Shin Basics
Shin
Buddhism was
initiated by Shinran (1173-1263) in Japan. His teaching was based in the
Pure Land tradition as a successor to Honen (1133-1212). Shinran
developed the teaching by maintaining that faith, endowed by Amida Buddha,
assured enlightenment. All religious practices, particularly the recitation of
the name of the Buddha, expressed gratitude rather than achieved
purification.
The institutions that evolved from his teaching are
called Jodo Shinshu (True teaching/sect of the Pure Land [tradition]). The
Nishi (West) Hongwanji and Higashi (East) Hongwanji are the largest bodies
in this tradition.
"Jodo Shinshu: A Brief
Introduction"
by Rev. Kenryu Tsuji
A Chronology of Buddhism
-- From 623 B.C.E. to 1968
The Forty Eight Vows
-- These Vows are the basis of Pure Land teaching as presented in the
Larger Pure Land Sutra and also includes the summary called "Poem of
Weighty Vows."
