“The Narrative Structure of Tannishō: Portrayals of Other Power and self-power in Shin buddhist Life”

Participation is free. Please register by email to nottelmann_AT_eko-haus.de

Tannishō is one of the most polular texts in the Jōdo Shinshū tradition. Written by Yuien, a follower of Shinran Shōnin, the bold and offen channging words of this "raor-edged scripture" have intrigued nembutsu practicers throughout the years. The text is, moreover, a captivating work literatur, the impact of which has been felt far beyond the boundaries of Shin Buddhism.

Most studies of Tannishō focus on its dramatic doctrinal declarations, such as, "Even a good person attains birth in the Pure Land, so it goes without saying that an evil person will" or "Hell is decidedly my home." In this seminar we will emphasize the narrative strcture of Tannishō, which is formed by Yuien's recors of messages, exchanges and stories involving Shinran and his followers. We will consider how that structure offers stories or portrayals of the multiple levels at which the mind of Other Power and the mind of self-power operate within the thoughts, actions, and lives of Shin Buddhists.