Why read Honen the Buddhist Saint?

Book cover of Honen the Buddhist Saint: Essential Writings and Official Biography

Book description

Priest, saint, and founder of the independent school of Pure Land (Jodo) Buddhism in 12th century Japan, Honen Shonin's importance has been largely unrecognised in the West, even though his legacy includes over twenty million living practitioners of Pure Land Buddhism in Japan. "Honen the Buddhist Saint: His Life And…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Honen the Buddhist Saint as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

David Brazier

Author

Honen Sangha (1133-1212) revolutionised Japanese Buddhism. Famous in his own time yet exiled near to the end of his life he introduced an approach to practice that embraced ordinary people and appealed to all ranks of society. His mould breaking innovation paved the way for the emergence of the several new schools that still dominate the Buddhist scene in Japan today. and his humanity and warmth of character still inspire.

From David's list on The best books on the spirit of Japanese Buddhism.