Hōnen and Shinran

Hōnen (法然) and his disciple Shinran (親鸞) transformed Japanese Buddhism by teaching that salvation depends not on learning, wealth or austerity, but on reliance on the vow of Amida, expressed by calling his name: Namu Amida Butsu. Their schools, Jōdo and Jōdo Shinshū, became the largest in Japan.

Hōnen 1133 to 1212; founder of the Jōdo school
Shinran 1173 to 1263; founder of Jōdo Shinshū, the True Pure Land school
Practice The nenbutsu, calling Amida's name
Head temples Chion-in for Jōdo; the Hongwanji temples for Shinshū

Hōnen

After decades of study on Mount Hiei, Hōnen concluded in 1175 that in a degenerate age only the nenbutsu could save ordinary people, and that it was open to all: men and women, rich and poor, monk and lay. His teaching drew huge followings and fierce opposition, and he was exiled late in life. His followers honoured him as an incarnation of Seishi.

Shinran

Shinran went further: even the effort of calling the name is Amida's gift, and the nenbutsu is an expression of gratitude rather than a means. He married and lived as neither monk nor layman, setting the pattern for Shinshū priests. His teaching was organised into a powerful institution by his descendants, above all the fifteenth-century abbot Rennyo.

What collectors meet

  • Name scrolls, myōgō. Shinshū altars often enshrine the name of Amida written in calligraphy rather than an image. Rennyo wrote very many, and they are collected for their bold brushwork.
  • Portraits. Seated portraits of Shinran, in black robes with a rosary, and of Hōnen, are common in Pure Land temples and homes.
  • Altars. Shinshū gold altars are a distinctive and lavish form of butsudan.

In the collection

Browse Pure Land art, Jōdo Shinshū pieces and altars. Our collector concierge can search Japan for name scrolls and portraits.

See also

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