Name of Teaching

 Jodo Shinshu

(The True Essence of Pure Land Buddhist Teaching) 

 

Founder

 Shinran Shonin (1173-1262)

 

Name of School

 Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha

 

Head Temple

 Ryukoku-zan Hongwanji (Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto, Japan)

 

Object of Reverence

 Amida Buddha (Namo Amida Butsu)

 

Scriptures

Sutras: The Three Pure Land Sutras Delivered by Sakyamuni Buddha

1. The Sutra of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life (Bussetsu Muryoju Kyo)

2. The Sutra of Contemplation of  the Buddha of Immeasurable Life

     (Bussetsu Kanmuryoju Kyo)

3. The Sutra on Amida Buddha (Bussetsu Amida Kyo)

 

Shinran Shonin's Writings

1. Hymns of True Entrusting Heart and the Nembutsu (Shoshin  Nembutsuge)

2. Hymns of the Pure Land　(Jodo Wasan)

3. Hymns of the Pure Land Masters (Koso Wasan)

4. Hymns of the Dharma-Ages (Shozomatsu Wasan)

 

Rennyo Shonin's Gobunsho Letters

 

Teachings

Attaining the "entrusting heart" - awakening to the compassion of Amida Tathagata (Buddha) through the working of the Primal Vow. We shall walk the path of life reciting Amida's Name (Nembutsu). At the end of life, we will be born in the Pure Land and attain Buddhahood, returning at once to this delusional world to guide people to awakening.

 

Way of Life

Guided by the teaching of Shinran Shonin, we shall listen to the compassionate calling of Amida Tathagata and recite the Nembutsu. While always reflecting on ourselves, amidst our feelings on regret and joy, we shall live expressing our gratitude without depending on petitionary prayer and superstition.

 

Purpose

The Hongwanji school is a community of people joined together revering the teaching of Shinran Shonin and saying the Nembutsu. We seek to share with others the wisdom and compassion of Amida Tathagata. By doing so, we shall work toward the realization of a society in which everyone is able to live a life of spiritual fulfillment.