Practices and Perspectives

The Southern District Ministers’ Association has developed an extensive set of brochures covering introductory topics in Buddhism, the history and practices of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, and contemporary perspectives. The content is featured on pages throughout our website; the full set of brochures are available below.

Introductory Topics

• Introduction to Buddhism
• Introduction to Shin Buddhism
• Buddhist Churches of America
• Buddhist Altar (Naijin Shrine)
• Buddhist Etiquette
• Memorial Service Observances
• Dharma Name (Homyo)
• Buddhism and Other World Religions

Shin History & Teaching

• Life of Shinran Shonin
• The Primal Vow -Hongwan-
• Eshinni and Kakushinni
• Ondobo: Nembutsu Fellows, Equal and Free
• Rennyo -Five Conditions for a Settled Life-
• The Jodo Shinshu Temple in America

Buddhist Perspectives

• Buddhism and Economics
• Happiness
• Mindfulness
• Wishes, Hopes and Prayers
• Meaning of Death
• Mythology and Superstition
• Relationships and Sexuality
• Marriage
• Same Gender Marriage
• Drugs and Alcohol
• Suicide
• No Soul and Being Reality Itself
• This World and the Other World

Japanese Language Materials

• Gobunsho (御文章-ごぶんしょう)
• The Meaning of Namo Amida Butsu 1 (南無阿弥陀仏って-なんのこと1)
• The Meaning of Namo Amida Butsu 2 (南無阿弥陀仏って-なんのこと2)
• This World and the Other World (この世と-あの世)
• Suicide (自死について)

Published by the Buddhist Churches of America, Southern District Ministers’ Association with funding from the Southern District Council.