“Buddha’s Bookshelf” 〈Book Club〉– Online

P. K.

Buddha’s Bookshelf was founded in 2024 by Dominick Scarangello. We meet on ZOOM usually on the second and fourth Saturday morning 10:00 to 12:00 (Japan Time). By a short shared text each time everyone has a chance to join in the discussion (all in English). So far each meeting has focused on one chapter in Gene Reeves, “Stories of the Lotus Sutra.” Reeves (1933-2019) picked up the important stories/images/personages from each chapter in the Lotus Sutra with deep understanding of Buddhism and a background in process theology and social/peace and civil rights/inclusion activism from his years as a Unitarian minister, theologian and educator. Reeves (after sixty) spent two decades in Tokyo and was a founder of IBC. Scarangello facilitates and sometimes adds historical and linguistic nuances and the perspectives of Tendai, Nichiren or Rissho Koseikai teachings to explain points raised. Above all it is a chance for enthusiastic discussion and deepening personal understanding, not passive listening to a lecture.

R. W.

I find Buddha’s Bookshelf a lively, thought provoking and thoroughly enjoyable study experience. A diverse group of individuals including scholars, reverends, long-time Buddhist practitioners and relative newcomers, join together bi-weekly to discuss the major themes, imagery and ideas contained in Gene Reeves’s compelling book, ‘Stories of the Lotus Sutra’. It is one of the learning activities that I most look forward to.