Rev. Dr. Aaron Shōken Proffitt
BA, University of Colorado, Boulder, 2005
MA, University of Colorado, Boulder, 2008
PhD, University of Michigan, 2015
About
Rev. Dr. Aaron Shōken Proffitt アーロン・プロフィット博士（浄土真宗本願寺派僧侶）法名：釈正見 is an Associate Professor of Japanese Studies in the East Asian Studies Department and an ordained Buddhist priest (tokudo) in the Jōdo Shinshū Hongwanji-ha lineage.
Proffitt received his bachelor's degree and master's degree in religious studies from the University of Colorado and his PhD in Buddhist studies from the University of Michigan. He studied Japanese at the Inter-University Center in Yokohama from 2009 to 2010 and conducted research as a Fulbright Fellow at Otani University, Koyasan University and Ryukoku University from 2014 to 2015.
Proffitt serves the UAlbany Interfaith Center and Buddhist Student Association as a Buddhist chaplain. He also co-founded the Albany Buddhist Sangha and regularly teaches mindfulness and meditation for community organizations in the Albany area.
Introduction to Buddhism YouTube Series, American Buddhist Study Center
Research Interests
Proffitt’s current recent research explores emptiness within Pure Land traditions, he is currently co-editing a volume on the Mantra of Light and is working on a translation of Saichō’s Kenkairon for the BDK English Tripitaka.
Publications
Selected Publications
Introduction to Buddhism YouTube Series, American Buddhist Study Center
Academic Monograph
Esoteric Pure Land Buddhism, University of Hawaii Press: 2023
- Free excerpt: “The Buddha Amitābha in the Himitsu nenbutsu shō — An excerpt of chapter 7 of Aaron P. Proffitt’s new book, “Esoteric Pure Land Buddhism” — reviewed in the Summer 2023 issue of Buddhadharma.” Lion’s Roar, June 12, 2023.
Articles
“A Brief History of Pure Land Buddhism," September 11, 2024.
“Nenbutsu Orthodoxies in Medieval Japan,” Japanese Journal of Religious Studies (2020): 135-160.
“Dōhan no himitsu nenbutsu shisō: kenmitsu bunka to mikkyō jōdokyō 道範の秘密念仏思想：顕密文化と密教浄土教 [The Esoteric Nenbutsu Thought of Dohan: Kenmitsu Culture and Esoteric Pure Land Buddhism].” Journal of World Buddhist Cultures 『世界仏教文化研究』 Vol. 1 (2018): 117-138.
“Who Was Kōbō Daishi?” Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, Summer 2018
Instruction & Advising
Courses
Proffitt teaches various seminars and survey courses in East Asian religions, religious studies, Buddhist studies, Pure Land Buddhism, Esoteric Buddhism, the Lotus Sutra and Buddhist philosophy.
Additional Information
In the News
American Buddhist Study Center, January 15, 2026
Fearless Wisdom Podcast, January 13, 2026
No Drama Dharma - Podcast Series with Dr. Marco Walther, Leipzig Research Centre Global Dynamics, October 13, 2025
“Beyond Simplicity: Revealing the Richness of the Pure Land,” Interview with Aaron P. Proffitt by Frederick M. Ranallo-Higgins, Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, Spring 2025
Paths of Practice, June 12, 2024
American Buddhist Study Center, September 24, 2021