Hongwanji-ha School

Kakushinni was one of Shinran Shōnin'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 Jōdo Shinshū message and worked as the guardian of the shrine that housed 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; Nyoshin was the son of Zenran. Nyoshin is considered an important figure during the early Jōdo Shinshū history because he learned from Shinran Shōnin and then transmitted the teachings to his nephew, Kakunyo (Shinran’s grandson).

Kakunyo is considered as the third monshu of Hongwanji (although in reality he was the first person to receive the title and to act as head priest). He received the lineage from his uncle Nyoshin and his role was crucial for having:

(1) Achieved the recognition of Hongwanji as a temple and consolidated the Shinshū movement.

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

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

(4) Helped to settle disputes and clarify Shinran's teachings for future generations.

(5) 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 Jōdo Shinshū. His visionary leadership and reforms left an everlasting legacy which can be still observed in the modern Jōdo Shinshū community. Next, some of his central achievements are listed:

(1) Simplifying and clarifying the doctrines and rituals, making them more accessible for the laity;

(3) Spreading Jōdo Shinshū teachings throughout Japan;

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

(5) Writing several letters, also known as 'Gobunshō', to communicate the teachings in an accessible way;

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

During the Sengoku period, Oda Nobunaga, fearing Hongwanji's power, tried to destroy it. For ten long years, he laid siege to Ishiyama Hongwanji, located in Osaka, where today stands Osaka castle. In 1580, the 11th monshu, Kennyo, signed a peace agreement and settlement. Yet his oldest son, Kyōnyo refused to give up fighting, whereas another of his son Jūnyo was in favour of the settlement. 

In 1582, after Nobunaga's passing, Toyotomi Hideyoshi became the most prominent feudal lord in Japan. Jūnyo, the 12th monshu, was rewarded for his support of his father’s agreement with lands in Kyoto to establish a temple (which will later be called Nishi Hongwanji). On the other side, Kyōnyo, the firstborn and opposed to the agreement, also received the favour of the new leader, who allowed him to reestablish the Osaka temple. After the death of Hideyoshi in 1598, the new shōgun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, granted Kyōnyo new plots of land in Kyoto, adjacent to the where Nishi Hongwanji now is. And so, Higashi Honganji was born. In 1619, the government recognized both entities as separate institutions.

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 formal structure to the Jōdo Shinshū 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 Jōdo Shinshū 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, it promotes charitable and educational activities, contributing to the overall well-being of 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 our Buddhist school, being responsible for the general administration and the spiritual guidance of their followers. He also participates in religious ceremonies, gives teachings and lectures, and represents Hongwanji in events in Japan and overseas. His role is key in promoting Shinran Shōnin's teachings and maintaining the relevance of the Jōdo Shinshū tradition in the contemporary world.