Naturalness: A Classic of Shin Buddhism

Rating:
Summary: Short book, long read
Review: Kanamatsu's work here isn't that big a volume, to be sure. But to just skim it would be wrong, since the depth of thought that this slim volume can provoke is very great.

In a sense, this is an introductory text to Jodo Shinshu, the True Pure Land School of Mahayana Buddhism. But at the same time, the author focusses this introduction through the critical Shin concept of 'naturalness'. As such, this is no easy concept to digest on a rational, Western level, especially for beginners who might encounter this book. But somehow, Kanamatsu actually manages to pull off an exegesis of this central precept in such a way that it IS accessible...provided one reads carefully and thoughtfully, as such a topic requires. Approached in mindfulness, this is one of those little books that has the potential to be a life-changer! I wouldn't say that this is the best place to start in ones' readings in Shin Buddhism...I would peg that as either Dr. Tanaka's "Ocean" or Dr. Unno's "River of Fire..."...but this is definitely one of the ones to pick up after the very first intro works.

Rating:
Summary: Simplicity
Review: This little volume by Kenryo Kanamatsu is informative and "transformative." It does not only describe the faith underlying Shin Buddhism, perhaps it will also open your heart to an awareness and acceptance of Shin's trust in creation's goodness. The book will lay before you that (often neglected) side of Buddhism that speaks to the heart's yearning to surrender to something great, to our natural impulse and need for devotion. There are more scholarly works on Shin Budhism. This book is more like the poetic expression of a man who has touched Heaven. It is beautiful and true, like the truth it seeks to convey, and it will call you to read its words again and again.