Our Teachings

Sect Name: Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, commonly referred to as Nishi Hongwanji, headquartered in Kyoto, Japan.

The literal meaning of the name is the Hongwanjibranch of the true essence of the Pure Land teaching. Hongwanji is literally the Temple of the Primal Vow. The Primal Vow refers to the vows made by Amida Buddha in the Larger Sukhavhati Sutra.

Doctrinal Founder of our Sect: Kenshin Daishi (the great master who saw the truth) the posthumous title bestowed upon Shinran Shonin(1173 -1262) by the Emperor Meiji.

The main object in our altar: The Tathagata Amida, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Immeasurable Life (Namo Amida Butsu, the six characters calling to us to take refuge in Amida Buddha).

Main texts: The Three Pure Land Sutras

The Bussetsu Muryojukyo, Larger Sukhavhativyuha Sutra, commonly referred to as the Larger Sutra or Daikyo.

The Bussetsu Kanmuryojukyo, Meditation Sutra, Kangyo

The Bussetsu Amidakyo, Smaller Sukhvhativyuha Sutra, Smaller Sutra,Amidakyo.

The gist of our teaching: With sincere faith in the teaching of the Namo Amida Butsu, we live in the joy of knowing that we will be enabled to attain Buddhahood. From the feeling of constant gratitude for all that we have received through the course of life, we strive to live for the betterment of society and humanity.

Courtesy of Rev. Kenshin Fujimoto