When was Hōnen born and what happened to his family?
Hōnen was born in 1133 into the Uruma family of Mimasaka Province. His father, Uruma no Tokikuni, held local ruling power until an assassination in 1141 left the child orphaned at age eight.
Questions about Jōdo-shū
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What event caused the exile of Hōnen in 1207?
The year 1207 marked a turning point when Emperor Go-Toba ordered the exile of Hōnen after two disciples were caught proselytizing among imperial court ladies. This event became known as the Jōkyū Persecution and resulted in Hōnen being defrocked while two other disciples were executed.
How did Ryūkan and Kōsai differ in their interpretation of nembutsu practice?
Ryūkan emphasized constant recitation of the nembutsu throughout life as essential for salvation, a view known as tanen-gi or many callings. Kōsai argued that a single sincere recitation was sufficient for rebirth in the Pure Land, a position called ichinen-gi or once-calling.
When did Tokugawa Ieyasu officially patronize Jōdo-shū and what temple did he convert?
In 1590, Tokugawa Ieyasu officially patronized Jōdo-shū and converted Zōjō-ji temple from Shingon to Jōdo-shū use. The shogun made it the family temple of the ruling clan and several Tokugawa shoguns were interred there.
What happened to Jōdo-shū during the Meiji Restoration of 1868?
The Meiji Restoration of 1868 triggered the haibutsu kishaku campaign which targeted Buddhist institutions nationwide by demolishing temples and seizing properties. Reformers such as Fukuda Gyōkai worked to modernize social welfare systems based on Buddhist philosophy while defending tradition against Western criticism.