"Who Loves Dies Well" is a moving introduction to Pureland Buddhism. Under-represented in literature, Pureland Buddhism, also called Amida Buddhism, is closely concerned with the complex relationship between life and death. It is both about going to heaven and about heaven on earth; a thoroughly spiritual form of Buddhism, yet very practical in its recognition of human limitations. It does not insist on perfection nor encourage guilt at our failings. It is for ordinary people - for all of us who make mistakes and weep with the sorrows of life. Read here the intimacy of Buddhist spiritual life, unique yet universal, laid bare by confrontation with death and a son's love for his mother in her final days.
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Not for nothing is the teaching of the Buddha called "The Great Matter of Life and Death", for it is through understanding death, and the role that love plays in it, that we are able to master life. The Pure Land tradition of Buddhism shows us a way of surrendering the self to the limitless power of the Buddha's Compassion, thus solving this "Great Matter" for ourselves (though not by ourselves). Though this sounds simple, it is by no means easy, and we need a guide. This book is such a guide, presented simply and clearly through the story of the relationship between the author, his mother and the Buddha-dharma. It is practical, moving and full of deep love for the reader, and as such is the perfect guide to newcomers and experienced Buddhists alike. Jim Pym, author of "You Don't Have to Sit on the Floor" and of "Listening to the Light"
About the Author
David Brazier (Dharmavidya) is head of the Amida Order of Buddhism, a growing branch of Buddhism in the West. He has studied Buddhism for over 40 years and holds a PhD in Buddhist psychology. His work is based in Leicestershire, UK. David's previous books include Beyond Carl Rogers, Zen Therapy, The Feeling Buddha and The New Buddhism (all published by Constable Robinson) See website www.amidatrust.com
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Caroline Brazier's THE OTHER BUDDHISM arrived from Amazon two days before David Brazier's WHO LOVES DIES WELL. In four days I read them both. I thought THE OTHER BUDDHISM was an excellent, psychologically-based introduction to Amida Pureland Buddhism, and I commended it highly in a review. For other reasons entirely I highly commend WHO LOVES DIES WELL.
Written from a deeply personal perspective occasioned both by repeated requests for an introduction to Amidism (Amida Pureland Buddhism) and the author's experience of the last week of his mother's life, WHO LOVES DIES WELL is an unique book. It is about Amidism, and it is about dying, and it is about love, but it is above all a testament to lives translucent to grace. As such it qualifies as inspirational literature, but its excellence lies above all in its honesty, depth of emotion, and surprising lack of easy sentimentality. I've read nothing quite like it, especially in Buddhist writing.
Amida Pureland Buddhism is a recent evolution of Jodo Buddhism, the oldest Pure Land school in Japan. As such, there are presently few Amidist sanghas in existence, and those in England and on the continent. Whether Amidism will appeal to greater numbers worldwide is unknown. But as a spirituality, Amidism may well influence Buddhists who congregate with -- say -- Quakers or Unitarians.
Of the two dozen or so books on Buddhism I've read, WHO LOVES DIES WELL comes closer than any to a true testament to infinite light and life of grace.
P.S. This book really blossoms with a second reading. For the first, you are present for the death and liberation of a noble spirit. While you encounter Pureland Buddhism through the telling of this tale you experience it more as a supporting player.... Read more ›
Written from a deeply personal perspective occasioned both by repeated requests for an introduction to Amidism (Amida Pureland Buddhism) and the author's experience of the last week of his mother's life, WHO LOVES DIES WELL is an unique book. It is about Amidism, and it is about dying, and it is about love, but it is above all a testament to lives translucent to grace. As such it qualifies as inspirational literature, but its excellence lies above all in its honesty, depth of emotion, and surprising lack of easy sentimentality. I've read nothing quite like it, especially in Buddhist writing.
Amida Pureland Buddhism is a recent evolution of Jodo Buddhism, the oldest Pure Land school in Japan. As such, there are presently few Amidist sanghas in existence, and those in England and on the continent. Whether Amidism will appeal to greater numbers worldwide is unknown. But as a spirituality, Amidism may well influence Buddhists who congregate with -- say -- Quakers or Unitarians.
Of the two dozen or so books on Buddhism I've read, WHO LOVES DIES WELL comes closer than any to a true testament to infinite light and life of grace.
P.S. This book really blossoms with a second reading. For the first, you are present for the death and liberation of a noble spirit. While you encounter Pureland Buddhism through the telling of this tale you experience it more as a supporting player.... Read more ›
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By M. Albiges
This is a personal and intimate account of the time leading up to and following the death of Brazier's mother. It looks back on Irene's life and reflects on the process by which life is given meaning and how this is inextricably linked to the death time. Who Loves Dies Well weaves a narrative of the events leading up to Irene's death with an exploration of Pureland Buddhist principles. It shows how this form of spirituality supported those involved - and how it can support us - in living a good life and having a good death.
The book explores the meaning of faith from a Pureland Buddhist perspective - a major Eastern Buddhist denomination little known in the West. This approach is centred on the devotee's relationship with the Buddha rather than an introspective, meditation-based search for self-perfection - a readily accessible spirituality for ordinary people. The Buddha is quoted as saying, 'those who simply have faith in me, who simply love me, are all headed for heaven.'
Brazier emphasises the support he felt from those around him, particularly those in the Amida Trust Buddhist community - inside which the events unfolded. In turn, he supports the reader to examine what is to many a difficult subject - to reflect with sensitivity on our own journey, and look for the meaning within and to consider how our own faith underpins and shapes our lives. The clear and gentle narrative, and his frank sharing regarding his own experiences portrays a sense that it's OK - to feel, to cry, to love and to die.
An excellent book - highly recommended.
The book explores the meaning of faith from a Pureland Buddhist perspective - a major Eastern Buddhist denomination little known in the West. This approach is centred on the devotee's relationship with the Buddha rather than an introspective, meditation-based search for self-perfection - a readily accessible spirituality for ordinary people. The Buddha is quoted as saying, 'those who simply have faith in me, who simply love me, are all headed for heaven.'
Brazier emphasises the support he felt from those around him, particularly those in the Amida Trust Buddhist community - inside which the events unfolded. In turn, he supports the reader to examine what is to many a difficult subject - to reflect with sensitivity on our own journey, and look for the meaning within and to consider how our own faith underpins and shapes our lives. The clear and gentle narrative, and his frank sharing regarding his own experiences portrays a sense that it's OK - to feel, to cry, to love and to die.
An excellent book - highly recommended.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
When love reigns supreme in our hearts then even death can not cheat us of loving. A moving and stilling read.Share the passage of a loved one as they transcend living and move into what we call 'death'. Moving and sensitive.
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