Naruto

Yes, I watched some Naruto while in the States. But, the weekly delay, waiting for new episodes upset me. Now, I am watching them in Japanese with subtitles on a site that shall remain nameless. They are addictive, largely because the sheer volume overwhelms my capacity to be bored. But, mainly I have started connecting, unless it is just in my head, the commentary on Japanese society that is contained within the episodes. It is partly trying to break out of the mold that is supposedly "predetermined", but also supporting group mentality. I feel a study could be done on what is trying to be emphasized and how it reaches the target audience. It is a commentary on the Japanese school system. I will leave it at that (explore it later).

Dogen vs. Shinran: A Simple Approach

I say simple approach because I think I only half get what is going on. I would say "A simplified Approach", but that would imply that I have comprehended it on an advanced level and am simplifying it for the masses. Here I am just trying to find some conclusion in the semi-comparative reflection/studying I am doing. What is life without conclusions? (That last sentence was just words that sounded nice)

The way I see it, Soto Zen/Dogen and Jodo Shin Shu/Shinran lead to different approaches to live. This is pretty easy to see just from exploring the philosophies, but that is not the point. That is like saying "If you read every philosophy book, you will understand how the philosophies differ." I am trying to get at what type of life they...encourage...promote (too strong)...yield to.
(Please note the disclaimer relating to what I actually understand and what I may understand of the philosophies involved. This is tainted with what I feel they should, in a sense, be about/want them to be about. Does trying to cover my ass with a disclaimer mean I am simply afraid to appear that I think I know something? You be the judge)

Soto Zen is very inward oriented. Practice, meditation, is what is enlightenment and is what is the purpose of Buddhism. Enlightenment is not reached and that is the end game. When one partakes in mediation/practice, they achieve enlightenment and consequently help all achieve enlightenment/freedom from suffering. When you break down all the non-dualities, there is seemingly no motivation to reach beyond practice and the spreading of the word of practice. Though, I see no real motivation to do that either over the the implicit desire to help as achieve enlightenment inherent in the nature of what enlightenment in Buddhism is. As stated previously, if you do not wish to enlighten all, then you are not enlightened.

Jodo Shin Shu is outwardly focused, relying on the promise of Houzo (or just Hozo) bosatsu. Shinran sees people trapped in an unescapable sinful life. Sin is what cannot be escaped, not life. Though, life is not the absolute that Christianity would make it out to be. For Shinran, there is a peculiar nature to this existence as a person and such. The important thing is about how individuals may be trapped in sin, and yet saved already. It opens the door to some questionable behavior. But, from/through Honen, it was intended as a means of bringing Buddhism to the masses. Buddhism was co-opted by the elite, and used to humble the peons and rob them of value...but that is the nature of ancient Japanese society, as all ancient societies and religions. Jodo gave everyone a chance at enlightenment and has expanded in that capacity.

Embrace the world and what is good about existence because we are all saved and blessed. To wallow in self-pity is to waste what precious gift that his life is. I really need to re-read this great book I have dealing with this point because it is more complex than this. Temptation are on both sides and we walk a fine line to deal with it towards enlightenment. But, in the end we will get there eventually. I think the key I was looking for was that you can enjoy life, but to succumb to temptation means that maybe another reincarnation is in the works. The main point is that it is about life and living. There are sensory experiences to explore that can't be downplayed.

Well, this has gotten way to long and that last point interjected way too make of my own personal beliefs to be as relevant to the Buddhist discussion. So, I will stop her and maybe pick up around why I am more of a Taoist then a Buddhist tomorrow or the day after.