Hōnen (Jōdo-shū founder)

Hōnen was a Japanese Buddhist priest who founded Jōdo-shū, a school emphasizing devotion to Amida Buddha for salvation. He believed that relying solely on reciting the nembutsu (“Namu Amida Butsu”)—a phrase expressing trust in Amida's compassion—was the most accessible path to enlightenment, regardless of one's social status or intelligence. Hōnen's teachings shifted focus from complex rituals to heartfelt faith and practice through chanting. His approach made Buddhism more inclusive, emphasizing sincere devotion as the key to rebirth in the Pure Land, a blissful realm where enlightenment is achievable.