River of Fire, River of Water: An Introduction to the Pure Land Tradition of Shin Buddhism

Unno boils down enlightenment to the simplest of practices: the nembutsu of Shin Buddhism. This book helps you to see that what is standing in our way of peace and freedom is not a lack of something, but our already existing complications and passions.

I had the opportunity of eating dinner with Dr. Unno and his wife Alice in 1999. I was young and full of my self at the time. I missed a great opportunity to listen. Now as I read this book, I understand what a great teacher he was. If you are ready to listen deaply, this book is a glimpse at the heart of Amida's gift. I highly recommend it for anyone who has exhausted jinriki. In gasho, a fan of this book.

This is the first of Mr. Unno's books I've read and I found it one of the more beautifully written books on religion I've encountered. He is an exceptional author. I wish I might have been one of his students in his classroom at university. Highly recommend to those interested in Shin Buddhism for its clarity. Brief chapters, concise writing, inspiring.

I am re-reading this wonderful book. I read it through quickly the first time, excited to have found Shin Buddhism explained in a style that I could relate to.The book is written in short chapters which made the concepts seem more focused and clear. The author uses simple analogy and straightforward language to explain the deeper concepts. I read each chapter now as a prompt for sitting meditation practice.The concepts and tenets of Shin Buddhism are beautifully contained in this small and unpretentious book. It has been pivotal to my journey. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in understanding Shin Buddhism.

This book is no doubt a super interesting read, but the practice of nembutsu is never fully explained. The actual saying of namu amidha butsu and its benefits.

Beautiful. The author reveals how Shin Nembutsu recitation connects one to the Reality beyond the ordinary perspectives of the mind. That Other Power will do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. This is a Way of salvation through faith.

This book by far is the best in explaining Shin Buddhism and the Pure Land tradition. Also what really makes this book really nice is it isn't too complicated and has personal expirence throughout it. No longer do I carry missconceptions about this wonderful tradition. This gets 5 stars and has changed a Zen Buddhist's(that's me) ideas on once thought of as lazy chanting group.

Gives a great background on the history as well as the origins of Jod Shinshu Buddhism in a way that everyone can understand it.

An excellent introduction to Shin Buddhism by a Japanese professor who lived most of his life in the USA. The 44 short essays blend a deep knowledge of Shin, scholarly material, stories and anecdotes and the authors own reflections on this religion he clearly loves. Beautifully written, and especially good at making Jodo Shinshu accessible to the "Western Mind".

I cannot recommend this book too highly as an introduction to the least well known school of Buddhism; Shin/Pureland.It is also much more than an introduction in many ways - you will not be disappointed.

A really inspiring book. It made me think and rethink many aspects of my life and my views. Well worth reading

This book deals with coming to terms with and finding meaning in a friend's death through Pureland Buddhist practice. The depth of life and death are revealed and shared.

Superb series of essays.