The Japanese priest Hōnen (also known as Hōnen-bō Genkū, 1133–1212) was the founder of the Jōdo Shū, Japan’s first Pure Land school of Buddhism. He lived amid a turbulent era spanning from the end of the Heian period (794–1185) to the beginning of the Kamakura period (1185–1333). During this age of upheaval, Hōnen gained widespread support by advocating that anyone, regardless of their rank or circumstances in life, has the potential to attain salvation and be born into the Pure Land paradise of Amida (Amitābha) Buddha after death. Hōnen taught that the means of achieving this is to repeatedly chant the prayerful invocation Namu Amida Butsu (“I take refuge in Amitābha Buddha”), known as the “nenbutsu.”
This exhibition celebrates the 850th anniversary of the founding of Jōdo Shū through an exploration of the history of Japanese Pure Land Buddhism, beginning with Hōnen's founding of the school and extending through to the creation of various denominations by his disciples and the establishment of their respective doctrines. The exhibition also examines how Jōdo Shū grew and expanded significantly through the patronage of the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period (1615–1868). This historical journey will be traced through precious artworks, including numerous National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties associated with this school of Pure Land Buddhism.

National Treasure
Welcoming Descent of Amida (Amitābha) Buddha and Twenty-five Bodhisattvas
(Known as the Rapid Descent)
Chion-in Temple, Kyoto