Honen-shonin, who lived in Japan in the twelfth century, saw that the complexity of traditional Buddhist practices made them inaccessible to people outside the monastic elite. Drawing on the Chinese Pure Land tradition, he re-imagined Pure Land practice for Japan and ushered in a new and dynamic practice that continues in the present day. In our degenerate age, says Honen, we cannot hope to reach enlightenment via the practices employed by the Buddhist masters of old. For us there is only one avenue to liberation—rebirth in the Pure Land of Amida, from whence our progress is irreversible and our ultimate release assured. The Pure Land is a heavenly destination made manifest through the pure vow of Amida to save all beings, and we secure passage to this land in our next life through pure faith in Amida at the very moment of death. The practice of faith in Amida is performed through nembutsu, the continual recitation of the mantra Namu Amida Butsu, which bonds us to Amida and brings us into his care.

Praise & Reviews “This work is of inestimable value in understanding Honen's seminal teaching in his own words. Atone and Hayashi's translation is readable and clear. This book gives the spectrum of Honen's thought, making evident the Pure Land tradition's popular appeal. It will be of great benefit to scholars, students, and religious practitioners as well.” —Alfred Bloom, professor emeritus, University of Hawaii “Spreading to Japan from China, the Pure Land tradition is a form of Buddhism that can easily be understood and used by lay people. Atone and Hayashi's English translation gives readers a chance to learn about the very first Pure Land teachings taught in Japan and still practiced there today. A key aspect of this Pure Land practice is nembutsu, a chant-like intonation of the name of Amida Buddha. Honen offers extensive testimony to the value of nembutsu in everyday life, and Dr. Atone places the practice in historical and doctrinal perspective. I am pleased to recommend this truly remarkable book.” —Glenn T. Webb, professor emeritus, Pepperdine University

Joji Atone, Joji Atone was born in Fukuoka, Japan, in 1951 and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Since 1992, he has been the director of Bukkyo University–Los Angeles Extension. Yoko Hayashi, Yoko Hayashi, M.Ed., is a retired educator living in Los Angeles. The daughter of a Japanese Pure Land missionary, she was born in Hawaii, where she spent her professional career.