For any and all interested: Shin pastor and Buddhist scholar John Paraskevopoulos has just published a fantastic new book on Shin and Amida Buddha:
https://www.amazon.com/Unhindered-Path- ... dered+path
Paraskevopoulos carefully marshals evidence from a variety of sources - some scholarly, some poetic, some from personal testimony (including his own material) - that delineates how Shin practice immerses the adherent in a kind of "transformative, transfiguring Transcendent" - a kind of Buddhistic "panentheism" (of course, without the theism - perhaps "panendharmism" might be a better term). He makes a good case for modern acceptance of core Shin claims and for Nembutsu practice, and explains that no modern person, even though steeped in Western-style materialism, reductionism, and cynicism about spiritual things, should feel any "back-off", shame, or embarrassment about accepting and acting upon Shin's transcendental claims. The author's sources and his own writings (both scholarly and pastoral) are simply too good to ignore. Even long-time Shin practicers will probably be stunned and refreshed by the epic range of descriptive data in this compact book; and even unbelievers and Buddhists in the various "self-power" schools will find themselves intrigued as well as challenged.
If you're looking to read a sharp and remarkably pragmatic exploration of Shin's meaning for today's world, do yourself a favor and read this book - I cannot recommend it highly enough.
A Wonderful New Shin Book
A Wonderful New Shin Book
Last edited by steveb1 on Sat Aug 13, 2016 11:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: A Wonderful New Shin Book
Ordered it a week ago! Can't wait to read it.
Re: A Wonderful New Shin Book
Yes, it was a nice read. All his books are good. His second one "The Fragrance of Light" is a collection of Pure Land quotes and stories...a nice read as well.
- How foolish you are,
grasping the letter of the text and ignoring its intention!
- Vasubandhu
Re: A Wonderful New Shin Book
Thanks, Yuren and Mr. G - it's definitely a great book - I'm happy that you guys appreciate the author and his other works.
Re: A Wonderful New Shin Book
EDIT: [Changed a couple of words for clarity]
For any and all interested: Shin pastor and Buddhist scholar John Paraskevopoulos has just published a fantastic new book on Shin and Amida Buddha:
https://www.amazon.com/Unhindered-Path- ... dered+path
Paraskevopoulos carefully marshals evidence from a variety of sources - some scholarly, some poetic, some from personal testimony (including his own material) - that delineates how Shin practice immerses the adherent in a kind of "transformative, transfiguring Transcendent" - a kind of Buddhistic "panentheism" (of course, without the theism - perhaps "panendharmism" might be a better term). He makes a good case for modern acceptance of core Shin claims and for Nembutsu practice, and explains that no modern person, even though steeped in Western-style materialism, reductionism, and cynicism about spiritual things, should feel any sense of backing away from or embarrassment about accepting and acting upon Shin's transcendental claims. The author's sources and his own writings (both scholarly and pastoral) are simply too good to ignore. Even long-time Shin practicers will probably be stunned and refreshed by the epic range of descriptive data in this compact book; and even unbelievers and Buddhists in the various "self-power" schools will find themselves intrigued as well as challenged.
If you're looking to read a sharp and remarkably pragmatic exploration of Shin's meaning for today's world, do yourself a favor and read this book - I cannot recommend it highly enough.
For any and all interested: Shin pastor and Buddhist scholar John Paraskevopoulos has just published a fantastic new book on Shin and Amida Buddha:
https://www.amazon.com/Unhindered-Path- ... dered+path
Paraskevopoulos carefully marshals evidence from a variety of sources - some scholarly, some poetic, some from personal testimony (including his own material) - that delineates how Shin practice immerses the adherent in a kind of "transformative, transfiguring Transcendent" - a kind of Buddhistic "panentheism" (of course, without the theism - perhaps "panendharmism" might be a better term). He makes a good case for modern acceptance of core Shin claims and for Nembutsu practice, and explains that no modern person, even though steeped in Western-style materialism, reductionism, and cynicism about spiritual things, should feel any sense of backing away from or embarrassment about accepting and acting upon Shin's transcendental claims. The author's sources and his own writings (both scholarly and pastoral) are simply too good to ignore. Even long-time Shin practicers will probably be stunned and refreshed by the epic range of descriptive data in this compact book; and even unbelievers and Buddhists in the various "self-power" schools will find themselves intrigued as well as challenged.
If you're looking to read a sharp and remarkably pragmatic exploration of Shin's meaning for today's world, do yourself a favor and read this book - I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Re: A Wonderful New Shin Book
Thanks. I just ordered it.
Re: A Wonderful New Shin Book
You're very welcome. I think you'll really enjoy it.
Re: A Wonderful New Shin Book
I really like this book. Thanks for the recommendation!
Re: A Wonderful New Shin Book
berneklay, you're very welcome. It's a truly great and meaningful read!