Are there "Myokonin" in Jodo Shu?
Are there "Myokonin" in Jodo Shu?
I've found the stories of the Myokonin very inspiring - as we all do, I think. I'm curious, is there anything similar in Jodo Shu? There's so little in English, and I find exemplary lives can be so valuable, in addition to reading the teachings.
Zheng Shen
Sayings of the Pure Land Buddhist Masters
https://www.facebook.com/people/Sayings ... 295437647/
Plain Words on the Pure Land Way
https://www.facebook.com/PlainWordsOnThePureLandWay/
Sayings of the Pure Land Buddhist Masters
https://www.facebook.com/people/Sayings ... 295437647/
Plain Words on the Pure Land Way
https://www.facebook.com/PlainWordsOnThePureLandWay/
Re: Are there "Myokonin" in Jodo Shu?
The short answer is yes, and it is referenced in both Jodo-shu and Jodo Shin-shu literature: http://jodoshuzensho.jp/daijiten/index. ... D%E4%BA%BA
As a rough translation, this dictionary defines myokonin as sole-nembutsu practitioners who excel in faith and practice. In the Contemplation Sutra, nembutsu practitioners are likened a "the white lotus among people" and Shandao clarifies this as encompassing five types of praiseworthy people: 好人・妙好人・上上人・希有人・最勝人 (roughly good, wonderfully good=myokonin, superior, rare, and supreme people). In the Senchakushu, Honen defines these and says myokonin refers to the names of those who act crudely (? not too sure how to translate:待麁惡而所稱).
The entry notes that the term is often used to praise people who case aside miscellaneous practices and take refuge in correct practices. The Chinzei-branch patriarch Ryogyo specifically related myokonin to the merit of the precepts. In Shin-shu, however, with the publication of Myokonin Biographies in the late Edo period, they became an ideal for practitioners of that sect.
As a rough translation, this dictionary defines myokonin as sole-nembutsu practitioners who excel in faith and practice. In the Contemplation Sutra, nembutsu practitioners are likened a "the white lotus among people" and Shandao clarifies this as encompassing five types of praiseworthy people: 好人・妙好人・上上人・希有人・最勝人 (roughly good, wonderfully good=myokonin, superior, rare, and supreme people). In the Senchakushu, Honen defines these and says myokonin refers to the names of those who act crudely (? not too sure how to translate:待麁惡而所稱).
The entry notes that the term is often used to praise people who case aside miscellaneous practices and take refuge in correct practices. The Chinzei-branch patriarch Ryogyo specifically related myokonin to the merit of the precepts. In Shin-shu, however, with the publication of Myokonin Biographies in the late Edo period, they became an ideal for practitioners of that sect.
Re: Are there "Myokonin" in Jodo Shu?
Many thanks! I hope more will be available in English soon - but this is very helpful!源食う wrote: ↑Wed Nov 16, 2022 1:32 am The short answer is yes, and it is referenced in both Jodo-shu and Jodo Shin-shu literature: http://jodoshuzensho.jp/daijiten/index. ... D%E4%BA%BA
As a rough translation, this dictionary defines myokonin as sole-nembutsu practitioners who excel in faith and practice. In the Contemplation Sutra, nembutsu practitioners are likened a "the white lotus among people" and Shandao clarifies this as encompassing five types of praiseworthy people: 好人・妙好人・上上人・希有人・最勝人 (roughly good, wonderfully good=myokonin, superior, rare, and supreme people). In the Senchakushu, Honen defines these and says myokonin refers to the names of those who act crudely (? not too sure how to translate:待麁惡而所稱).
The entry notes that the term is often used to praise people who case aside miscellaneous practices and take refuge in correct practices. The Chinzei-branch patriarch Ryogyo specifically related myokonin to the merit of the precepts. In Shin-shu, however, with the publication of Myokonin Biographies in the late Edo period, they became an ideal for practitioners of that sect.
Zheng Shen
Sayings of the Pure Land Buddhist Masters
https://www.facebook.com/people/Sayings ... 295437647/
Plain Words on the Pure Land Way
https://www.facebook.com/PlainWordsOnThePureLandWay/
Sayings of the Pure Land Buddhist Masters
https://www.facebook.com/people/Sayings ... 295437647/
Plain Words on the Pure Land Way
https://www.facebook.com/PlainWordsOnThePureLandWay/