Hongwanji-ha School

Kakushinni was one of Shinran Shonin's daughters. She was born in Japan during the 13th century and became an important figure in the transmission and preservation of her father's teachings. Not long after Shinran's death, Kakushinni tirelessly worked to spread the Jodo Shinshu message and worked as the guardian of the shrine for her father's remains. Her dedication and commitment to the Buddhist teachings make her a remarkable figure in Japanese religious history.

Nyoshin was Shinran's grandson on Zenran's side. Nyoshin is considered an important figure during the early Jodo Shinshu history because the school's lineage goes to his nephew, Kakunyo.

Kakunyo is considered as the third monshu of Hongwanji (although in reality was the first to be named as such). He received the lineage from his uncle Nyoshin and his role was crucial for the following reasons:

(1) He achieved the recognition of Hongwanji as a temple and consolidated the movement.

(2) Established practices and administrative structures that helped strengthen the sangha.

(3) Produced several works about his grandfather Shinrai's life and teachings, as well as the doctrine.

(4) His work helped settle and clarify Shinran's teachings for future generations.

(5) Also promoted the veneration for Shinran, establishing rituals and holidays in his honor.

Almost a century passed until the eighth monshu, Rennyo, accomplished the consolidation, expansion, and unification of Jodo Shinshu. His visionary leadership and reforms left an everlasting legacy which can be still observed in the modern Jodo Shinshu practice. Next, some of his main actions taken during his mandate will be numbered:

(1) He made significant reforms to Jodo Shinshu's practices and teachings;

(2) Simplified and clarified the doctrines and rituals, making them more accessible for the laity;

(3) Spread Jodo Shinshu teachings throughout Japan;

(4) Established a strong and well-organized network of temples and communities;

(5) Wrote several letters, also known as 'Gobunshu', to communicate his teachings and guidelines.

(6) Overcame various conflicts and challenges, including attacks from rival schools and internal turmoil.

(7) Created a clear and established identity for Jodo Shinshu, making it different from other Buddhist schools.

During the Sengoku period, Oda Nobunaga, fearing Hongwanji's power, tried to destroy it. For ten long years, he sieged the Ishiyama Hongwanji, located in Osaka, one of the two main fortresses of the school. in 1580, the 9th monshu, Kennyo, surrendered. Yet his son, Kyonyo refused to abandon the battle, reason for why he was publicly disowned.

In 1582, after Nobunaga's passing, Toyotomi Hideyoshi ascended to the throne. Kennyo, the 9th monshu, was rewarded for his opposition to Nobunaga with lands in Kyoto (Nishi Hongwanji). On the other side, Kyokyo, his disowned son also received graces from the new leader, allowing him to reestablish the Osaka temple. After the death of Hideyoshi in 1598, the new shogun agreed with Kyonyo the grant new land plots in Kyoto, adjacent to the Nishi Hongwanji area. And so, Higashi Hongwanji was born. In 1619, the government recognized both entities as separate congregations.

The Constitution of 30 articles of Hongwanji, also known as "Hongwanji Shōno-ka" (本願寺聖則), was promulgated in 1876. This constitution was established during the Meiji era, a period of important reforms and modernization processes in Japan, which also affected religious institutions. The promulgation of this constitution had as an objective to modernize and give structure formally the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha school administration, adapting it to the new social and political conditions while maintaining a solid base in their teachings and traditions. In this way, this document played a crucial role in the cohesion and stability of the Jodo Shinshu school, allowing it to maintain its identity and relevance throughout the centuries. In the current context, the Hongwanji Constitution remains relevant as a guide for the administration of more than 10,000 affiliated temples in Japan and around the world. Also, promotes charity and educational activities, contributing to the overall well-being of the local communities and strengthening the Buddhist faith.

Ohtani Kojun (大谷光淳, Shaku Sennyo) is the 25th monshu of Nishi Hongwanji. As Gomonshu, he is the leader of this important Buddhist school. Being responsible for the general administration and the spiritual guidance of their followers. Also participates in religious ceremonies, gives teachings and conferences, and represents Hongwanji in events in Japan and overseas. His role is key in promoting Shinran SHonin's teachings and maintaining the relevance of the Jodo Shinshu tradition in the contemporary world.