Abstract

In the “Chapter on Practice” of the Kyōgyōshinshō 教行信証, Shinran 親鸞 cites Shandao’s 善導 subcommentary, the Wangsheng lizan 往生礼讃, instead of his major work, the Guanjing shu 観経疏, to discuss his understanding of the Great Practice (Daigyō 大行). The Wangsheng lizan primarily focuses on the Pure Land Buddhist practices of “worship” and “praising.” Shinran cites this text to demonstrate the special characteristic of the “Great Practice.” It is not a practice in which sentient beings “express their devotion with recitations of Amitābha’s Name.” Rather, it is Amitābha’s “working” to guide sentient beings to true and real faith. In other words, the nembutsu as the praising of the virtues of Amitābha by the various Buddhas and good Dharma teachers becomes the voice of nembutsu recommending (teaching) people who have yet to encounter Amitābha Buddha.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.