Shinran Shonin

Shinran Shonin (1173–1262) was a Japanese Buddhist monk and the founder of the Jodo Shinshu school of Pure Land Buddhism. He emphasized that salvation is attainable through sincere faith in the compassion of Amida Buddha, rather than through individual effort or rituals. Shinran taught that, despite human imperfections, anyone could achieve enlightenment by entrusting themselves wholly to Amida’s promise of salvation. His writings and teachings shifted Buddhism towards a more accessible faith, highlighting the importance of community, chanting the Nembutsu (the name of Amida), and the concept of "other-power" in spiritual practice.