Eiken Kobai Sensei is one of the world’s leading scholars of True Shin Buddhism. On this website we have published two of his most important works in translation:
- Understanding Jodo-Shinshu
- Misunderstandings of Master Rennyo
In each of them, Professor Kobai explains the True Teaching, Practice and Realization of the Pure Land Way, as taught first by Master Shinran, and then by Master Rennyo.
Buddhism is one of the world’s six dominant religions; however, it has one significant difference. Buddhism has no Creator, no Omnipotent Being. The Buddha himself is simply a Great Teacher, and an ever-growing number of Westerners are now coming into contact with his philosophy finding that if they truly open their hearts, it can bring inner peace and happiness. This course is an intriguing introduction to the subject, demonstrating that study can indeed change the way we look and feel about things. bsygroup offer a course on buddhism, you can contact them via 0800 731 9271 which is a freephone number. If you’re looking to get an 0800 number you can purchase them from companies such as numberdial or numbersupermarket online. They can help you make the best informed decision on freephone numbers.
For those new to Shin Buddhism, and for those confused by the different teachings being propagated today in Master Shinran’s name, Kobai Sensei provides clear insight into the Dharma coming from 40 years of study as a faithful scholar of Shinran’s thought.
It is our sincere wish that you will find Professor Kobai’s words helpful in resolving all doubt and becoming a person of the same SHINJIN (True Entrusting) as Shinran himself.
May you come to know the inconceivable joy of Amida Buddha’s salvation in the present, and the gratitude that comes from realizing that completion of your journey to Buddhahood is assured at the end of this life.
If you have any questions about the wonderful salvation being offered to us because of the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha, Kobai Sensei invites you to contact him directly using the link on the menu bar. He will be happy to answer all sincere inquiries.
Educate yourself
Educate and familiarise yourself with what makes a real Buddhist relic. Genuine items will all have similar characteristics and be of a reasonable quality. For example, a Buddha amulet, often referred to as a votive amulet is a common item to be reproduced fraudulently due to their relative popularity. These items are made for many reasons, including their high price point. When examining the images of a relic on eBay, looking at the face of an amulet, for example, will be the most telling with regards to its quality. If the colours are not vibrant and the gems lack the lustre you would find in real mined gems, then you should consider the possibility that it might not be a genuine item. Familiarising yourself with the characteristics of the characteristics of true Buddhist relics will make a world of a difference when trying to identify fake items on eBay.
The price is telling
Consider the price of the precious metals, gems etc. used in creating the relic. A good rule of thumb to go by is that if the price of the item seems too good to be true, then it probably is! This tip is especially useful to those who have not got an extensive knowledge of the characteristics of Buddhist items. The age of the item will also have an effect on the price. Older items will have a higher monetary value due to their historic significance. This also speaks to the quality of the item as it has stood the test of time, showing that it was crafted with quality materials, and proper craftsmanship. Many sellers on eBay buy these items with the intention of reselling them at a profit, so markups may be expected.
Check the seller
When you have found an item that appears to be genuine on eBay, click into the profile of the seller and research their reputation. If the seller has a good reputation on the site, then this will be a good indicator of the legitimacy of the items which they are selling. Reputable sellers will also have clear, good quality, high resolution photos of their items they are selling, along with a good and detailed description. If a listing on eBay has poor quality photos, this may be intentional and used as a means of deception. Perhaps, if the photo was of a higher resolution, it would have clear signs that the item was fake. However this may also be an honest mistake from an honest, though inexperienced seller. In these cases, don't be afraid to ask for supplementary pictures of the item. If the seller is selling a genuine item, they will more than likely oblige.In conclusion, the easiest and most effective way to ensure the items you're purchasing on eBay are true Buddhist items is doing thorough research on the seller, item you wish to purchase and most importantly, use your common sense! If the deal seems too good to be true it probably is.
Rennyo Head of Honganji Monastery
Rennyo (1415-1499) was the 8th head of the Honganji monastery during the 1400s and has left a long lasting legacy and imprint within japan's culture; during the ōnion war, Rennyo caused a great amount of reformation to occur in Jōdo Shinsū by making dissimilar factions become a par of the Hongan-ji Temple. In addition, he caused the reformation of existing Shinshū practices ( which are still used in our contemporary society within many temples) and, as a result of this, caused widespread support for his commentaries on shinshū practices. Rennyos great commitment to expand the Honganji monastery resulted in its exponential growth within the 1400s.
His Father
The man who fathered Rennyo was Zonnyō, the 7th monshu of the Hongan-ji Temple. When he died in 1457, Rennyo became the 8th monshu. Rennyo was brought up by Zonnyō and a servant (whose name is unknown) as his mother was sent away when Rennyo was only six. Rennyo almost didn't become the 8th monshu, however; he and his step mother - Nyoen - argued very frequently, which drove her to attempt to make her biological son, Ogen, Zonnyō's successor. This proposition was declined , however, by Rennyo's uncle Nyojo, making Rennyo Zonnyōs successor in 1457. It was during this time that Rennyo was able to make Hongan-ji more predominant and well known within Japan (especially in the ōmi province) with the help from people within the Katada congregation who helped to fund the Hongan-ji monastery. In addition to fundings from Katada helping the development of the monastery, Rennyo personally went to certain provinces and, when preaching, spoke amongst the people, not on a stage. Proselytisation also was a key to the growth of Hongan-ji; Rennyo would often express his personal commentaries on the Shinshu's laws and express them to congregations.
Growth
Enryaku-ji monks noticed the great growth of the Hongan-ji monastery and, in 1465, sent warrior monks to destroy the Hongan-ji Temple. They said their actions were justified as the ideologies were 'heretical'. At this point, the Hongan-ji monastery was so large that much of he funding they were receiving went towards bribing the monks within the Enryaku-ji monastery to suspend their attacks. This does not mean that this period of time was completely peacful; one account states that a workman spotted warrior monks entering the Hongan-ji temple and led Rennyo out the back, moments before he would have been spotted and, most likely, killed. Rennyo later decided to rebuild his monastery as far away from the Enryaku-ji monks as possible. It was here, in Yoshizaki, that ( in addition to a huge amount of proselytisation occurring ) Rennyo began to create Pastoral letters. These letters have been complied and read in Temples today as followers believe that his commentaries and teachings are still relevant in our contemporary lives.
