Shinran And Me

K. Ken Fujimoto

Over the years, my appreciation and understanding of Shinran has changed. I no longer feel comfortable referring to him as Shinran Shonin. It is not that I no longer respect him for what he did and the teachings that he left us, but rather, there is now a sense of closeness and affinity that makes it feel awkward to refer to him as the Shonin or Saint. When I was younger, Shinran Shonin was a great religious thinker and teacher to me. Over the years, he has transcended that and has become a close teacher and friend. When you have an old friend, there are many instances where you no do not have to spend time “catching up.” You can just start from where you are and get into expressing real feelings and issues. In that process, we often have feelings of, “Oh! Have you felt that way too!” or “Wow! You, too?”

The similarity in experiences has led to a sense of closeness that cannot be explained or measured. His words have changed from teachings to a sharing of experience that ring true. Not only are they true, but they are honest expressions of deep reflection that only a friend can share with you.

That is why when I read passages like those above from the Hymns of the Dharma – Age, Shinran is not just expounding the teaching, but giving us insight into his reflection and introspection. Because of the honesty and depth of his lament, it gives us hope. It gives us hope because we can see that if Shinran felt this way, it is alright for us to have similar thoughts.

He is showing us our shortcomings and internal contradictions, not by pointing fingers at us, but by looking into himself, like a good friend. He does not yell or reprimand us, but through his own self reflection and insight shows us his internal turmoil and conflict. He shares with us his innermost feelings, something only the best of friends would do. In that process of sharing, he guides and directs each of us.

His greatness as a thinker and teacher has not diminished in my eyes. That greatness is still there, but it has been transcended by his honesty and friendship. We do not overlook the qualities and abilities of a friend, but there is something more valuable in the sharing of experience that over ride the greatest of talents. Just as we do not refer to a friend by titles in personal or private conversation, I cannot refer to Shinran as Shonin any longer.

A little housekeeping – The Minister’s Assistant’s Program sessions will be starting in October. We will begin with the care and maintenance of the naijin, naijin etiquette, chanting, an outline of Buddhist history and doctrine and an outline of Jodo Shinshu history and doctrine.

We are currently looking at the second and fourth Wednesday and Thursday of each month. Details will follow. Please remember, anyone interested is welcome to attend all or part of this program, but those planning on taking this for certification will be required to attend all of the sessions.