Hōnen
Hōnen (法然, May 13 (April 7), 1133 – February 29, 1212) was the religious reformer and progenitor of the first independent branch of Japanese Pure Land Buddhism called Jōdo-shū (浄土宗, "The Pure Land School"). He is also considered the Seventh Jōdo Shinshū Patriarch.
Hōnen (法然) | |
|---|---|
Portrait of Honen by Fujiwara Takanobu, 12th Century | |
| Title | Founder of Jōdo-shū |
| Personal | |
| Born | Seishimaru May 13 (April 7), 1133 |
| Died | February 29, 1212 (aged 78) |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| School | Jōdo-shū school of Pure Land Buddhism |
| Lineage | Tendai, Sammon lineage |
| Other names | Genkū (源空) |
Hōnen became a Tendai initiate at an early age, but grew disaffected and sought an approach to Buddhism that anyone could follow, even during the perceived Age of Dharma Decline. After discovering the writings of the Chinese Buddhist Shandao, he undertook the teaching of rebirth in the pure land of Amitābha through the nembutsu (Sanskrit nianfo) or "recitation of the Buddha's name".
Hōnen gathered a wide array of followers and critics. Emperor Tsuchimikado exiled Hōnen and his followers in 1207 after an incident regarding two of his disciples in addition to persuasion by influential Buddhist communities. Hōnen was eventually pardoned and allowed to return to Kyoto, where he stayed for a short time before his death.