What is Jodo Shinshu Buddhism?

The Jodo Shinshu school of Buddhism was founded by Shinran, a monk who lived in Japan in the 13th century. Jodo Shinshu means "true essence of Pure Land Buddhism" (or, literally: Jodo, meaning Pure Land or realm; Shin, meaning True; and Shu, meaning religion).

Pure Land Buddhism started in the first century C.E. in Northwestern India. It strongly stresses the ideal of awakening for everyone: monks, nuns and laypeople.

While Shinran embraced this ideal, he realized that his own rigorous training as a monk had not eradicated his self-centred tendencies. He saw that the only path for him was to simply entrust in the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha.

Jodo Shinshu became the most popular of several Pure Land sects in Japan that emerged during that country's Kamakura period (1185-1333).  It was also in this era, that marked a revival of Buddhism in Japan, that the Zen and Nichiren sects were established.

Who is Amida Buddha?

Amida Buddha (in Sanskrit: Amitabha) is the Buddha of Immeasurable Light. This buddha is described in the central texts of Pure Land Buddhism: the Larger Sukhavati-vyuha Sutra, the Smaller Sukhavati-vyuha Sutra, and the Meditation Sutra.

The central story tells of the Bodhisattva Dharmakara, who became Amida Buddha, and his vow to delay his own ultimate enlightenment until all sentient beings have achieved enlightenment.

Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada on Wikipedia

29/10/09