Rev. Dr. Kenneth Tanaka

Rev. Dr. Kenneth Tanaka is a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist priest and professor emeritus of Buddhist Studies at Musashino University in Tokyo, Japan. He is also the former president of the International Association of Shin Buddhist Studies. His book Jewels: An Introduction to American Buddhism for Youth, Scouts, and the Young at Heart (With a Bit of Humor) is available for free download at bdkamerica.org. Free print copies are available for institutions upon request.
buddhist diversity in america

IdeasMagazine | Feature

The Land of Many Dharmas

For the first time, Buddhists from virtually every tradition can be found in the same country—even the same city. We have an unprecedented opportunity to learn from one another.

By Rev. Dr. Kenneth Tanaka | Illustration by Peter Arkle

Sailor setting off into the sea

TeachingsMagazine | Feature

To the Pure Land and Back

Like the oxherding pictures used in Zen, Shin Buddhism's seven phases of the drowning sailor illustrate the path to enlightenment.

By Rev. Dr. Kenneth Tanaka, Illustrations by Andrew Archer

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