Suggested Reading - Pure Land Buddhist Book Reviews

These are all personal book recommendations. 
I, personally, as well as mirrorofdharma.org, do not receive funds of any kind for advertising these books. 
I only wish for those reading Mirror of Dharma Blog to explore these titles for the purposes of learning Buddhism.

Please read and share with your family and friends 
some of these very insightful book titles.

1.) Something You Forgot Along the Way 

Available on Amazon.com

                           This is a wondrous book for beginners of Buddhism as well as those who wish to learn Buddhist wisdom without converting from their own religion. 

                         The book is composed of 65 enlightening short stories. Each one reflects one or more of the virtues contained within the Six Paramitas.  (Generosity, Keeping Promises, Patience, Effort, Self-Reflection, and Wisdom)

                           Author Kentetsu Takamori is a Buddhist teacher, lecturer, and author for more than five decades. He is the chair of one of the largest Pure Land Buddhist schools in Japan and the world. 

 Author Kentetsu Takamori's Facebook Page

                          Mr. Takamori's book is filled with wise quotations from philosophers all around the globe that reflect the universal truths taught in Buddhism. 

                         But a picture can be worth a thousand words, so his work also features exceptionally beautiful photographs of nature sprinkled throughout the book.  They are visually appealing to the eyes offering a moment of nature's peace within our often hectic urban lives.

                         This thought-provoking piece of literature is a great addition to have on your coffee table. Reflecting on one story a day will strengthen you as you move forward on your spiritual journey. It will definitely provide you with guidance and insight.

                          Gift this to a family member, significant other or friend.

                          Lastly, here's a sample passage I'd like to share from it:

On Wonderful Fruits

Our struggle is, in the end, a struggle with

 the self – a struggle that must be carried

on. Like muscle training, developing the

soul is an extremely painful process.

Endure and persevere.

Tangible things may get stolen,

disintegrate, break, disappear; the

invisible treasure of the soul is

indestructible. Whatever pain you suffer

will be rewarded in full.

Wonderful fruits will be yours.

(Something You Forgot Along the Way, p. 54)

2.) If you plant seeds of happiness, 

flowers of happiness will bloom

Available on Amazon.com

                         This wonderful book came out just last February and is selling strong. Its pages teach us the Law of Cause and Effect in a very practical way. We all can relate to the handy spiritual advice written in here.

                           The author, Kazushi Okamoto, shares his vast experience teaching thousands of Buddhist lectures over the years. He has talked one-on-one with scores of people and has shared all his insight from counseling so many individuals over the years.

Seeds of Happiness Book Facebook Page

                            Likewise, we too can learn how to apply Buddhist wisdom directly to our own challenges. Here is one passage that explores how we deal with blame in our lives:

                          "Generally, there are two types of reactions: The first is to take things out on others. People of this type blame all their failures on other people and criticize those around them. The second type takes things out on themselves, criticizing themselves more than necessary. The type of person who ignores his own responsibility and criticizes others tends to be an object of dislike to those around him, all unawares. But he may not suffer much from the pangs of self-hatred.

                          The overly self-critical person who is quick to take all the blame may very well be regarded as a nice person. But, lacking the self-confidence in himself, he will suffer in silence from emotional distress.

                           If the root of the problem really is in yourself, you must of course reflect on it and amend it. But to assume that everything is 'my fault' or 'my responsibility' is just to hurt oneself without reason, and is not a good thing at all."

(If You Plant Seeds of Happiness, Flowers of happiness will bloom, p. 76)

                          The book goes on to give a real-life example that occurred to a woman who felt overwhelmed with demands at work. Step by step, Mr. Okamoto reveals insights into her story which also provide us with the keys for success in our relationships.

                           Filled with brilliantly inspired cartoons and insightful lessons, this is a wonderful and necessary addition to the library of someone seeking their True Self. It also yields to us a greater understanding of how exactly the universe operates according to the principles of Cause and Effect.

                           I highly encourage this book for beginners to grasp fundamental concepts in Buddhism on a deeper, more heart-to-heart level. You'll find no other self-help book out there is quite like this. You will be pleasantly surprised.

3.) Unshakable Spirit

Available on Amazon.com

           Unshakable Spirit is another collection of short stories that teach the Buddhist virtues of wisdom and compassion. By examining the heart of Buddhist philosophy and way of life, each story explores the beneficial effects of patience, harmony, and effort and how they directly contribute to our own happiness due to the universal truth contained within the Law of Cause and Effect.

           By looking squarely at ourselves as being responsible for our own destiny, we refrain from blaming others. We endeavor toward keeping peace with one another, because in a cooperative spirit our independent efforts can become doubled. If we consistently and persistently choose to do the right thing, in time it will bring happiness for sure.

           One by one, the diverse tales from cunning strategic moves made in battle to tender insights made from motherhood, we are made to see our own nature and are further encouraged to make the best choices that lead us to our own happiness. Rather than be one who reacts in a rash manner to catastrophe, we become one who knows the wisest steps to take first with an "unshakable spirit."

                 Here's a short excerpt:

On the Solemnity of Truth

Truth has no relation to human thought

or convenience

Whether we accept the truth or not,

whether it amazes us or not,

whether we feel right about it or not,

whether it suits our convenience or not

– none of this has any bearing on the truth.

Herein lies its solemnity.

(Unshakable Spirit, p. 102)

          This is an introspective and cultural work that explores the depths of self. Though each story is short in length, its content can be contemplated for much longer than it takes to read. Make sure to pick up this little book of wisdom when you get the chance. It will be worth the read for sure.
                      


4.) The Story of Buddha: A Graphic Biography

Available on Amazon.com

                        Knowledge of Buddhism begins with knowing who was the Buddha. This Buddhist comic book is very unique in that it is an animated look at one of the most revolutionary spiritual figures in history, Shakyamuni Buddha.

Story of Buddha Facebook Page

                       Learn about Prince Siddhartha Gautama and follow his journey from royal life to ascetic practices to Buddhahood through riveting animations and expository dialogue. This is a must have for those who simply love all things anime as well as those who prefer learning visually.



5.) You Were Born for a Reason: The Real Purpose of Life

Available on Amazon.com

                   You Were Born for a Reason can almost be described as the essential textbook for Pure Land Buddhism. This is for someone very interested in studying Pure Land Buddhism and perhaps wanting to become a more serious follower of the Pure Land path.

                   The first half of the book explores the facets of our lives and reveals to us the Buddha's truth that "having and not having is the same." It beckons us to think deeply on ourselves and our own life. We are then presented with the idea of an attainable absolute form of happiness.

                   The second half of the book teaches us through the experiences of a monk by the name of Master Shinran. Through his journey from self-powered Buddhism to other-powered Buddhism, we understand the root meanings and teachings of the Pure Land School.

                   A sequel to this book is currently in the process of translation.



6.) Unlocking Tannisho: Shinran's Words on the Pure Land Path

Available on Amazon.com

              Unlocking Tannisho is a powerhouse of Pure Land Buddhist study and information. However, this book is not recommended for those who are new to the teachings as there could be a lot of confusion and misunderstanding.

              The original work Tannisho was a very famous piece of Pure Land Buddhist literature published several hundred years ago. The title literally means, "Lamenting the Deviations." It goes on to explain common mistakes and false beliefs that were made by priests who misunderstood the teachings. The book was so controversial that it was kept hidden from the general public's view for centuries.

              The book Unlocking Tannisho is the latest and most authoritative translation and commentary on the Tannisho ever written. This book is aimed at the level of religious scholars and serious students of Pure Land Buddhism. It is a must-read for those seeking the truth and who have all ready built a solid foundation by having read all the other books listed above.

Pure Land Buddhist Books - Publisher Facebook Page

Buy a copy of one or more of these precious books!

Or see if a copy is available at a library near you!

Original Photo by Loughborough University Library available on Flickr.com

Schools of Buddhism

               Buddhism is the study of happiness. It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, a prince in India who was born in 560 B.C. At age 35, he became enlightened.

Original Photo by soham_pablo available on Flickr.com

               In Japan, he is more widely known by the honorific title, Sakyamuni Buddha. Sakyamuni means "Sage of the Sakyas," and Sakya was the name of his family's clan. Buddha means "Enlightened One" or "Awakened One." Sakyamuni's teachings were later compiled into 84,000 written works known as sutras. These lessons lead us toward becoming enlightened.

               We are all moving forward on this path to enlightenment. You may have heard the word nirvana to describe this state of absolute happiness.

                The teachings of the Buddha are known as the Mirror of Dharma because they reflect our true nature to us. They do this in order for us to achieve a state of everlasting, supreme joy.

               Just as there are many branches or sects within other major religions, there are many different schools of Buddhism. Some schools have more emphasis on certain sutras or lessons while others schools have a more graduated approach to the teachings of Buddha.

               All branches of Buddhism freely welcome anyone to attend services regardless of affiliations to other religions. In this way, it is a religion that promotes harmony with everyone.

               All Buddhist philosophy revolves around an understanding of the Law of Cause and Effect. In short, this principle is condensed in the following three lines:

Good deeds bring good results.

Bad deeds bring bad results.

Your own deeds bring your own results.

               By understanding this law deeply, you can accept responsibility of your actions and transform your future destiny by performing as many good deeds as you can now.

               Beyond these introductory concepts, many differences arise in each school's method of instruction of how to ultimately arrive at absolute happiness.

               There are two major categories within Buddhist schools, Theravada and Mahayana.

Buddha

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Mahayana                                                  Theravada

          "Great Vehicle"                                      "Teaching of the Elders"

               Theravada Buddhism arose in Southeast Asia and is the oldest school of Buddhism. It is also known as the small vehicle because only a few can follow the difficult practices. This teaching is centered around benefiting yourself and being happy yourself above others.

Original Photo by fyunkie available on Flickr.com

                Mahayana Buddhism became popular in India, China, and Japan. It is known as the great vehicle because it aims to include as many as possible in achieving enlightenment. Its principle philosophy could be stated as "my happiness makes you happy." It follows the core concept: benefit self, benefit others.

Original Photo by rahuldlucca available on Flickr.com

               Sakyamuni Buddha passed away at the age of 80. Nine hundred years later, a figure known as Ryuju-Bosatsu was born. His arrival was foretold by Sakyamuni. Ryuju-Bosatsu helped clarify the essence of the Dharma. He was also known as Nagarjuna and is respected in India and many places around the world as "Little Buddha."

                Ryuju-bosatsu taught that the purpose of Buddhism was not to benefit only yourself but to benefit all people and make everyone happy. This concept of benefit self, benefit others helped to increase the popularity of the Mahayana school throughout Asia.

               Within Mahayana Buddhism, there are two kinds of schools, the difficult path and the easy path.

Easy Path                                                            Difficult Path

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Enlightenment

               There are 52 levels of enlightenment, and according to Pure Land Buddhism, only Sakyamuni Buddha has reached the highest level of supreme enlightenment. Each path has a different approach on how to reach this level. The difficult path teaches us to reach the 52nd level one by one, whereas the easy path teaches us to jump a multitude at once.

               Nagarjuna had a very strong will and painstakingly made it to the 41st level one by one. Only two other figures have been able to do such extreme ascetic practices. Once at this level, he realized he couldn't go any further. Nagarjuna learned at this state that it was too difficult to obtain Buddhahood in the way Sakyamuni had. Because so few could achieve this type of enlightenment, he discovered it was not true Mahayana.

               The easy path is Pure Land Buddhism. In this method, one can jump all the way up to the 51st level from the very bottom. It is the shortest, most direct path toward enlightenment. Nagarjuna said that this was true Mahayana. He then abandoned his 41 levels of self-power Buddhism, and jumped to the 51st level through other-power Buddhism. This other-power is made possible through the wonder of Amida's Vow. This easy path is True Buddhism.

               The difficult path includes schools like Zen and Tibetan Buddhism which both practice meditation. Many people around the world often practice their meditations in order to just take a rest, reflect on themselves, or obtain calm for a few minutes here and there between work and study. But true Zen is not this simple type of relaxation exercise that one can start and stop so quickly. It involves very hard work. You can't hold full-time work, marry, or eat meat in order to practice it fully. 

                Another historical person within Buddhism is Bodhi-Daruma. Often he is depicted in round-shaped figurines known as Daruma dolls. The reason for this shape is that Daruma practiced ascetic training for nine years staring at a wall without moving.

Original Photo by Macskafaraok available on Flickr.com

               As a result of this activity, he lost both his arms and legs due to poor blood circulation. This extreme type of meditation has no room for Disneyland, music, going out, eating meat, or marriage. It is a concentration with all of one's will power to eliminate all desire. One must observe the mind and all the thoughts it harbors.

               Thus the true teaching of Zen is to climb the ladder of enlightenment by eliminating all desire. Such a person must seriously dedicate their whole life to such a practice and have very little to no free time. 

               After all his efforts, Daruma established the Zen school at attaining only the 30th level of enlightenment. This practice is so rigorous that one has to cut off all ties to the normal world, foregoing career, loved ones, family, and all the things we enjoy in life.

               It may be a way to calm the mind, but for Pure Land Buddhists, it is not suited well for attaining Buddha's enlightenment. In such a difficult path, only a few can be saved.

               The easy path is Amida's Vow, the Pure Land Way. Once we are 100% sure of Amida Buddha's salvation, only then can we be truly happy in this life. This type of other-power faith allows us to jump to the 51st level of enlightenment, just one under Buddhahood, and while still alive. Then after death, we are born in the Pure Land and attain enlightenment there.

               No type of rigorous training or ascetic practice is required for this absolute form of happiness. We only have to listen to Amida's Vow from a true Buddhist master. The current living master of Pure Land Buddhism is Kentetsu Takamori from Japan. A few of his works published in English are displayed below.

                To know True Buddhism clearly and concisely, make all efforts to listen to his teachings directly in order for you to obtain the purpose of life as quickly as possible. 

                In this Mirror of Dharma blog, I am sharing what I have learned from his lectures in order to bring awareness and exposure to the Pure Land way and so that one and all may obtain absolute happiness in this lifetime.