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36 EASTERN HORIZON | FACE TO FACE

Because we are not enlightened, we will
Women and
bring our karma with us to the Pure Land.
However, in Pure Land we will have the
best teachers (Buddhas & Bodhisattvas)
Buddhism in
and because the environment there is
so pure, we can overcome our karmic
obstacles really quickly and obtain
Modern Society
enlightenment really soon.

By Dr Caroline Starkey
(Relevant video: self-power vs other-power
https://youtu.be/_nffpiJC31Y)
Dr Caroline Starkey is Associate Professor of Religion and

Finally, can you share what you Society in the School of Philosophy, Religion and History
experience as the most beneficial of Science at the University of Leeds UK. Her research
aspects of practicing Pure Land interests lie in the sociological study of Buddhism in Britain,
Buddhism in daily life? particularly in issues relating to gender, secularisation, and
the adaption of the built environment for minority religions.
The more I practice Nianfo, the less She is currently working on a British Sociological Association
afflictions I have in my daily life, as all
(Sociology of Religion Study Group) funded project,
negative thoughts have been transformed to
examining the contours of the sacred and secular in British
the name of Amitabha Buddha (the Buddha
Buddhism. She took time to respond to several questions that
of Infinite Light & Life). I really feel this is
were posed to her on-line for Eastern Horizon by Benny Liow,
indeed the other power as I recite Amitabha
both about her recent book Women in British Buddhism as
Buddha’s name. I also feel the great light
well as her thoughts on Buddhism and women.
and assistance of Amitabha Buddha in
helping me to be more aware of the Buddha
nature that is within all beings, and to be
free from all afflictions and illusions in life.

Other Nianfo practitioners also share
similar experiences with their Nianfo
practice as we have weekly online sharing
circles on each Wednesday evening. We
have an online 24 hours Nianfo Zoom with
four daily guided sessions. This really helps
people to be more mindful of Amituofo for
when we are more mindful of the name of
Amituofo, the less will be our attachments.
Benny: I understand you were exposed to Buddhism at a
But this does not mean we do nothing or
young age through your parents. Could you tell us what you
become negative/passive. We continue
remembered best about Buddhist practices then?
to function but more effectively with a
non-attached attitude, always living in the
Caroline: I was born in the Philippines in the late 1970s. My
present, and more positive towards life.
father and mother had migrated there for work (he worked for
Eventually, we will experience more peace
an insurance company). It was the second move my parents
and bliss in our everyday life. That is the
benefit of nianfo practice. EH had made out of the UK, as they initially migrated to Thailand
in the early 1970s, before being posted to Manila. I don’t think