Four noble truths in Pure Land Buddhism based on Heart of the Shin Buddhist Path (a life of awakening)

Since the beginning of Buddhism, there have been several interpretations about it. A contemporary theorist of Jōdo Shin sho (Pure land Buddhist) in Japan, Takamaro Shigaraki, has a distinct viewpoint in Buddhism. His interpretation of Buddhist teachings has two properties: 1. It is understandable and doable for everyone; 2. It is subjective and non-dualistic. As Shigaraki believes, this interpretation is true understanding of teachings of Shinran, founder of Jōdo Shin sho.

One of the most fundamental teachings of Gotama Buddha is the four noble truths. Several Buddhism schools have different interpretations of this teaching. The Buddhist Jōdo Shin also has a specific point of view about it. Based on Shigaraki’s theory in Heart of the Shin Buddhist Path (a life of awakening), this research seeks to explain Shigaraki’s non-dualistic interpretation of this teaching in Buddhist Jōdo Shin or Pure land Buddhist.

Moreover, the present study reviews common and official views of Buddhism schools and then studies special properties of unofficial perspective. Finally, Shigaraki’s thought about four noble truths and its difference with official interpretation is reviewed. At the Heart of Shigaraki’s viewpoint is possibility attain awakening or shinjin in this world and in this common and busy human life.