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Hōnen (法然, 1133–1212) was a highly influential Japanese Buddhist teacher and the founder of the Jōdo-shū (Pure Land School) of Buddhism in Japan. His teachings emphasized salvation through faith in Amida Buddha and the practice of reciting the nembutsu (“Namu Amida Butsu” – meaning “I take refuge in Amida Buddha”).
Key Points About Hōnen:
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Background: Originally a Tendai monk on Mount Hiei, Hōnen became disillusioned with the complexity and elitism of traditional Buddhist practices.
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Pure Land Focus: Inspired by Chinese Pure Land texts, especially the works of Shandao, Hōnen taught that anyone, regardless of status, could attain rebirth in the Pure Land by sincerely calling on Amida Buddha's name.
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Accessibility: He radically simplified Buddhist practice, focusing on faith and devotion rather than scholarly study or ascetic practice.
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Controversy: His teachings attracted many followers from all social classes but also criticism from the established Buddhist orders. This eventually led to his exile in 1207.
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Legacy: Hōnen's movement laid the groundwork for other major Pure Land traditions in Japan, including that of his disciple Shinran, founder of Jōdo Shinshū.
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Here are some well-known and insightful quotes attributed to Hōnen, the founder of Jōdo-shū Buddhism:
🕊️ Quotes by Hōnen (法然)
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"Only repeat the name of Amida with all your heart. Whether walking or resting, never cease this practice."
— On the central importance of the nembutsu (chanting “Namu Amida Butsu”)
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"Even a good person will be reborn in the Pure Land, how much more so an evil person!"
— A famous paradox from Hōnen, emphasizing Amida Buddha’s infinite compassion. Salvation is not earned by merit but granted through sincere faith.
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"Put aside all other practices and concentrate on the nembutsu."
— Simplifying the path to enlightenment for all people, regardless of their capacity for complex practice.
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"The essence of the Pure Land teaching is faith in the vow of Amida Buddha."
— Focusing on trusting Amida’s 18th vow, which promises rebirth in the Pure Land to anyone who sincerely calls his name.
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"In the final analysis, whether one is good or evil, the only salvation is the nembutsu."
— Reinforcing his belief in the universal accessibility of salvation through Amida’s grace.
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The nembutsu (念仏) is a central practice in Pure Land Buddhism, especially in the tradition founded by Hōnen. It literally means “mindfulness of the Buddha” or “Buddha recollection,” and it typically refers to reciting the name of Amida Buddha.
🧘♂️ What is Nembutsu?
🔊 Phrase Recited:
"Namu Amida Butsu" (南無阿弥陀仏)
Which means:
➡️ "I take refuge in Amida Buddha" or "Homage to Amida Buddha"
🙏 Why It Matters
In Hōnen's Pure Land Buddhism:
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Nembutsu is the main practice for achieving rebirth in the Pure Land (Sukhavati), a realm where enlightenment is easily attained.
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It is simple, accessible, and open to all—monks, laypeople, scholars, illiterate people, even "sinners".
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Sincerity is more important than frequency or perfection. A single heartfelt recitation is considered powerful.
🧡 Hōnen's View:
Hōnen taught that in the Age of Mappō (the degenerate era of the Dharma), people no longer had the capacity for complex Buddhist practices. He believed that only the nembutsu, said with faith, could lead people to liberation.
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