National Treasure
Saihō Shinansho
Kamakura period
6 volumes
Ink on paper
28.2 × 18.2 cm
This article can be read in about 2 minutes.
The founder’s voice
echoing through to present day
This collection of letters, sermons, and reports on the activities of Hōnen (1133–1212) is commonly translated as “Notes on Guidance Toward Birth in the West” in English. Hōnen was the founder of Pure Land Buddhism (Jōdō Shū) and the teacher of Shinran (1173–1263). The works were written down by Shinran and are based on his recollections and experiences with Hōnen. According to postscripts at the back of each work, Shinran completed the texts at the age of 84, between October 1256 and the following New Year. They are the oldest records of Hōnen’s activities and are considered the best example of Shinran’s later writings. The texts have been bound into six books and are divided into three volumes.
Hōnen Shōnin
Hōnen (1133–1212) was the founder of the Jōdo sect of Buddhism. He preached finding salvation through constant prayer to Amida Buddha and the practice of nenbutsu, or the invocation of the name of Amida Buddha.
Shinran Shōnin
Shinran Shōnin (1173–1263), also known as Kenshin, was the founder of the Jōdo Shinshū (True Pure Land) Buddhist sect. After undergoing ascetic training on Mt. Hiei, he studied senju nenbutsu, or the exclusive invocation of the name of the Buddha, under Hōnen (1133–1212). In 1207, he was exiled with other disciples of Hōnen by the imperial court, who feared Hōnen’s influence. Shinran performed missionary work in the Echigo and Kanto regions and expounded on faith in the buddha Amida in his magnum opus, the Kyōgyō Shinshō (Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment). He preached salvation through faith and brought about reform to Japanese Buddhism.
Share on Social Media
Please respond to our questionnaire.
Estimated length: 30 seconds