Expert: John Willemsens aka Advayavadananda - 9/23/2007

Question
My husband is Japanese-American and has practiced Jodoshinshu Buddhism for many years. I am a bit intimidated by the fact that my husband and his x-wife used to have a Dharma Center in the basement of their home with the Monk also residing in the home. My husband does not talk freely when I ask questions of Buddhism. I am truly curious but I think he chooses to give brief aor general answers to my questions because he thinks I won't understand or because I am not presently a Buddhist. This hurts me and I want to learn more. Raised Roman-Catholic and having received all the sacrements of the church, I have been an atheatist for many years.  My question is this... I feel like I am missing something, a sense of peace and happiness in my life, although I know that returning to Catholism is not the answer.  I would like to know how Zen Buddhism (thinking of attending a 3 day retreat for beginners) differs from the Jodoshinshu Buddhism that my husband practices. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hello Michelle,
All Pure Land schools are tariki or other power, i.e. religious schools, and all Zen schools (and also Advayavada Buddhism) are jiriki or self power, i.e. non-religious schools. A big difference as you will understand.
Kind regards,
Advayavadananda.