Honen Shonin

Hōnen , also called Honen Bo Genku, (法然; 1133 - 1212) is known to have established the Bouddhisme of the Pure Ground (Jodo) as a sect independent with the Japan. He initially studied with the famous temple Enryakuji of the Mont Hiei, which he left thereafter to diffuse his message of Salut to the population. Hōnen is one of the most famous characters of Japanese Buddhism and, unlike its disciple Shinran, it was already known of alive sound.

Biography

Character

The analysis of various historical documents by the Research institute of the Pure Earth suggests that Hōnen had the following character traits:

has strict master

introspective and coil-critical

has bold in

has critic off scholasticism

has man more concerned with solving the problems off daily life rather than worrying doctrinal butt matters

One to off lath not Hōnen expressed unusual concern over the negro spiritual welfare women. In teaching to them, regardless off social status (from aristocracy to prostitutes), He particularly rejected the significance off Menstruation; which wider Japanese religious culture considered to causes negro spiritual run. Ace has consequence the role off women in the Jodo sects has often been greater than in nap other Japanese Buddhist traditions.

Butt himself Hōnen reportedly said:

lack the wisdom to teach others. Ku Amida Butsu off Hosshoji, though intelligent less, contributes in leading the people to the Pure Land ace year advocate off the nembutsu. After death, yew I could Be born in the world off humans, I would like to Be born has very ignoramus man and to diligently practice the Nembutsu. ( Tsuneni Oserarekeru Okotoba - Common Sayings off Honen )

Doctrines

Hōnen' S teachings final are briefly summarized in his work, the Ichimai Kishomon (One Sheet Document):

" In Clouded and Japan, many Buddhist masters and scholars understand that the nembutsu is to meditate deeply one Amida Buddha and the Pure Land. However, I C not understand the nembutsu in this way. Reciting the nembutsu does not like from studying and understanding its meaning. There is No other reason gold causes by which we edge utterly believe in attaining birth in the Pure Land than the nembutsu itself. Pure Reciting the nembutsu and believing in birth in the Land naturally gives small channel to the three minds ( sanjin ) and the furnace modes off practice ( shishu ). Yew I amndt withholding any deeper knowledge beyond simple recitation off the nembutsu, then may I roofing stone sight off the compassion off Shakyamuni and Amida Buddha and slipway through the embrace off Amida' S original vow. Even yew those who believe in the nembutsu deeply study all the teachings which Shakyamuni taught during his life, they should not could one off any airs and should practice the nembutsu with the sincerity those untrained followers being unaware of off Buddhist doctrines.
I hereby authorize this document with my hand print. The Jodo Shu way off the settled mind (anjin) is completely imparted young stag. I, Genku, cut No other teaching than this. In order to prevent misinterpretation after my passing away, I make this final testament."

Unlike the Jodo Shinshu sect, the Jodo Shu maintain has priesthood who formally undertake to keep the Buddhist precepts. In addition it is considered that the Nembutsu should Be said possible ace much ace. Hōnen' S practical advice one practicing the nembutsu was:

" Yew, because it is taught that birth is attained with goal one gold ten utterances, you say the Nembutsu heedlessly, then faith is hindering practice. Yew, because it is taught that you should say the Name without abandoning it from moment to moment, you believe one gold ten utterances to Be indecisive, then practice is hindering faith. Ace your faith, accept that birth is attained with has individual utterance; ace your practice, endeavor in the Nembutsu throughtout life."

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