Ippen

right|thumb|250px|Statue of Ippen at Shoujoukouji,Fujisawa,Japan Ippen (一遍上人) (1234–1289), also known as Zuien, was a Japanese Buddhist itinerant preacher (hijiri) who founded the Ji (時宗 time sect) branch of Pure Land Buddhism. Quotes No Abode: The Record of Ippen (1997) ed. Dennis Hirota. (Hawaii: University of Hawaii Press, 1997) From far, far in the distant past,Down to this day, this very instant,Those things we have longed for mostHave not been attained, and we sorrow. "Hymn of Amida's Vow" (Chapter 1, p. 3). Once our false thinking has completely ceasedThere is neither start nor conclusion, beginning nor endIn the oneness of Buddha and sentient beingsSay Namu-amida-butsu. "Hymn of Amida's Vow" (Chapter 1, p. 4). To reach the borders of the uncreated,Just let go! This is genuine gratitude. "A Gist in Empty Words" (Chapter 2, p. 9). In this brief span this body exists,Clothing and food are of course indispensable;But knowing them to be fruits of former lives,I make no effort at all to obtain them. "A Gist in Empty Words" (Chapter 2, p. 11). With aversion for sect superiors and their pomp,I have no wish for monk disciples;Not in search of lay supporters,I court the favor of no one. "Verse of Aspiration" (Chapter 3, p. 16). In the Buddha’s teaching, unless you cast away body and life, there can be no realization of benefit. "Words Handed Down by Disciples" (Chapter 9, p. 105). To become solitary and simple in utter aloneness -- living wholly unconcerned about the multitude of worldly affairs, and abandoning and disentangling yourself from all things -- is to die. We are born alone; we die alone. "Words Handed Down by Disciples" (Chapter 9). Food, clothing, and shelter are the three evil paths. To desire and make a display of clothing is karma for the path of beasts. To greedily crave food is karma for the path of famished ghosts. To set up a shelter is karma for the path of hell. Hence, if you aspire to part from the three evil paths, you must free yourself from food, clothing, and shelter. "Words Handed Down by Disciples" (Chapter 9). See also Buddhism Nagarjuna Gautama Buddha Dōgen Zenji Ikkyu External links A brief overview of the Ji sect of Pure Land Buddhism. Category:Religious leaders from Japan Category:1230s births Category:1289 deaths Category:Buddhist teachers Category:Buddhist monks Category:Buddhists from Japan Category:Pure Land Buddhism