SDDSTL Hongwanji Place

Dharma Chatter is a collection of articles by the author that have been printed in the Senshin Buddhist Temple newsletter "Prajna" over the past 25 years.  The collection of short articles cover many subjects.  This book was originally printed in 1993 to commemorate Rev. Kodani's 25 years of service at Senshin Buddhist Temple.

Ryokoku University Press (2006), 152 pages

A presentation of author’s 1972 Doctoral thesis on Shin Buddhism and society in Modern Japan.  The author aims to promote a greater understanding of the origins of Shin Buddhism and the era of dramatic political and social change during which Hongwanji began its rise to a pinnacle of temporal and religious influence. 

Pure Land Publications (1997), paperback, 248 pages

This booklet is a collection of terms, bits of information, and historical facts- cocktail facts that might be of interest to Japanese American Buddhists and Jodo Shinshu Buddhists in particular who have often heard these terms but were never quite sure what they meant in English.

Each term is followed by the written Japanese or Chinese with a character by character translation.  This is to give an idea of the literal meaning of each character and thenuance of the word it forms. A great gift!

Senshin Buddhist Temple (1992), paperback, 108 pages

"Bearer of the Light" provides the reader with a rare opportunity to get a sense of the “inside story” of the life and thoughts of Rennyo, who is known as the “Restorer of the Hongwanji tradition.”  The author,  one of the foremost scholars of Shin Buddhism, shares his insights into Rennyo’s contributions to the development of both the organization and doctrine of Shin Buddhism.  He also offers a fascinating glimpse of Rennyo, the human being.    

Pure Land Publications (1999), paperback, 227 pages

The author has compiled 32 short stories and parables that appear in sutras told from a Buddhist point of view.  The author has interpreted each in the Buddhist way of thinking.  Stories include “Offering Your Body to a Tiger”, “The Bride’s 3 Lessons”, and “The Monk Who Forgot His Lunch”.    

Pure Land Publications (1997), paperback, 210 pages

In this bold and timely study, Rev. Usuki allows the voices of American Buddhist women to be heard and their views on Jodo Shinshu to be clearly known.  Through exhaustive research, surveys and interviews, she points out that women are aware of the stark contrast between the egalitarian teaching of Shinran and the male-dominant, culturally Japanese institution that continues to exist today.  Every woman will enjoy reading this compelling book.

Institute of Buddhist Studies (2007), paperback, 173 pages

The Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-Ha traditions of the Buddha Dharma with respect to the rights of passage, their signficance and meaning.as they are practiced in the Southern District of the Buddhist Churches of America, are presented in this book.  A discussion of the death rituals, including the pre and post funeral practices.

 Pureland Press (1997), 81 pages

This is a collection of sermons of 34 ministers of the Southern District of the BCA.  The sermons were presented through the early 1980’s.  The contents point to the significance of the 7 major Buddhist holidays.  The collection is presented partly in English (31 pages) and partly in Japanese (72 pages).  The collection is a nice remembrance of our ministers, past and present. 

BCA Southern District Ministerial Association (1984), paperback, 104 pages

This book is an adaptation of author’s Japanese work titled "How to Understand Buddhism".  The aim of this book is to provide an understanding of Shin Buddhism within the broader context of religion, in general, and of Mahayana Buddhist philosophy, in particular. 

Pure Land Publications (1989), paperback, 69 pages

This book is an English translation of the author's Japanese work, which is now considered a classic.  "Muyuge" is a collection of the author's poetic writings.  Ms. Kujo was the daughter of Koson Otani, the 21st Monshu of Nishi Hongwanji.   She was a devout follower of Shinran Shonin's teachings, and is responsible for establishing the Fujinkai (Buddhist Women's Association).

The Nembutsu Press (1985), 112 pages

In the history of Jodo Shinshu, there are a number of devout followers called Myokonin.  As a rule, they were uneducated and led a humble life, and they all possessed deep insight and faith.  This book is a compilation of a series of articles written by the author that tells the story of 3 Myokonin, Genza, Osono, and Shoma.    

Pure Land Publications, paperback, 52 pages

This book is an independent journal dedicated to the study and presentation of the Jodo Shinshu teachings in North America.  Writings from 4 authors are presented:  "Some Common Myths About Buddhism", by Rev. Taitetsu Unno; "Buddha’s Law and King’s Law", by Michio Tokunaga; "Shinjin and Social Action in Shinran’s Teaching", by Takamaro Shigaraki; and "Myogo", by Jitsuen Kakehashi.   

Pure Land Publications (1993), paperback, 102 pages

A collection of essays and sermons written by the author that range from short anecdotes to scholarly studies on a variety of Buddhist subjects. Quick reading on topics such as impermanence, karma, compassion & invincibility, and bodhi tree & shinjin.  Over 70 separate Dharma messages in total. 

 Pure Land Publications (1989), paperback, 186 pages

This is an informal book about Buddhist traditions and practices as found in the Hongwanji school (Hongwanji-Ha) of the Jodo Shinshu sect.  Includes chapters on the temple, basic rituals, and holidays and observances.

 Pureland Publications (1995), 84 pages.

An adaptation of Monto Hikkei Kanko-Kai's book, "Jodo Shinshu Monto Hikkei", this book was written for those with little or no knowledge of Jodo Shinshu and contains the basics of what a Jodo Shinshu follower will want to know.

SDDSTL Special Projects Committee-that's us (1995-3rd printing), 90 pages