It was established by Honen Shonin in 1175 and it became the first independent school of Pure Land Buddhism in Japan. Over 800 years since the beginning of Jodo Shu, Honen's teachings still continue to develop and to constitute a part of our daily life. The nembutsu, "Namu Amida Butsu", is the simple recitation of "Homage to Amida Buddha" and the center of Jodo Shu practice and devotion. It can be done at any time or any place. It is the ideal way for us to embody the great compassion of Amida Buddha in our daily lives. "When I attain Buddhahood, if all sentient beings in the ten directions, who aspire in all sincerity and faith to be born in my land and think of me even ten times, are not born there, then may I not attain supreme enlightenment." The Dharmakara Bodhisattva's Eighteenth Original Vow fulfilled upon attainment as Amida Buddha.
