No Doubt: A Shin Buddhist Approach

In this episode, we take a look at how Shin Buddhists can approach the issue of ecumenical work and interfaith dialogue. This will segway into the overarching issue of what the Shin Buddhist religious identity is. Is it really sincere to say, "All religions are all getting to the same place anyway," or does meaningful interfaith dialogue require something more from us?

In this episode, we take a look at one possible interpretation of the Shin Buddhist approach to the issue of abortion, a topic that has resurfaced in American news recently. Using this as a springboard, we will look at the issue of Shin Buddhist ethics in general as well.  

Happy New Year! Today, we will look at some of the basic points of Jodo Shinshu, a school of Pure Land Buddhism. FYI, a couple of head-scratching terms are thrown in there, but hey, what's Buddhism without a few of those! In the second half, we will look at a possible Buddhist interpretation of the turbulent times we face. The nembutsu is how we can tap into the selfless humanity embracing all beings.  To a hopeful new year! Gassho.  

In this episode, we reexamine the notion of "religion" and whether Jodo Shinshu falls in this category. Through this discussion, we find that according to Jodo Shinshu, religion is the truth that enables you to live a truly authentic life. Be the sakura flower Dharma friends, but know that what makes you possible is a greater Life Source...Gassho  

In this episode, we take a look at the issue of recent trends in the promotion and acceptance of conspiracy theories and about the goggles that we all wear.  

In this episode, we look at the recent issue of anti-Asian American attacks and one concern that can be raised regarding this issue from a Buddhist standpoint.  

It's been 3 months! Time for a new episode and Happy New Year everyone. In this episode, we look at the issue of "evil" and how it is easy to misunderstand the significance of this teaching in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Take a listen while you enjoy a cup of coffee...or a cup of tea....it'll make sense later, I promise. 

Welcome to Episode 7 of the series No Doubt. My apologies for the small hiatus, but many changes in my schedule made it hard to upload a new episode. Hopefully, an episode will be posted every three months from now on until I drop dead... In this episode, we will take a look at the Shin Buddhist perspective on the pandemic and about wearing masks. In the second half, we will take a look into the meaning of Namo Amida Butsu and what the heck this phrase actually means. 

In this episode, we will look at the issue of racism and social inequality and what Shin Buddhism has to say about this. In short, Amida's Great Compassion gives us the courage and audacity to look thoroughly at the self. In the second segment, we will focus on what the definition of "humanity" is. Thought you had it? For this, let's turn to an unlikely source—the terminator. Tune in to see why!   

In this episode, we will look at the Jodo Shinshu stance on the issue of Capital Punishment. In doing so, we will look at the issue of ethics in general. In the second half, we will look at doubt defined as "two minds" or the "wavering mind" as well as talk about what doubt is directed towards. 

In this episode of No Doubt, we will look at the commonly used phrase "Rest in Peace" and whether Shin Buddhists can get behind that phrase. Spoiler alert: we can't. However, there is a much cooler phrase that I think we can agree with, which is "Rest in Power." In the second segment, we will continue with the topic of doubt and how it is related to human contrivance and calculation. 

In this episode of No Doubt, we will take a look at the phrase "bachi ga ataru," where one is believed to be punished for doing something wrong. In addition, what is the Shin Buddhist stance on ghosts and the supernatural? In the second segment, we will continue with the topic of doubt in Shinran Shonin's thought. Doubt is also synonymous with human calculative thinking, human rationality and reasoning, as well as human discriminative thinking.   

In this episode, we take a look at the Shin Buddhist (Jodo Shinshu) view on the issue of luck. How does Shin Buddhism look at such things as talisman, omamori, Greek and Chinese Zodiac, astrology, and auspicious days. In the second segment, we will look at how Shinran Shonin, the founder of this school of Buddhism, defines doubt as what I call "karmic currency." 

Welcome to the first episode of No Doubt. Here we will first look at the issue of whether one can be a Buddhist and a part of a different religion. In the second part, we will look at the issue of doubt in Shinran Shonin's thought. This is the first of five episodes and here we will address how doubt is synonymous with the term self-power.