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Jiriki

Extract from “Tariki and Jiriki: Other Power or Self Power?”

Self power, i.e., the belief that our thoughts and actions, including our enlightenment, can be determined by our own agency. A term taken in Japanese Buddhism meaning literally one’s own strength (自力), it is associated particularly with the practice of Zen. In Diamond’s deterministic approach, jiriki is delusional, the governing principle of the universe being its opposite, Other Power, or Tariki*, a term associated with Pure Land Buddhism.

See also: Determinism*; Tariki*

Commentary: Diamond’s embrace of the Tariki-jiriki duality reflects both the increasing importance both of determinism* and the deep influence of Eastern spiritual beliefs in his approach.

Timeline: Early 2000s to present

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