key term - Jōdo shinshū

Definition

Jōdo Shinshū, or Pure Land Buddhism, is a sect of Japanese Buddhism that emphasizes devotion to Amida Buddha and the belief in rebirth in the Pure Land, a blissful realm where enlightenment can be easily attained. It stands out for its focus on faith and the recitation of the nembutsu, 'Namu Amida Butsu,' as a means of attaining salvation, which contrasts with more ritualistic and ascetic practices found in other schools of Buddhism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Jōdo Shinshū emerged in Japan during the 12th century and gained significant popularity in the Kamakura period due to its accessible teachings.
2. Unlike other Buddhist traditions that emphasize monasticism and ascetic practices, Jōdo Shinshū encourages laypeople to engage in everyday life while relying on faith for salvation.
3. The sect became influential through its communal practices, focusing on shared recitation of the nembutsu and social engagement within local communities.
4. Jōdo Shinshū teachings highlight the concept of 'tariki,' or 'other power,' meaning that believers rely on Amida's compassion rather than their own efforts for enlightenment.
5. This form of Buddhism has had a lasting impact on Japanese culture, influencing art, literature, and even aspects of modern spiritual life.

Review Questions

• How does Jōdo Shinshū differ from other Buddhist sects in terms of its approach to salvation?
  • Jōdo Shinshū differs significantly from other Buddhist sects by emphasizing faith and reliance on Amida Buddha's grace for salvation rather than personal merit or extensive ritual practice. This approach encourages individuals, particularly laypeople, to engage with everyday life while trusting in Amida's compassion for rebirth in the Pure Land. In contrast, many other forms of Buddhism focus on self-discipline, meditation, and monastic practices as essential paths to enlightenment.
• Discuss the role of Shinran in shaping the beliefs and practices of Jōdo Shinshū.
  • Shinran played a crucial role in shaping Jōdo Shinshū by emphasizing the importance of faith in Amida Buddha and advocating for a more accessible form of Buddhism. He taught that salvation is achieved not through individual effort but through Amida's grace, encapsulated in the principle of 'tariki.' His teachings also encouraged a community-oriented practice centered around the nembutsu, making Jōdo Shinshū appealing to a broader audience beyond monastic confines.
• Evaluate the cultural impact of Jōdo Shinshū on Japanese society and how it reflects broader themes in Buddhist practice.
  • The cultural impact of Jōdo Shinshū on Japanese society is profound, as it has influenced various aspects of life including art, literature, and social values. By promoting a form of Buddhism accessible to everyone, it facilitated the integration of Buddhist principles into daily life and created a sense of community through shared practices like nembutsu recitation. This reflects broader themes in Buddhist practice by illustrating how spirituality can be adapted to fit societal needs while maintaining core beliefs about compassion and salvation.

Related terms

Amida Buddha: The principal figure in Jōdo Shinshū, believed to be a celestial Buddha who offers salvation to those who sincerely call upon him.

Nembutsu: A practice in Jōdo Shinshū involving the recitation of the name of Amida Buddha, symbolizing faith and devotion.

Shinran: The founder of Jōdo Shinshū in the 13th century, who emphasized reliance on Amida's grace rather than personal merit for achieving enlightenment.