Shin Buddhism: Bits of Rubble Turn into Gold

This is a kind of sequel to Taitetsu Unnos other book "River of Fire, River of Water" which I highly recommend reading before this one. That being said, it's not neccesary to read the other book before this one, but this one gains much more value out of this one if one has the knowledge from the past book when reading this.The other book, was a clear masterpiece for my part - it completely transformed my life and concinved me of the pure land path. It had great anecdotes, quotes from shinran, poems, and much more which was extremely helpful in understanding the pure land path, or rather: the jodo-shinshu path in particular.This book, does a very much similar thing to the past book, but goes on to cover a variety of new topics and deepen past topics. There are still poems, and anecdotes, and the like. However, having read approximately 55% of this book at the point of writing, I feel that the more I read of this book, the more I realise how little I actually need this book. It isn't to say that it doesn't contain valueable information, but rather that there's no external help to be found in solving the mysteries I am put in front of. Instead, I am remembered of this quote by Shinran (paraphrased):"As for myself, Shinran, I simply recieve the words of my dear teacher Honen: do the nembutsu. Besides this, there is nothing else."And as such, I find that I continue reading this book more out of general interest and openness to general advice on anything rather than a specific need on guidance.That being said, I do think of this book as incredibly valuable still. In part, because I think my opinion of this book as being 'unnecesary' is partly because this book, helped me realise it was unneccesary. And for that reason, do I highly recommend this book to anyone who liked River of Fire, River of Water, or to newcomers to Taitetsu Unno aswell.

This was my second book to purchase from Mr. Unno. He is a brilliant writer who draws from many rich sources, outside Buddhism and from his personal experience, to illuminate his Shin Buddhist faith. Really, I've read countless books on religion, spirituality and faith and Mr. Unno is absolutely one of the clearest, most inspiring religious authors I've found.

I first read this book when it was published in 2002. I was younger then in so many ways and thought I was hot stuff. What Unno wrote stuck to me like a post-it to a mirror. With only a little heat it slid right off.I am older now and I leave whatever specialness I might have to the appraisal of the compassionate cosmos. What Unno wrote has become the mirror itself. I highly recommend this book and suggest the reader return to it after some years to see how its insights weather.

I cannot say enough about this product. Dr. Unno writes with such expertise and his books can be read by everyone not just scholars. It is as good as "River of Fire, River of Water". I recommend this for anyone interested in Pure Land Buddhism

Excellent book for Shin Buddhist beginners or for those investigating.

Rev. Taitetsu Unno (born 1930) is a scholar, lecturer, and author on the subject of Pure Land Buddhism, and is the founding Sensei of the Northampton Shin Buddhist Sangha. He has also written books such as  River of Fire, River of Water  and  Buddhism of the Heart: Reflections on Shin Buddhism and Inner Togetherness .Here are some quotations from this 2002 book:"If I were to translate 'nembutsu' into English, it would be the 'Name-that-calls,' for it calls us to awaken to our fullest potential to becoming true, real, and sincere human beings." (Pg. 24)"...the millennium may have significance for those who believe in the Second Coming... but it has no special significance for a Buddhist who is a nontheist." (Pg. 55)"There is no need for such a deathbed ritual, because birth in the Pure Land has occurred in the awakening to shinjin here and now." (Pg. 66)"The path of Pure Land, on the other hand, is primarily a way for the laity; it is available to any one, regardless of status, who seeks the path of enlightenment." (Pg. 74)"Buddhism, including Shin, does not give clear and firm directives for everyday living. It is not prescriptive." (Pg. 131)"Transformation is possible by the very fact that Buddhism teaches us that we are all already fully enlightened, although we live in complete ignorance of this elemental fact." (Pg. 202)"Toward the end of his life, (D.T. Suzuki) devoted more and more of his writings to Shin Buddhism (e.g., his "Buddha of Infinite Light"), and his final scholarly accomplishment was the translation of Shinran's major work into English under the title 'The Kyogyoshinsho'..." (Pg. 209)

I love this book. It gives a wonderful introduction to the history and culture of Pure Land Buddhism. I found it very helpful at a difficult time in my life. It's a life affirming book and points toward simple and meaningful ways in which we can get in touch with our feelings and let go of sole responsibility for dealing with them. The book shows how communities can support individuals in their life journeys and how we can rely on other power in times of need.