout his life, it was his strong belief in his Buddhist faith, and the grace of his living that enabled Yoshimaru to not only survive, but to flourish as a uniquely accomplished and caring individual." -excerpt from the book, "Shaku of Wondrous Grace"

Book signing by the authors at the Manitoba Japanese Cultural Centre

The book is written by Art Miki, Henry Kojima and Sylvia Jansen. It contains many photos from his life. As well as, many of the sketches that Abe drew and kept.

Sensei Ulrich believes Abe lived his life by the Universal Vow, I refuse to enter Nirvana until all other beings have entered first, before me. In the book, Sensei explains that the irony of this belief is by refusing salvation for oneself alone, one is saved. This is the grace that Abe-san lived in.

In 2006, when Yoshimaru Abe died, he received his Buddhist name from Sensei Ulrich. And now, that name is the title of the book, "Shaku of Wondrous Grace."
CLICK HERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOOK...

No, this doesn't mean we will start having pop-ups and ads blinking all over our site. But we would like to direct you to the BCA (Buddhist Churches of America) Bookshop. It's located in the new Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley, California.

The Online BCA Bookstore is virtual, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's a great online store to purchase books on Jodo Shinshu and other Buddhist merchandise. The prices are in US but there is little difference now between our loonie and the American dollar. So another good reason to shop.

They will be adding extra features as new items are introduced, so they request you come back regularly.

You can online order from their web site or contact: sales@bcabookstore.com or phone (510) 809-1435, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT.

By the way, in the bottom left corner of the web site there is an odd reminder for a Buddhist store.....

Are You Ready?
Just 203 days 'til Christmas!