Welcome to Being Bombu, a site dedicated to the practice and path of Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land) Buddhism. Also known as Shin or simply Pure Land Buddhism, Jodo Shinshu welcomes each of us as we are - warts and all. Founded over 800 years ago in Japan by the former Tendai monk Shinran Shonin, it is now one of the largest schools of Buddhism in both its native country and worldwide. Just as Amida’s Vow to save all beings does not discriminate, neither does Jodo Shinshu. Our doors are open to all.

I cannot claim to be some authority on or scholar of Jodo Shinshu (or any other kind of) Buddhism. I am just an average person - imperfect, filled with passions, prone to attachments, and ignorant of many things - trying to understand my place and purpose in a world teeming with others who are just as average as I am. Together we are all bombu, and together we can find a way to create a Pure Land of light and life right here on earth. Yes, I believe this is possible!

For the sake of transparency, I should let you all know that I am also a practicing Gnostic Christian. You read that correctly! I proudly draw upon my learning and beliefs there as well, and no, I do not find a conflict in my dual practices. In fact, they complement and support each other. Together, they complete me.

My sincere hope for this site is that it will serve as a source of inspiration for you. It does not matter whether you are a Buddhist, a Christian, follow a different spiritual path, or profess none at all. Let’s face it, we all have to live on this crazy planet together. Our only hope for peace in this life is to find a way to harness our myriad interconnections for the benefit of all. I am ready to roll up my sleeves if you are!

Finally, if you like what you've read here, I hope you’ll consider joining me in my quest to live in the present moment with gratitude, compassion, and appreciation for impermanence. Let’s extend those feelings to everyone and everything around us. In this spirit, I welcome any questions or feedback you may have. Feel free to reach out!

Namo Amida Butsu!

Shaku Sokusho