2026 Ryukoku Lectures: Shinran’s Thought on Shinjin and Benefitting Others
Please join us for the 2026 Ryukoku Lecture series to be held on Zoom on
April 8 and 9, 7 – 8:30 p.m., Pacific Time
Rev. Koji Tamaki of Ryukoku University Faculty of Letters, Department of Shin Buddhism
April 8th Lecture: Shinran Shonin’s Understanding of Shinjin: Through the Issue of the “Hindrance of Doubt”
While reflecting on the motivation for writing the Kyogyoshinsho, we will discuss the phrase “hindrance of doubt” and focus on Shinran’s understanding of shinjin.
April 9th Lecture: Shinran’s Thought on “Benefitting Others”: Disciples of the Buddha who Practice Great Compassion
It is commonly discussed that Nembutsu followers will work to return the benevolence they have received, known as ho’on. In contrast, the term “benefitting others” is not emphasized as much. However, if we are to consider Shinran’s Buddhism as a form of the Mahayana Path of the Bodhisattva, then we should place more focus on this notion.