Taitetsu Unno, Tannisho - A Shin Buddhist Classic

Summary by Scott Grimes. Edited by Mark Unno 2/19/2002.

The Tannisho is a two-part work representing a compilation of teachings by the Pure Land figure Shinran. The first part consists of direct quotations of Shinran's own words as recorded by his follower Yuien. The second part consists of Yuien's commentary interspersed with Shinran's own statements. The primary focus of these statements is to convey the salvific power of the nembutsu in the here-and-now. In fact, Shinran proclaims that he knows of no other way to reach enlightenment except through the nembutsu.

The nembutsu is "the recitation of the Name as the beckoning call from Amida Buddha…the cause of supreme enlightenment for a foolish being."[1] For the being that is burdened with karmic debt, evil deeds from past and present lives, which leaves the poor fool forever trapped by the passions of this mortal shell, the nembutsu provides access to the Pure Land without the impossible religious disciplines propagated by others.

The Primal Vow of the Other Power is what is being espoused here. The vow of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life and Light would have all beings brought to supreme enlightenment, now, in this samsaric life. This is contrary to the one traveling the path driven by Self-Power, who will ultimately fail to reach enlightenment because of her or his self-serving nature. The Other Power as described by Shinran is "that which is devoid of self-centered calculations."[2] However, it is not separate from self. Rather, other power is "other than ego" and actually more intimate with oneself than even one's usual consciousness.

It is in giving oneself unreservedly to the Other Power that frees the foolish being from blind passion in this life and brings about birth in the Land of True Fulfillment.

[1] p.72

[2] p.49