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Buddhism of the Heart: Reflections on Shin Buddhism and Inner Togetherness

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I have to admit that Pure Land is one of Buddhism the schools of Buddhism that I have been least interested in. I tend toward the traditions that emphasize meditation more, like Theravada, Zen, and Tibetan schools. The devotional aspect of Pure Land didn't really appeal to me, and what little I read about it did not catch my interest. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised how much I loved reading Jeff Wilson's book. On one hand, it is a very warm and personal book. Wilson illustrates points about Buddhism using his own life experiences, but without ever becoming sappy or sentimental. Instead he comes across as full of sincerity and compassion. It's very articulate and accessible, but never condescending or simplistic. Aside from that, this book made some of the principles of Shin (Japanese Pure Land) Buddhism more comprehensible to me. My interests are still primarily in the above-mentioned traditions, but I have a new found appreciation for Shin. If you like Shin Buddhism, then I recommend this book. If you're not interested in it, then I recommend it all the more.

Jeff Wilson's Buddhism of the Heart is a blessing of a book. I have been interested in Shin Buddhism since I have become acquainted with the writings of David Reynolds and Greg Krech. Naikan finds its roots in this Japanese form of Buddhism. Through personal anecdotes, Jeff Wilson offers living examples of what it means to be a Shin Buddhist, the deep acceptance and gratitude for existence and the support of every living being. One participates in his journey and we are all better people for it. Namu Amida Butsu.

This book is very readable and enjoyable. Jeff keeps it simple and avoids any heavy doctrine. I am a Pure Land Buddhist and this book is humorous and very refreshing. More books of this nature need to be written more often. I am sure that I will reread this book regularly.

Most of the world's native Buddhists do not meditate as a matter of practice. This often comes as a surprise to Westerners who assume that Buddhism is synonymous with meditation. In fact, most native Buddhists are devotees of one or another buddha or bodhisattva, practicing a Buddhism of faith, which is often perceived as inferior "popular" religion by those for whom meditation is sine qua non.

Not often referred to by Westerners, at least positively, are the missionary Lotus Sutra sects Soka Gakkai and Nichiren Shoshu, whose numbers in the West -- particularly Soka Gakkai's -- may well surpass all other transplanted sects combined. The practice of these schools is not centered in mediation, and if you add the fact that they have a quasi-magical view of the efficacy of the title of the Lotus Sutra -- Nam(u) Myoho Renge Kyo -- they too are regarded as being for the simple and unsophisticated, and barely Buddhist.

Ironically, Shin Buddhism (Jodo Shinshu) is intentionally Buddhism for the simple and unsophisticated in the sense of being for those who have been made to realize, by the light of compassion (Amida Buddha), the folly they create out of an illusory sense of self. Shinran Shonin, the founder of what has come to be known as Shin, was acutely aware of human finitude and the astigmatic view of reality we are burdened with owing to the causes and conditions that create us and we create. He taught and wrote passionately about the futility of trying to discipline the self through meditation and ethical precepts with only the power of the self. His was a Buddhism of surrender to the embrace of infinite light and life.

Jeff Wilson's BUDDHISM OF THE HEART can be compared to a guide to everyday conversation as opposed to a grammar of religious language. Such Shin grammars exist in English, and some of them are anecdotal and inspiring. But what Jeff has accomplished stands out. Rare among Shin writers Jeff is not an ordained Shin minister, and he writes from the perspective of a young Caucasian American finding his voice in a tradition still strongly connected to its 800 year-old Japanese origin. As an outpouring of Jeff Wilson's unique spirit, BUDDHISM OF THE HEART is alternately poignant, pungent, prophetic, funny, and illuminating.

The stories in BUDDHISM OF THE HEART are short and easily comprehensible, but they are not facile and they have a way of becoming our stories. I would recommend this book as an excellent place to start for people who want to feel their way into Shin Buddhism. It is exceptionally worthwhile reading.