JODO SHINSHU BUDDHISM
The Primal Vow & Nembutsu Path
Our sangha follows Jodo Shinshu (or Shin) Buddhism, which has been referred to as "blue collar" Buddhism and the practice-less practice. Our sect is non-monastic and geared toward everyday experiences and families.
Our temple follows Jodo Shinshu (also known as Shin) Buddhism, a sect in the Pureland stream of Mahayana Buddhism. Shin was founded by Shinran Shonin (1173 - 1263 CE) in Japan during the Kamakura period. Today, Shin is the largest Buddhist sect in Japan with 10 schools and approximately 25 million adherents. Our head temple is Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto Japan, and we are affiliated with Buddhist Churches of America.
THE ESSENTIALS OF JODO SHINSHU
Teaching: Jodo Shinshu,
True Essence of PureLand Buddhist Teaching
Founder: Shinran Shonin
Date of birth: May 21, 1173
Date of death: January 16, 1263
Name of School: Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha
Head Temple: Ryukoku-zan Hongwanji (Nishi Hongwanji)
Object of Reverence: Amida Tathagata (Namo Amida Butsu)
Scriptures:
The Three Pure Land Sutras delivered by Shakyamuni Buddha
-
Bussetsu Muryoju Kyo – The Sutra of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life
-
Bussetsu Kammuryoju Kyo – The Sutra of Contemplation of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life
-
Bussetsu Amida Kyo The Sutra on Amida Buddha
Shinran Shonin’s writings
-
Shoshin Nembutsuge Hymn of True Entrusting Heart and the Nembutsu, excerpt from the “Chapter on Practice” of Kyogyoshinsho
-
Jodo Wasan Hymns of the Pure Land
-
Koso Wasan Hymns of the Pure Land Masters
-
Shozomatsu Wasan Hymns of the Dharma-Ages
Rennyo Shonin’s Gobunsho Letters
Teaching: Attaining the “entrusting heart”—awakening to the compassion of Amida Tathagata (Buddha) through the working of the Primal Vow—we shall walk the path of life reciting Amida’s Name (Nembutsu). At the end of life, we will be re-born in the Pure Land whence we came and attain Buddhahood, returning at once to this delusional world to guide people to awakening.
Way of Life: Guided by the teaching of Shinran Shonin, we shall listen to the compassionate calling of Amida Tathagata and recite the Nembutsu. While always reflecting on ourselves, amidst our feelings of regret and joy, we shall live expressing our gratitude without depending on petitionary prayer and superstition.
Purpose: The Hongwanji is a community of people joined together in revering the teaching of Shinran Shonin and saying the Nembutsu. We seek to share with others the wisdom and compassion of Amida Tathagata. By doing so, we shall work toward the realization of a society in which everyone is able to live a life of spiritual fulfillment.
Resources
Websites
​
Many information on how to further know more about Pureland Buddhism.
Lectures and seminars are offered regularly.
​
An online community for people who want to practice Buddhism. Some free classes.
Instructors: Rev.Marvin Harada, Rev.Dr.Jeff Wilson, Rev.Mutsumi Wondra, and others
​
English page for Nishi Hongwanji
​
List of BCA temples offering live streaming and recorded Sunday Services and Dharma messages.
​
Many great articles and videos by Rev.Blayne Higa (Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. )
​
Classes and seminars offered throughout the year ( Seattle Betsuin.)
​
Buddhist Study Center - Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
Classes and seminars offered throughout the year ( Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii.)
​
Great source of information, supported by Buddhist Study Center (Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii)
​
A great resource of Pureland Buddhism!
​
​
Videos
January 9, 2021: Hoonko Seminar with Rev.Candice Shibata
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
"Compassionate Listening:
Therapeutically Engaging with Others and the Buddha -Dharma"
​
Radio Interview
https://www.byuradio.org/e30a9c6c-a6b4-4926-b222-fb49e576576c
On January 4, 2022, Rev. Sugahara shared his thoughts in the radio program, In Good Faith.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
YouTube Channels -- Please subscribe so you will be notified of new video posts!
Oregon Buddhist Temple
https://www.youtube.com/user/OregonBuddhistTemple/
​
Northwest District Ministers Association
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Ou4lsCnrahaz4xUFkI9gw/
Buddhist Churches of America
https://www.youtube.com/c/BuddhistChurchesofAmerica/
BCA Center for Buddhist Education
https://www.youtube.com/c/BCACenterforBuddhistEducation/
​
Podcasts
The Dharma Lantern by Rev.Henry Adams (San Mateo Buddhist Temple)
​
Welcome Matts by Rev. Matthew Hamasaki (Buddhist Church of Sacramento) and Sacramento Sangha member Matt Nitta-Tokeshi
​
No Doubt by Rev.Takashi Miyaji ( Institute of Buddhist Studies, Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church)
​
The Weekly Wheel ( Orange County Buddhist Church)
​
Dharma Talks Podcast from Midwest Buddhist Temple
​
Institute of Buddhist Studies Podcast
​
Dharma Realm by Rev.Harry Bridge (Buddhist Church of Oakland) and Scott Mitchell (Dean of the Institute of Buddhist Studies)
​
​
​
Books
The links are for a local bookstore in Portland, Oregon -- please consider buying from your local bookstores! But IF you are using Amazon, we would be very grateful if you chose Oregon Buddhist Temple as your Amazon Smile charity! Thank you!
​
Check out our Book Club page for the past books we have discussed!
​
Taitetsu Unno, River of Fire, River of Water
Jeff Wilson, Buddhism of the Heart
Jeff Wilson, The Path of Gratitude (an article on Lion's Roar)
​
​
