Shin Buddhism in Modern Culture

Chapter 17 – The Nembutsu

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The term Nembutsu derives from the Sanskrit term buddhanusmrti which means:
- meditating on the Buddha
- calling the name of the Buddha
- becoming a disciple of the Buddha
2. According to the “Meditation Sutra,” for which of the following groups was the practice of the recitation of the name of the Buddha originally intended?
- monks and nuns
- the lowest grade of beings
- well-educated people
3. Shinran regarded the Nembutsu as:
- a religious practice
- a good act
- neither a religious practice nor a good act
4. Which of the following statements is FALSE?
- Shinran made the Nembutsu an existential condition
- with Shinran, the Nembutsu was no longer one practice among many
- Shinran regarded the Nembutsu as a vehicle for salvation

Submit

Thought Questions

1. In chapter VIII of “Tannisho,” it is written that “the saying of Nembutsu is neither a religious practice nor a good act.” If it is neither of these two things, what is the Nembutsu, according to Shinran?

2. Do you think the Nembutsu can become the foundation of the life of the modern Shin Buddhist? In other words, is it possible for people today to “live” the Nembutsu?