Our Tradition
Our tradition founded 850 years ago, the Jodo Shinshu school of Pure Land Buddhism is Buddhism for all people, just as they are. All people are embraced by the Vow of Amida Buddha, and we invite you to come and experience our practice just as you are.
Tri-State / Denver Buddhist Temples are members of the Buddhist Churches of America and a part of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-Ha school of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, headquartered in Kyoto, Japan.
Founder: Shinran Shonin
Date of birth: 21 May, 1173
Date of death: 16 January, 1263
Name of school: Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji–ha
Head temple: Ryukoku-zan Hongwanji (Nishi Hongwanji)
Object of reverence: Amida Tathagata (Namo Amida Butsu)
Texts
The Three Pure Land Sutras delivered by Shakyamuni Buddha
Bussetsu Muryoju Kyo [The Sutra of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life]
Bussetsu Kammuryoju Kyo [The Sutra of Contemplation of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life]
Bussetsu Amida Kyo [The Sutra on Amida Buddha]
Shinran Shonin’s writings
Shoshin Nembutsuge [Hymn of True Entrusting Heart and the Nembutsu], excerpt from the “Chapter on Practice” of Kyogyoshinsho
Jodo Wasan [Hymns of the Pure Land]
Koso Wasan [Hymns of the Pure Land Masters]
Shozomatsu Wasan [Hymns of the Dharma–Ages]
Rennyo Shonin’s Gobunsho Letters
Teaching
Attaining the “entrusting heart”, awakening to the compassion of Amida Tathagata (Amida Buddha) through the working of the Primal Vow. We shall walk the path of life reciting Amida’s name (Nembutsu). At the end of life, we will be born in the Pure Land and attain buddhahood, returning at once to this delusional world to guide people to awakening.
Way of Life
Guided by the teaching of Shinran Shonin, we shall listen to the compassionate calling of Amida Tathagata and recite the Nembutsu. We strive to always reflect on ourselves amidst our feelings of regret and joy, we shall live expressing our gratitude without depending on petitionary prayer and superstition.
Purpose
The Hongwanji school is a community of people joined together revering the teaching of Shinran Shonin and saying the Nembutsu. We seek to share with others the wisdom and compassion of Amida Tathagata. By doing so, we shall work toward the realization of a society in which everyone is able to live a life of spiritual fulfillment.