Jodo Shinshu Links
Shinran Shonin is a towering religious figure of 13th century Japan, who reformed the aristocratic and philosophical type of Buddhism practiced before his time into a practical Buddhism which provided spiritual comfort to men and women in all walks of life. Today, he is not only revered by the faithful as the founder of the Jodo Shinshu (Pure Land) denomination of Buddhism, but he is also respected by the world as one of the greatest thinkers that Japan has ever produced.
Hongwanji, located at Horikawa-dori, Kyoto, Japan, is the Honzan (headquarters) for the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha denomination. It is also referred to as “Nishi Hongwanji.” Honzan is a huge complex with many outstanding historical structures. Today Hongwanji is one of the largest denominations of Buddhism in Japan, encompassing over 10,000 temples. Outside of Japan, important missionary work has ensued since the late 1800’s, resulting in Jodo Shinshu temples in Hawaii, mainland United States, Canada, and elsewhere throughout the world.
His Eminence Koshin Ohtani, the present Monshu of Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, is the twenty-fourth descendant to hold this position of spiritual leadership. He was born on August 12, 1945, and succeeded his father, His Eminence Kosho Ohtani Monshu Emeritus.
The Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) is an incorporated religious organization of Jodo Shinshu temples on the mainland United States. The BCA consists of 60 temples and six fellowships located throughout the nation with 60 ministers actively serving the spiritual needs of Jodo Shinshu Buddhists. The BCA is geographically divided into eight districts. WLABT is one of 15 temples that compose the Southern California District.
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