The Teachings Essential for Rebirth: A Study of Genshin’s ŌjōyōshūAllan A. Andrews

Excerpt

‘Among causes of rebirth, nembutsu is fundamental.’

These words, which became the motto for a great tide of Pure Land faith in Japan of the thirteenth century, are those of the Ōjōyōshū 往生要集, ‘A Collection of Essentials on Pure Land Rebirth’, by the Tendai Priest Genshin 源信.They may be said to epitomize the teachings of that work. But why should one seek rebirth into Amitābha Buddha’s Pure Land? Why is nembutsu (‘Buddha-reflection’) the best way to achieve it? …These were some of the crucial issues of faith addressed by the Ōjōyōshū. It gathered together the most important scriptural passages on hell and the Pure Land, on nembutsu and its cultivation, and on the possibility of Pure Land rebirth, and presented these as a doctrinal synthesis and manual of devotions to its own and later ages. it became one of the most widely read books in Japanese literature, calling forth Pure Land faith and nembutsu endeavor in many generations of believers. It is the purpose of the present study to place this work in its historical and doctrinal setting and to introduce it to Western readers.

1973. viii + 133 pages.
Hardback. [Out of print]