Shinran, a 13th-century Japanese Buddhist monk, is acknowledged as the founder of the Jodo Shinsu sect of Pure Land Buddhism; the Tannisho, also known as the Lamentations of Divergences, is a record of his thought. This new version was prepared for Japanese readers by Takamori, the chair of the Jodo Shinsu organization, in 2008. A hit in Japan, it abbreviates some portions of the Tannisho while expanding upon and explaining others. Both Takamori and translator Carpenter emphasize the misinterpretations to which Shinran’s ideas are prone, and, for the Buddhist reader, this lavishly illustrated book should go a long way toward expounding a direct and truly Japanese understanding of Shinran’s teaching. VERDICT Takamori’s version of the Tannisho should make an important addition to any library on Japanese Buddhism, academic or personal.

To read more reviews, visit REVIEWS.

Japanese:

Mr. Manon Miura (fifth grade; Asahi Gakuen) – 1st Place

Ms. Kei Iemori (eighth grade; Asahi Gakuen) – 2nd Place

English:

Ms. Susan Wang “A Smile and a Word” – 1st Place

Mr. Felix Crosser “Promises Shouldn’t Be Compromised” – 2nd Place

Congratulations to all of the winners of this very memorable essay competition.

We’ve decided to present awards for just the first and second place winners of the Japanese and English categories this time. Thank you for your understanding.

Below, we would like to introduce the award-winning selections from the English category.

• A Smile and a Word – 1st Place

• Promises Shouldn’t Be Compromised – 2nd Place

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