The Essentials of Jodo Shinshu

Name of Teaching: Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji (The True Essence of Pure Land Buddhist Teaching)
 
Founder: Shinran Shonin (May 21, 1173 to January 16, 1263)
 
Name of School: Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha
 
Head Temple: Ryukoku-zen Hongwanji (Nishi Hongwanji)
 
Object of Reverence: Amida Buddha (Namo Amida Butsu)
 
Scriptures:
•  SUTRAS: The Three Pure Land Sutras Delivered by Shakyamuni Buddha
   1. Bussetsu Muryoju Kyo [The Sutra of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life]
   2. Bussetsu  Kammuryoju  Kyo [The Sutra of Contemplation of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life]
   3. Bussetsu Amida Kyo [The Sutra on Amida Buddha]
•  SHINRAN SHONIN’S WRITINGS:
   1. Shoshin Nembutsuge [Hymns of True Entrusting Heart and the Nembutsu ], excerpt from the
       “Chapter on Practice” of Kyogyoshinsho
   2. Jodo Wasan [Hymns of the Pure Land]
   3. Koso Wasan [Hymns of the Pure Land Masters]
   4. Shozomatsu Wasan [Hymns of the Dharma-Ages]
•  RENNYO SHONIN’S GOBUNSHO LETTERS 

Teaching: 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.

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.

Tradition: The Honpa Hongwanji is a community of people joined together by the gladness of a common faith 
in Amida Buddha.  As Jodo Shin Buddhists, we shall seek to be humble and sincere in words and in deeds, to 
be responsible citizens of our society and to share with others the teachings of Jodo Shinshu. Understanding 
fully the principle of causality, we shall not practice petitionary prayer and magic, and do not depend on 
astrology and superstitions.