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2.3.9.7 Shinran's True Pure Land Buddhism

While many Japanese people participate in Shinto events like New Year's celebrations and autumn festivals, a large number of funerals and memorial services are conducted in the Buddhist style. In fact, approximately 85% of funerals in Japan are held according to Buddhist traditions. Similarly, many Japanese families regularly hold Buddhist ceremonies for their ancestors.

Buddhism originated in present-day India (as of 2020 CE), but a unique branch called Jōdo Shinshū (True Pure Land Buddhism) emerged in Japan around 1200 CE. This school of Buddhism, which holds slightly different doctrines from other branches, has since been widely adopted in Japan. Roughly 65% of all funerals in the country are conducted in the Jōdo Shinshū style. The sect is said to have originated with Hōnen (法然; 1133 - 1212 CE) and was further developed by Shinran (親鸞; 1173 - 1263 CE).
The core of Jōdo Shinshū's doctrine is the belief that human beings are powerless to find salvation through their own efforts or judgment. Therefore, they must rely on the guidance of Amitābha, the supreme being. Shinran's teaching posits that anyone can be saved by simply following Amitābha's guidance. The most important and straightforward practice is to recite a prayer to Amitābha. By doing so, one can be reborn in the Pure Land after death and attain a state similar to that of the Buddha.

It has been noted that Shinran's teachings and life story bear a striking resemblance to those of Paul the Apostle. For example, both men initially followed their own religious paths. However, after experiencing what they considered to be divine revelation, they fundamentally changed their beliefs. Both came to the realization that humans cannot find righteousness on their own and must rely on the power and guidance of a supreme being.
While the Buddhism embraced by the Japanese appears to be a purely East Asian religion, it is possible that the ideas of Paul were secretly adopted and integrated into its teachings.
* "Jōdo_Shinshū on Wikipedia" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jōdo_Shinshū


Shinran
* "Shinran on Wikipedia" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinran
* "Amitābha on Wikipedia" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amitābha
* "Paul the Apostle on Wikipedia" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_the_Apostle






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