Abstract

"An Autobiographical Essay by a Nun": The author, who entered the Buddhist order at the age of five in 1938 (Showa 13), underwent training and education, and has since served as a leader at the Aichi Specialty Nunnery, guiding and nurturing many nuns. At a time when the nature of religion (and religious individuals) is being questioned, this autobiographical essay illuminates the potential future of Buddhism (and Buddhists) through the lens of the author's life, which has spanned the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras, embodying the lifestyle of a nun.

Author’s Information

Shundou Aoyama
Born in Aichi Prefecture in 1933, Shundou Aoyama is a Zen monk. She graduated from Komazawa University's Department of Buddhist Studies and completed a graduate degree at the same university. At the age of five, she entered the Soto sect's Muryo-ji temple, took her vows at fifteen, and began her monastic life at the Aichi Special Nunnery. From 1976, she has served as the head of the same nunnery. She concurrently serves as the head priest of Shohoji Temple, Higashi-do of Muryo-ji Temple, and others. In 2006, she received the Buddhism Propagation Merit Award. She is also a professor of tea ceremony and flower arrangement. She has authored numerous books, including "Zen Teachings for 12 Months" published in 2018.