Songs of Light: Reflections on the Hymns of Shinran, Volume 1 Paperback – June 17, 2024

This monumental work represents a dedicated labour of love spanning two decades. In the year 2000, Rev. Gatenby started to compose commentaries on all 353 hymns contained in the Sanjō Wasan by Shinran (1173–1263), founder ofJōdo Shinshū – the largest school of Buddhism in Japan today.With great devotion and doctrinal authority, the author explores the spiritual vision of this extraordinary sage, whose insights have held far-reaching significance for lay Buddhists up to the present day. These remarkable hymns, originally written in colloquial Japanese for ordinary people, offer a comprehensive overview of Shinran’s thought and serve as an excellentintroduction to the Dharma in general.Rev. Gatenby’s reflections, written in a lively and accessible manner, also tell us something about the passion and sincerity of an Australian priest who committed his life to sharing the treasures of this tradition with modern Western audiences. A commentary on the entire collection of these important hymns has never before been attempted (in either English or Japanese); an exceptional feat that is unlikely ever to be seen again. Read more