Abstract

Honen, a standard-bearer of the new Buddhism in Kamakura, sought 'a way for all people to be saved' and dedicated his life to propagate it. Despite receiving support from many people and maintaining an unwavering faith amidst persecution, he clarified the essence of 'the teachings of the Pure Land' in relation to everyday life.

Author’s Information

Sachiya Hiro, born in Osaka city in 1936, is a graduate of the Department of Indian Philosophy, Faculty of Letters, the University of Tokyo, and also completed his doctoral program in Indian Philosophy at the Graduate School of Humanities, the University of Tokyo. After serving as a professor at the Meteorological College for 20 years since 1965, he is now active in writing books broadly ranging from explanations of religions, including Buddhism, to essays on Buddhist life and giving lectures around the country. His works, such as "History of Buddhism (10 volumes)", "Shaka", "Buddha" (all published by Shunjusha), "Kannon Sutra: Scripture of Miracles" (Daizou Publishing), "What is Nenbutsu" (Shinchosensho), "Advocacy of 'Madness'" (Shueisha Shinsho), "My 'Namu Myoho Renge Kyo'", "My 'Namu Amida Butsu'", "Sachiya Hiro's 'Daily Sermon'" (all published by Kosho Publishing) are popular across all ages and genders.