Established by Honen Shonin in 1175, Jodo Shu is the first independent school of Pure Land Buddhism in Japan. It follows the development of original Buddhism as taught by Shakyamuni Buddha. Over 800 years since the beginning of Jodo Shu, Honen’s teachings still continue to develop and to constitute a part of our daily life. The nembutsu, “Namu Amida Butsu”, is the simple recitation of “Homage to Amida Buddha” and the center of Jodo Shu practice and devotion. It can be done at any time or any place. It is the ideal way for us to embody the great compassion of Amida Buddha in our daily lives. We hope this Jodo Shu home page will be helpful to you in gaining a better understanding of Honen’s teachings as well as our Jodo Shu activities, not only in Japan but in other parts of the world.
Jodo Shu, which was founded by Honen Shonin, would like to greet the 21st century by wishing for the well-being of all people.
The self-awareness of ordinary folks
The light of Amida Buddha in our homes
Compassion in society
Co-existence in the world
We believe that the 21st century marks a time of limitless potential for humankind. The progress of scientific technology and rational thought have enriched human culture and our daily lives. However, at the same time, we have created a legacy of darkness with the terrible power of nuclear weapons, the ideologies of nationalism and racism, the destruction of our natural environment, the cultivation of human excess and greed, the disintegrating family unit, and the erosion of morals and education.
Unable to escape this legacy, we must recapture what Honen Shonin spoke of as “the self-awareness of ordinary folks”. In order to turn the tide of this darkness, we must confront and resolve the various problems of armed conflict, environmental crisis, moral degradation, outmoded education, human rights violations, and insufficient social welfare.
Honen always taught that if we recite the nembutsu with firm trust in Amida Buddha’s Original Vow (hongan), a genuine way of living emerges, and we can attain Birth in the land of Amida Buddha. In this way, the nembutsu, “Namu Amida Butsu”, has led many people out of their darkness. Honen Shonin confronted the sorrow of people mired in delusion and so gained insight into a new kind of liberation. The culmination of Honen’s teaching can be stated as: “The Pure Land Way is to accept one’s ignorance to gain Birth in the Pure Land” and “Do not busy yourself with your finite wisdom, but endeavor to simply recite the nembutsu.” In this way, “the self-awareness of ordinary folks” can be understood in Honen’s direct confrontation with his own limitations.
This view of humanity is a starting point for resolving the various problems of the 21st century. The essential thought of Buddhism is Dependent Origination (pratitya-samutpada). Dependent Origination teaches us that all human life comes together as one. We live in mutual interdependence. Honen Shonin revered the great Chinese Master Shan-tao (Zendo) who wished that “all sentient beings vow to be born together in the Pure Land.” Indeed, this vow reflects the mind of Honen and shows his understanding of “co-existence” as based on the thought of Dependent Origination. This teaching of “co-existence” is truly a guiding principle for the 21st century.
Jodo Shu, its priests and temple families, vow to spread this message of Honen Shonin’s spirit to families, communities, and the world at large.
Address: 4-7-4 Shibakoen, Minato-ku Tokyo, Japan 105-0011
EMail: kaikyo@jodo.or.jp
Website: www.jodo.org
