Ⅳ02. SHIN is PRASADA
A clear, untainted, true state of mind is called “prasada” in Sanskrit. “Shinjin” which is considered important in Buddhism, refers to this state of mind.
Shinran, a Mahayana Buddhist who appeared in medieval Japan, tried to teach people that the state of mind known as “Shinjin (prasada) is open to everyone.
Shinran studied Pure Land Buddhism, one of the Mahayana schools that was transmitted to Japan from India via China over a period of more than 1,000 years.
The words that Shinran inherited from his teacher and held dear were “ji-shin-kyou-nin-shin”. It means “to teach, believe and communicate to others what you truly believe in with all your heart.”
That was the most important thing for Shinran. Because this is what is most important in Sangha’s relationships.
The essence of religion must be the state of mind of “belief.” Merely pretending to believe on the surface cannot be considered true “faith”.
We must believe in the truth that is in line with natural order, not our own selfish assumptions and preconceptions. If not, then it’s not something we should really believe.
It is only a belief based on man’s own ego. There is no way that can be true.
Believing strongly in something without any basis can make you over enthusiastic or even fanatical. This is merely a human’s blind belief. This is called blind faith.
We must have the capacity to believe in truth that is justified by reason. Understanding the truth naturally calms the mind and brings tranquility and peace. The important thing is to keep your mind collected while interacting with others.
I want to put my belief into that which I can believe without doubt.
And I want to share that and resonate with people.
The Mahayana thought of Pure Land Buddhism that Shinran mastered is called “Jodo Shinshu.” This Shinran’s teaching, which has spread overseas, is called “Shin Buddhism” in English.
The word pronounced “shin” can be rephrased as “truth,” “belief,” and “heart.”
Jodo Shinshu should be a religion that places the utmost importance on “prasada”, a peaceful and tranquil state of mind based on truth.
That is “Shin Buddhism” that has been passed down to me.
Ⅰ_Japanese Spirituality
01. Buddhism in Japan
02. Thanks to all living beings for my life here and now.
03. Becoming One with the Buddha
04. Light from the other shore
Ⅱ_The teachings of Buddha and Mahayana thought
01. HANAMATSURI -The Beginnings of Buddhism-
02. Anyone can become a Buddha, it depends on you.
Ⅲ_Prince Shotoku’s Buddhist Dharma
01. Buddha in Japan
02. Ideal of sincerity, courtesy, and harmony
03. What’s false? What’s truth?
Ⅳ_The true state of mind conveyed by Shinran
01. The Three Treasures of Buddhism
02. SHIN is PRASADA
03. Neither a monk nor an layperson
Ⅴ_Listen to namamdhabud
01. The Resonance of Light and Life
02. Living Nembutsu
