About Jodo Shinshu Buddhism

Shinran Shonin
(1173-1262 A.D.)

Jodo Shinshu Buddhism or the True Sect of the Pure Land was founded by Shinran Shonin (1173-1262 A.D.), who sought to reveal Pure Land Teachings to the people of Japan after it had originally been developed and transmitted throughout India, China and Japan by the seven masters - Nagarjuna, Vasabandhu, Donran, Doshaku, Zendo, Genshin and Honen.
By studying the collection of dissertations, writings and sutras of these seven masters, Shinran formed a comprehensive system of teaching "Salvation through Faith" which is known as Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. This branch of Buddhism is widely known as Shin Buddhism. It is the largest religious organization in Japan.

The Seven Patriarchs of Jodo Shinshu

Religious Observances

India:

Nagarjuna
Vasabandhu

China:

T’an Luan (Donran)
Tao ch’o (Doshaku)
Shan tao (Zendo)

Japan:

Genshin
Honen

SHUSHO-E (New Years Day) - to re-discover the path of enlightenment and make a new resolution.

GOSHOKI HOONKO (Shinran Shonin Memorial Day) - to remember and thank Shinran Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinshu, who passed on January 16, 1262 A.D.

NIRVANA DAY - in memory of Shakyamuni Buddha's passing in Kushinagara in India on February 15, 486 B.C.

SPRING AND FALL OHIGAN (Equinox) - to be observed in late March and September to commemorate the goal of enlightenment.

HANAMATSURI (Buddha Day) - to celebrate the birth of Siddhartha on April 8, 565 B.C. in Lumbini garden in the present day city of Nepal.

GOTAN-E (or Fuji - Matsuri) - to celebrate the birth of Shinran Shonin on May 21, 1173.

OBON (Ullambana) - to remember our ancestors and departed ones. This memorial service is held in July or August; services are held at cemeteries and temples and followed by the Obon dance.

EITAIKYO (Perpetual Memorial) - to be observed in September to remember the deceased and their families.

HOONKO (Thanksgiving) - in memory of Shinran Shonin this major annual service is observed in early December.

BODHI DAY - to commemorate Shakyamuni's attainment of Buddhahood under the Bodhi tree.

JOYA-E (New Year's Eve) - to recall the past year and strike the gong 108 times.

Jodo Shinshu Philosophy of Marriage

Ohtani Koshin, Gomonshu
Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha

Namu Amida Butsu