Jōdo Shinshū, also known as Pure Land or Shin Buddhism, is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in Japan. It was founded by Hōnen in the 12th century and emphasizes the idea of "tariki," which is the belief that one can attain enlightenment through reliance on Amida Buddha's vow to save all beings. Jōdo Shinshū practitioners focus on the repetition of the phrase "Namu Amida Butsu," which translates to "I take refuge in Amida Buddha," as a way to receive the benefits of Amida's vow and to cultivate gratitude and reverence for the Buddha. Jōdo Shinshū also emphasizes the concept of "bonnō," or ignorant desires and attachments, as the root cause of suffering and encourages practitioners to let go of these desires in order to find peace and enlightenment.
In Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism, the ultimate goal is to attain enlightenment and be reborn in the Pure Land, a paradise where one can achieve this state of enlightenment more easily. This belief is based on the "primordial vow" of Amida Buddha, who vowed to save all beings and bring them to the Pure Land through the repetition of the phrase "Namu Amida Butsu," or "I take refuge in Amida Buddha."
Jōdo Shinshū Buddhists believe that the Pure Land is a place of peace and tranquility, free from the suffering and distractions of the mortal world. In this paradise, practitioners can focus on their spiritual development and ultimately achieve enlightenment, which is understood as the end of suffering and the realization of one's true nature.
In order to attain rebirth in the Pure Land and ultimately achieve enlightenment, Jōdo Shinshū Buddhists seek to cultivate a strong connection to Amida Buddha through the repetition of the nembutsu and other spiritual practices, such as reading and studying the teachings of the Buddha, participating in devotional rituals, and engaging in acts of compassion and service to others. It is believed that by doing so, practitioners can purify their negative karma and receive the benefits of Amida's vow.
In Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism, the central practice is the repetition of this phrase, which is believed to allow practitioners to receive the benefits of Amida Buddha's vow to save all beings. This vow, known as the "primordial vow," states that any being who calls upon Amida's name with sincerity will be reborn in the Pure Land, a paradise where they can achieve enlightenment.
In addition to the nembutsu practice, Jōdo Shinshū Buddhists also engage in other spiritual practices such as reading and studying the teachings of the Buddha, participating in devotional rituals, and engaging in acts of compassion and service to others. Jōdo Shinshū Buddhists also place a strong emphasis on the concept of "bonnō," or ignorant desires and attachments, as the root cause of suffering. They believe that by letting go of these desires, practitioners can find inner peace and ultimately attain enlightenment.
Overall, the practice of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism emphasizes the importance of developing a strong connection to Amida Buddha through the repetition of the nembutsu, as well as the cultivation of compassion, self-reflection, and a letting go of ignorant desires.
Jōdo Shinshū, also known as Shin Buddhism, is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in Japan. It was founded by the 13th-century monk Hōnen, who sought to bring the teachings of Buddhism to the common people of Japan in a way that was more accessible and relevant to their daily lives.
Hōnen was inspired by the Lotus Sutra, which teaches the concept of the "primordial vow" of Amida Buddha, who vowed to save all beings and bring them to the Pure Land through the repetition of the phrase "Namu Amida Butsu," or "I take refuge in Amida Buddha." Hōnen believed that this vow was the most direct and efficacious path to enlightenment, and he emphasized the importance of the nembutsu practice as a way for ordinary people to attain rebirth in the Pure Land and ultimately achieve enlightenment.
Hōnen's teachings were controversial at the time, and he was eventually exiled from the capital for spreading what was seen as a heretical form of Buddhism. However, his teachings eventually gained widespread acceptance and became the foundation for the Jōdo Shinshū tradition, which remains an influential school of Buddhism in Japan to this day.
There have been many prominent teachers and teaching lineages within the Pure Land Buddhism tradition over the centuries. Here are a few examples:
These are just a few examples of the many teachers and teaching lineages within the Pure Land Buddhism tradition. There have been countless other teachers and lineages that have contributed to the development and spread of this school of Buddhism over the centuries.
Below you will find the places around the world, that practice this path.
Durant Ave
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Berkeley
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Salinas
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Mill Valley
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