Franciscan, ex-dairy herdsman, musician, writer and contemplative based in the south-west of the UK. Married to Jan. 2 grown-up daughters, Maya and Carly; 1 grandson, Tommy; 2 cats, Figgy and Lulu.
Amida Membership
Would like to be a member
Faith Background & Affiliation
Christian (Anglican Franciscan) with strong interest in Buddhism
Occupation or Primary Activity
Church Worker
Involvement in Spirituality/Religion
I'm a Franciscan Tertiary; I have practised the Jesus Prayer for many years, and have long been a student of Buddhist writings. I am a Lay Pastoral Assistant at my home church, and I maintain a website and blog dedicated to the contemplative path.
What is your interest in Amida Trust
I was extraordinarily moved by reading Dharmavidya's "Summary of Faith and Practice" and determined to find out more. I had first heard of Pure Land Buddhism when I read DT Suzuki's Mysticism Christian and Buddhist many years ago, but somehow didn't have the impulse to follow it up. Probably at that age the idea of a way of humility and foolishness didn't appeal!
What country are you living in?
United Kingdom
What is the nearest town to where you live? If in UK, please give first half of your postcode. Thank you.
Bournemouth
Are you a member of an Amida group/Congregation
not at the moment
Have you visited
None of these
What can you offer to other members of this network?
What other interests do you have, eg Arts, Gardening and so on.
Music, poetry, typography and graphic design, web design, vegetarian cookery.
sorry not to have responded earlier - been upto my ears in new book!
yes, the difference between nembutsu and mantras is also something people don't always appreciate. The way that you express that "an intensely personal love and compassion that entirely transcends boundaries of time and human distinctions" resonates strongly for me
It would be good to talk. A lot of people have made the connection between nembutsu and the Jesus Prayer. I do have a sense both express something similar - heart practices. I do find increasingly as I get int Pureland more that it seems to met on that experiential level with more mystical end of Christianity - a bit of a surprise for me, having struggled with Christianity in my teens!
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yes, the difference between nembutsu and mantras is also something people don't always appreciate. The way that you express that "an intensely personal love and compassion that entirely transcends boundaries of time and human distinctions" resonates strongly for me
Blessings...