The Way of Jodo Shinshu - Reflections on the Hymns of Shinran Shonin

Welcome to The Way of Jodo Shinshu

"The radiant light, unhindered and inconceivable, eradicates suffering and brings realisation of joy; the excellent Name, perfectly embodying all practices, eliminates obstacles and dispels doubt."
- Shinran, Passages on the Pure Land Way

I praise Amida's wisdom and virtue
So that beings with mature conditions throughout
the ten quarters may hear.
Let those who have already realised shinjin
Constantly respond in gratitude to the Buddha's
benevolence.
(Hymns of the Pure Land 50)

Shinran Shonin (1173-1263) compiled fine scholarly works in classical Chinese. But he also composed three volumes of hymns (wasan) in the common language of his day, so that everyone could hear the dharma of Amida Buddha. His hymns proclaim The Way of Jodo Shinshu to the world.

Jodo Wasan - Hymns of the Pure Land

The Hymns of the Pure Land encourage us, through an exploration of the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha in the sutras, to take refuge in Amida Buddha, the Tathagata of inconceivable light.

The light of wisdom exceeds all measure,
And every finite living being
Receives this illumination that is like the dawn,
So take refuge in Amida, the true and real light.
(Hymns of the Pure Land 4)

Koso Wasan - Hymns of the Pure Land Masters

In these verses we hear the living teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha and the seven Dharma Masters, who are the historical manifestation of the compassionate Vow of Amida Buddha, and continue to guide us in our time.

Eminent Pure Land teachers of India, China and Japan!
Out of pity and compassion embrace us,
And guiding us to realisation of true and real shinjin,
Bring us to enter the stage of the truly settled.
(Hymns of the Dharma Ages 57)

Shozomatsu Wasan - Hymns of the Dharma-Ages

Finally, we are now in a time far from that of Shakyamuni Buddha. Hence, true realisation is all the more remarkable, and brings immense gratitude and joy, deep self-awareness, and an enthusiastic life of nembutsu (Namo Amida Butsu).

Such is the benevolence of Amida's great compassion,
That we must strive to return it, even to
the breaking of our bodies;
Such is the benevolence of the masters and true teachers,
That we must endeavour to repay it, even to our bones
becoming dust.
(Hymns of the Dharma Ages 59)