Shin Buddhism was initiated by Shinran (1173-1263) in Japan. His teaching was based in the Pure Land tradition as a successor to Honen (1133-1212). Shinran developed the teaching by maintaining that faith, endowed by Amida Buddha, assured enlightenment. All religious practices, particularly the recitation of the name of the Buddha, expressed gratitude rather than achieved purification.

The institutions that evolved from his teaching are called Jodo Shinshu (True teaching/sect of the Pure Land [tradition]). The Nishi (West) Hongwanji and Higashi (East) Hongwanji are the largest bodies in this tradition.

Other basic information about Shin Buddhism:

“Jodo Shinshu: A Brief Introduction” by Rev. Kenryu Tsuji

The Forty Eight Vows – These Vows are the basis of Pure Land teaching as presented in the Larger Pure Land Sutra and also includes the summary called “Poem of Weighty Vows.”

Rev. Patti Nakai of the Chicago Buddhist Temple looks at the controversial 35th Vow and offers a way to read it in the 21st century.

Key Shin Buddhist Terms & Names …

Amida Buddha: The Buddha of Eternal Life and Infinite Light. The story of his attaining Buddhahood through completion of his 48 Primal Vows is narrated in the Larger Pure Land Sutra.

Honen (1133-1212): Generally considered the founder of the independent Pure Land Sect through his Treatise on the Nembutsu of the Select Primal Vow (Senjaku-hongan-nembutsu-shu). Shinran was one of six disciples who continued the teaching after the master’s death.

Honganji: Temple of the Primal Vow is one of the divisions of Jodo Shinshu. There are traditionally 10 branches of which the Honganji became the most dominant in Japan. It further divided into two branches, East and West.

Jodo Shinshu: The term means True Teaching of the Pure Land (tradition). This term was appropriated by Shinran to denote his teaching in contrast to the other disciples of Honen. In the West, Shin Buddhism is commonly used.

Larger Pure Land Sutra (Daimuryojukyo): Exists in four Chinese translations. It depicts the attainment of enlightenment and Buddhahood (Amida) by the Bodhisattva Dharmakara (Hozo), providing the foundational story for the popular Pure Land Tradition. Along with The Pure Land Meditation Sutra and the Smaller Pure Land Sutra, it is one of the three texts central to it. The Meditation Sutra (also known as the Contemplation Sutra) outlines various meditations used to achieve visions of the Pure Land and Amida and gives reason for stressing recitation of the Name in popular practice. The Smaller Sutra describes the Pure Land.

Nembutsu: The term means “thinking on the Buddha.” Originally, it referred to meditation but in the Pure Land tradition it came to signify the recitation of the name of Amida Buddha, in Japanese, Namu Amida Butsu. When recited with sincere faith, it was regarded as an easy means to be reborn in the Pure Land for ordinary people who could not participate in monastic discipline.

Pure Land (Jodo): A spiritual realm entered after death which, because of its absolute purity, assures that the devotee will attain Nirvana and Buddhahood. Recitation of the Name with faith brings about this birth.

Etiquette & Symbols …

Buddhist Flag – The first five stripes of the flag are self colors of blue, yellow, red, white and light red. The sixth color is a combination of the five. The flag symbolizes the unity and harmony of Buddhists.

Dharmacakra – Also known as the Wheel of Dharma. It is the symbol of Buddhism. The eight spokes represent the Noble Eightfold Path. The wheel symbolizes the wholeness as well as the flow of Buddha’s teaching.

Gassho – Gassho means to put the hands together. It signifies the oneness of Buddha and all beings. It also expresses reverence and gratitude. (Image courtesy: The Iowa Shinshu Dojo)

Hondo or Main Hall – The Hondo should be entered quietly and with due reverence; i.e., enter and leave with gassho facing the shrine.

Nenju or Juzu – A collection of beads with three main beads strung together is used when in gassho at the time of worship. Three main beads represent the Three Treasures of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, and other beads represent Buddha’s teachings to overcome each suffering of beings.

Saisen or offering – Saisen is a practice of dana, an act of selfless giving and receiving.

Service book – The service book contains the teaching and words of Buddha; therefore, it should be handled with respect.

Shoko – The burning of incense should be done with reverence because it prepares us to receive the Dharma. It means to pay homage to Buddha and remind us of the law of impermanency of all things including ourselves.