BERKELEY BUDDHIST TEMPLE
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PRINCIPLES OF SHIN BUDDHISM
Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Kyosho
NAME OF SECT: Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha (Joe-doe-Sheen-shoe-Hone-gone-gee-haw)

FOUNDER: Shinran Shonin (Sheen-ron-Show-neen)

BUDDHA: Amida Buddha (Ah-mee-dah Boo-dah) - Buddha of Infinite Light & Life or Namo Amida Butsu

MAIN TEACHINGS FROM THE BUDDHA USED AS PRINCIPLE TEXTS FOR THE SECT:
  1. The Sutra of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life (Bussetsu Muryoku-kyo) also known as the Larger sutra (Daikyo)
  2. The Sutra of Contemplation of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life (Bussetsu Kammuryoju-kyo) also known as the Contemplation sutra (Kangyo)
  3. The Sutra of Amida Buddha (Bussetsu Amida-kyo) also known as the Smaller Sutta (Shokyo)
SYNOPSIS OF TEACHING: Having awakened to the compassion of Amida Buddha and rejoicing in the assurance of Buddhahood, we shall endeavor to live the life of gratitude and compassionate activity.

TRADITION: The Hongwanji is a community of people joined together by the gladness 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.