Shin Buddhism and the presence of Buddha Amithaba with Aaron Proffitt

In this episode, I discuss with Aaron Proffitt, professor of Japanese Studies at SUNY and Buddhist chaplain, how practice and scripture intertwine in Buddhist traditions. We explore the formation of Buddhist sects in Japan that developed singular practices while remaining grounded in multidimensional backgrounds. We compare the Shin school’s practice of prayer and visualization of Buddha Amitabha with Tibetan counterparts, and highlight the importance of physical practices like chanting and offerings, as well as community activities involving families.