THE ESSENTIALS OF JODO SHINSHU   " KYOSHO "

DENOMINATION: Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha
                                           (also known as Honpa Hongwanji or Nishi Hongwanji)

FOUNDER: Shinran Shonin (1173-1262)

BUDDHA: Amida Buddha (Buddha of Immeasurable Light and Life)

SUTRA: The Principal Sutras of Jodo Shinshu are the Three Pure Land Sutras:

　　   　　1. The Sutra of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life Delivered by                       Sakyamuni  Buddha (Bussetsu Muryoju kyo), also known as the　                   Larger Sutra (Daikyo),
　　   　　2. The Sutra of Contemplation on the Buddha of Immeasurable Life　                   Delivered  by Sakyamuni Buddha (Bussetsu Kammuryoju kyo), also                       known as the  Contemplation Sutra (Kangyo),
　　　   　3. The Sutra on Amida Buddha Delivered by Sakyamuni Buddha                       (Bussetsu Amida kyo), also known as the Smaller Sutra (Shokyo).

TEACHING: Having awakened to the compassion of Amida Buddha and                            rejoicing in the  assurance of Buddhahood, we shall endeavor to                            live a life of gratitude and  compassionate activity.

TRADITION: The Hongwanji is a community of people joined together by the                             joy  of a common  entrusting in Amida Buddha. As Jodo Shinshu                             Buddhists, we shall seek  to be humble and sincere in words and in                             deeds, to be responsible  citizens of  our society and to share                            with others the teachings of Jodo  Shinshu.
                            Understanding fully the principle of causality, we shall not practice                            petitionary  prayer and  magic, and do not depend on astrology and                            superstitions.