About Jodo Shinshu
Jodo Shinshu (“True Pure Land School”), also known as Shin Buddhism, is a school of Pure Land Buddhism. It was founded by the former Tendai Japanese monk Shinran Shonin.
During the late 19th century, Japanese immigrants (Issei) began arriving in the United States. Many Issei came from regions in which Jodo Shinshu was predominant, and maintained their religious identity in their new country. The Buddhist Churches of America is among the oldest Buddhist organizations outside of Asia. Jodo Shinshu remains somewhat unknown outside the ethnic community because of the history of internment during World War II, which caused many temples to focus on rebuilding the Japanese–American sangha rather than encourage outreach to non–Japanese. This situation is changing with each generation. Although many Jodo Shinshu temples continue to have predominantly ethnic Japanese members, interest in Buddhism and intermarriage contribute to a more diverse community.
Today, Shin Buddhism is considered the most widely practiced branch of Buddhism in Japan with many followers in the United States. For more information on Jodo Shinshu or the Buddhist Churches of America, visit the sites listed under the Web Links section.