Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki (1870-1966) was one of the primary modern interpreters of Zen for the West. He is the author of many books, among them Manual of Zen Buddhism, Essays in Zen Buddhism, and Zen in Japanese Culture.
This volume is a revised edition of a
work first published in 1970 based on D.T. Suzuki's lectures at the
American Buddhist Academy in the 1950s. Although Pure Land Buddhism
originated in India, it flowered during the 13 th century in Japan
under the teachings of Shinran (1172-1263). Devotees of this
spiritual practice were drawn primarily from the peasant class.
According to D.T. Suzuki, Amida
Buddha is infinite light and eternal life. A simple repetition of
his name with singleness of heart is to step into the Pure Land a
transcendent realm. This devotional path emphasizes faith in "other
power." Salvation is all Amida's work: there is nothing one can do.
In fact, pride (self-power) has no place in the Pure Land where
everything is dependent on grace. As Taitetsu Unno points out in
the introduction, Shin Buddhism agrees with Christianity on this
point.
The simple adoration involved in the
vow "I take refuge in Amida Buddha" colors the everyday activities
of Pure Land believers. Suzuki characterizes their lives as
animated by humility, kindness, and joy. The way of devotion
results in "excellence of person." And this state, in turn, emits
"the wonderful of spirituality."Frederic A. Brussat, Values and
Visions , April 1998
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