Jodo (Pure Land)
Buddhist sects浄土宗 ・ Reading: じょうどしゅう
Definition
Jodo, or Pure Land Buddhism, is a school founded by Honen that teaches rebirth in Amida Buddhas Pure Land through chanting the nembutsu. It is one of Japans most widely practised forms of Buddhism.
Where it comes from
Jodo, the Pure Land school, was founded by the monk Honen in 1175, in the late Heian period. He taught that in an age when older, more demanding forms of practice felt out of reach, ordinary people could rely on the compassion of Amida Buddha. The heart of the practice is the nembutsu, chanting "Namu Amida Butsu", which expresses trust that Amida will welcome the faithful into his Pure Land after death.
What you will notice at a Jodo temple
The main hall usually enshrines a figure of Amida Buddha in a gentle, welcoming pose rather than a fierce one. You may hear, or be invited to join in, the nembutsu. Many Jodo temples feel calm and unadorned, in keeping with the school's message that salvation rests on faith rather than elaborate ritual.
How it differs from Jodo Shinshu
Jodo is easy to confuse with Jodo Shinshu, or True Pure Land, founded by Honen's disciple Shinran. Both centre on Amida Buddha and the nembutsu, but they are separate schools with different head temples. If a temple names Honen as its founder, you are almost certainly at a Jodo temple. Jodo's own head temple is Chion-in in Kyoto.
Common questions
- Who founded Jodo (Pure Land) Buddhism?
Jodo, or Pure Land Buddhism, was founded by the monk Honen in Japan in 1175, during the late Heian period.
- What is the nembutsu in Jodo Buddhism?
The nembutsu in Jodo Buddhism is the chant 'Namu Amida Butsu', which expresses trust in Amida Buddha and the wish to be reborn in his Pure Land.
- What is the difference between Jodo and Jodo Shinshu?
Jodo was founded by Honen, while Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land) was founded by his disciple Shinran. Both focus on Amida Buddha and the nembutsu, but they are separate schools with different head temples.