The Four Noble Truths are at the core of the Buddhadharma. If it is not then it is not Buddhadharma.

Buddha’s First Sermon

Various translations. Only five monks present. Four Noble Truths. Middle way.

Shinran lived in a turbulent time. The Hojoki, written by Kamo no Chomei (1153 or 5 – 1216), is a Japanese literary classic. From a Jodo Shinshu perspective it provides a first person account of events in Kyoto during the time of Shinran (1173 – 1262). This account along with the chronological outline provide historical context to the influences that may have shaped Shinran’s views.

Kamo no Chomei Author of Hojoki

Hojoki Translation of the from Washburn University

Hojoki Another version

Chronological outline of Japanese history

1180 tornado destroys central Kyoto

Gempei Wars: Began in 1180, the year before Shinran is ordained, in Uji, about 14 miles from Kyoto, at the Byodoin.

1180 the capital is moved for a brief time from Kyoto to Settsu in today’s Osaka. Probably the result of political consequences.

Shinran recognized his own inability to approach the resolution of difficulties prescribed in the Four Noble Truths. Amida’s Vow offered an alternate approach.

Nishu jinshin – Two aspects of deep faith

“The second is deep mind. Deep mind is the deeply entrusting mind. There are two aspects. One is to believe deeply and decidedly that you are a foolish being of karmic evil caught in birth-and-death, ever sinking and ever wandering in transmigration from innumerable kappas in the past, with never a condition that would lead to emancipation. The second is to believe deeply and decidedly that Amida Budda’s Forty-eight Vows grasp sentient beings, and that allowing yourself to be carried by the power of the Vow without any doubt or apprehension, you will attain birth.” Collected Works of Shinran, p 85 This quote is from Zendo’s (Shan tao) Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra

Comments on Nishu jinshin  by Wayne Yokoyama

The application of nishu jinshin can have relevance and influence how we individually engage the world.

Identifying and aligning with core values of the Buddhadharma and Shinran’s views are essential to the relevance of an organization.

Built to Last – Core Values

Alignment

Jim Collins (author of Good to Great) and Jerry I. Porras set out to understand what made successful companies. Their research led them to identify 36 great, successful companies. Half of these companies were identified as visionary, the other half were great companies of comparison. Their work is published in the book, Built to Last Successful Habits of Visionary Companies.

Core values define an organization. What are our core values? How does Jodo Shinshu align with the core values of the Buddhadharma? (Good to Great other insights)