Honen

法然 (Known as "Honen Shonin")

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Born May 13, 1133

Mimasaka Province, Heian Period

Passed Away Feb 29, 1212 Kyoto, Kamakura Period

Lifespan 78 years old

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Notice / Correction

"Even a good person can attain rebirth in the Pure Land; how much more so an evil person who relies on Amida's grace!"

Archival Overview

Founder of Jodo-shu (Pure Land Buddhism) in Japan who democratized spirituality during the Kamakura era by teaching that exclusive recitation of the Nembutsu guarantees salvation for all.

Biographical Record

Honen (1133–1212 CE) studied the entire Buddhist canon five times on Mount Hiei before reading Chinese master Shandao's commentary on the Contemplation Sutra.

Abandoning complex monastic rituals, he taught that reciting 'Namu Amida Butsu' with simple faith is sufficient for rebirth in Amida Buddha's Western Pure Land, welcoming fishermen, prostitutes, and samurai equally.

Key Life Milestones

1175

Inauguration of Jodo-shu

Descended from Mount Hiei to preach the single-minded recitation of the Nembutsu to common urban folk in Kyoto.

1198

Publication of the Senchaku-shu

Penned 'Senchakuhongaw Nembutsushu', the doctrinal manifesto of the independent Japanese Pure Land movement.

Memorial Guestbook & Tributes

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Chion-in Temple
Kyoto, Japan

                         GPS: 35.0056, 135.7833                    

View on Memory Atlas

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