xii, 487 pages ; 24 cm; The historical development of nembutsu : from meditation to recitation -- An outline of Collected teachings of Hōnen : the Japanese anthology -- A chronology of events during the lifetime of Hōnen -- Commentary on the three sutras of Pure Land Buddhism -- The covenant -- An outline of the doctrine for birth in the pure land -- Essential discourse on birth in the pure land through nembutsu -- The significance of the threefold devotional heart -- Instructions in the seven articles -- An outline of nembutsu -- An outline of the essentials of Jōdo Shū -- A reply to the Lady Kujō -- A reply to the nun holding the second rank in the court of Kamakura -- Dialogue on the essentials of nembutsu -- A reply to Tarō Sanehide in Ōgo -- A reply to the Lady of Tarō Sanehide in Ōgo -- A reply to the lay priest in Kumagai -- A reply to the lay priest Saburō in Tsunoto -- A letter to an eminent monk in Kuroda -- A reply to Kōmyō-bō in Ecchū -- A letter to Nun Shōnyo-bō -- Instructioin to Zenshō-bō -- Dialogue on twelve topics -- Dialogue on twelve issues -- Dialogue on one hundred forty-five topics -- A dialogue between Hōnen-shōnin and Myōhen-sōzu -- The sayings of Hōnen-shōnin as stated by his disciples -- The statement sent to Mount Hiei -- Instruction to a devotee -- Replies to Saburō in Tsunoto -- Instruction to a lady -- Essentials for birth in the pure land through nembutsu -- Dialogue on ten issues at Tōdai-ji Temple -- Letters -- Admonitions for the attainment of birth in the pure land.; "Hōnen Shōnin, who lived in Japan in the twelfth century, saw that the complexity of traditional Buddhist practices made them inaccessible to people outside the monastic elite. Drawing on the Chinese Pure Land tradition, he re-imagined Pure Land practice for Japan and ushered in a new and dynamic practice that continues in the present day. In our degenerate age, says Hōnen, we cannot hope to reach enlightenment via the practices employed by the Buddhist masters of old. For us there is only one avenue to liberation--rebirth in the Pure Land of Amida, from whence our progress is irreversible and our ultimate release assured. The Pure Land is a heavenly destination made manifest through the pure vow of Amida to save all beings, and we secure passage to this land in our next life through pure faith in Amida at the very moment of death. The practice of faith in Amida is performed through nembutsu, the continual recitation of the mantra Namo Amida Butsu, which bonds us to Amida and brings us into his care."--Jacket.; 

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