Thread by @EngagedPureLand

Folowing from Faran’s negative experiences with a #Buddhist group discussed yesterday, let’s examine some resources for #trans, #nonbinary, and #genderqueer folks and their sanghas, especially in relation to #JodoShinshu. #LGBTQ #Buddhism #shinbuddhism

@ray_moishe Ray Buckner provides advice for sanghas in making their space and practices more accessible for all practitioners (not Pure Land-based, but pretty universally applicable)
lionsroar.com/our-opportunit…

You can take your sangha’s efforts further by implementing the recommendation of the breakthrough “Developing Trans*Competence guide”
transbuddhists.org/retreat-guide/…

Some of the same folks who produced the guide also contributed to “Transcending,” which is arguably the most important published book on trans/nonbinary/genderqueer Buddhism. It is a rich collection of voices:
banyen.com/products/trans…

@TransBuddhism isn’t currently active, but the account has lots of archived stuff of use and interest

As for Jodo Shinshu, we've long had openly trans, nonbinary, and genderqueer people in our sanghas. Their experiences vary and let’s not pretend they’ve all been positive. Ignorance is common, and prejudice occurs. At the same time, they’ve been here and are here and belong here.

There is no possible religious basis for exclusion of anyone from Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Amida Buddha, the light of Great Compassion by which we guide our lives and build our sanghas, embraces and cares for everyone unconditionally.

Failures of inclusion are precisely that: failures. In this age of Mappo, we foolish beings will commit many. Amida understands and embraces us, prejudices and all. But also asks us to do better.

When we fail, we should acknowledge that failure, say the nembutsu in humility and regret, and resolve not to repeat our hurtful mistakes.

We must strive to embody the teachings and not be a barrier to anyone who seeks refuge in the Dharma. To do otherwise is to rupture the sangha, one of the five grave offences. It violates our wish to practice right bodhisattva speech, action, and thought.

The largest lineage of Jodo Shinshu is Nishi Honganji (Honpa Honganji-ha). The highest body of religious experts is the Kangaku. The Kangaku has affirmed the inclusion of transgender Buddhists just as they are as valued members of the sangha.

An important Jodo Shinshu trans Buddhist is Hoshina Seki, the long-time president of the American Buddhist Studies Center, which is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist educational organizations on the East Coast.
ambuddhist.org

Beyond Jodo Shinshu, viewers of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy will likely be familiar with the Jodo Shu Pure Land monk Nishimura Kodo
tricycle.org/magazine/buddh…

In Osaka, Shozenji is a Shingon temple run by Shibutani Soshuku, a transgender nun who offers her temple as a welcoming refuge
matcha-jp.com/en/9828

Shinran, the founder of Jodo Shinshu, wrote hymns of praise to Shotoku Taishi, who, in a vision, set him on the Pure Land path. Thus many temple altars include images of Shotoku, who over many lifetimes embodied the truth of gender fluidity.

Shinran recognized this in his songs, for instance:

In India, Prince Shotoku
Was born as Queen Srimala,
And in China appeared
As Master Hui-ssu.

He appeared in China
To benefit sentient beings;
He was reborn five hundred times
As both man and woman.

To all transgender, nonbinary, and genderqueer Jodo Shinshu Buddhists: thank you for the gift of your presence. Through the exercise of wisdom and compassion, may we act in ways worthy of that gift. Namo Amida Butsu. 🙏

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