Guardians of the Buddha's Home

This book offers a unique perspective on Jodo Shinshu temple life, focusing on the vital role of temple wives in shaping informal religious practices.

In Guardians of the Buddha's Home, Jessica Starling presents an in-depth exploration of Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land) temple life, emphasizing the crucial role played by temple wives, or bomori, who act as temple guardians. Drawing from nearly three years of ethnographic research, Starling highlights the concept of 'domestic religion,' which focuses on informal religious expressions that often go unnoticed in scholarly discussions. Through her observations, she reveals how the daily lives of these women intertwine with the spiritual practices of their communities.

The narrative illustrates the dynamic movement of temple wives between the main hall and the more private spaces of the temple, such as the kitchen and family residence. This movement underscores the idea that religious meaning extends beyond formal worship and canonical texts. Starling argues that experiences of Buddhist faith, or shinjin, can emerge from simple acts of hospitality, community gatherings, or the care and aesthetic maintenance of temple spaces, rather than solely through traditional religious teachings.

Starling's work delves into the spiritual practice of button hosha, where temple wives express their devotion through stewardship of donations, nurturing the temple's children, and fostering teachings within their homes. By engaging with the 'turn to affect' in religious studies, she offers a nuanced understanding of how personal relationships and everyday practices shape religious beliefs, highlighting the significance of the intimate connections that form the foundation of spiritual life in these communities.