Bearer of the Light: The Life and Thought of Rennyo

By Jitsuen Kakehashi.
Translated by the Center for Contemporary Shin Buddhist Studies. Los Angeles, Pure Land Publications, 1999; 227 pp.

Bearer of the Light provides the reader with a rare opportunity to get a sense of the "inside story" of the life and thought of Rennyo, who is known as the "Restorer of the Hongwanji tradition."  Professor Kakehashi shares his considerable insights into Rennyo's contributions to the development of both the organization and doctrine of Shin Buddhism.  At the same time, he offers a fascinating glimpse at Rennyo the human being, thus providing an essential perspective on the continuing vitality that Rennyo brings to the on-going reformative character of Shin Buddhism.