Rev. Dr. Enrique Galvan-Alvarez introduces us to Pure Land Buddhism, an accessible, living practice that people can easily incorporate into their lives.
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In this episode, Rev. Dr. Enrique Galvan-Alvarez and Vincent discuss:
- The ever-changing nature of the past
- How Rev. Dr. Enrique initially took refuge within the Vajrayāna Buddhist tradition
- Finding a “livable” practice in Jōdo Shinshū (Pure Land Buddhism)
- Diversity of rituals within different Jōdo Shinshū sanghas
- Commitment through devotion rather than excessive time and effort
- How contemplating impermanence can lead to both distress and hope
- Realizing that practice may not work in the way we want it to, but it will work the way we need it to
“I was thinking, ‘there must be another way of living Buddhism that doesn’t involve long retreats and intensive practice everyday’ That’s when Jōdo Shinshū started appearing on the horizon somehow.” –Rev. Dr. Enrique Galvan-Alvarez
This conversation was originally recorded on the Paths of Practice Podcast. Listen to more episodes HERE.
About Rev. Dr. Enrique Galvan-Alvarez:
Rev. Dr. Enrique Galvan-Alvarez is a professor of Humanities and Digital Society at the Universidad Internacional de La Rioja-UNIR. He is also a Jōdo Shinshū priest that serves Jinen-Kō, an online community of Portuguese and Spanish speaking folk who are interested in learning and practicing the Dharma, or teachings, of Pure Land Buddhism. For more information about Jinen-Kō, click HERE.
“The more I practiced, the more I realized my self-centeredness, the more I realized how bound I am by my own desires, dislikes, things that annoy me, and so on. The practice was working.” –Rev. Dr. Enrique Galvan-Alvarez
About Vincent Moore:
Vincent Moore is a creative and creative consultant living in San Francisco, California, with over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry and holds a graduate degree in Buddhist Studies. For years, he performed regularly at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, an improv and sketch comedy theatre based in New York and Los Angeles. As an actor, Vincent performed on Comedy Central, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Seth Meyers, Above Average, and The UCB Show on Seeso. As a writer, he developed for television as well as stage, including work with the Blue Man Group, and his own written projects have been featured on websites such as Funny or Die. Additionally, he received a Master’s in Buddhist Studies from the Institute of Buddhist Studies with a Certificate in Soto Zen Studies and engages in a personal Buddhist practice within the Soto Zen tradition. Vincent is also the creator and host of the podcast, Paths of Practice, which features interviews with Buddhists from all over the world. Learn more on Vincent’s website HERE.
Photo via Met Museum
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