Myokonin
Encyclopedia
The Myokonin are famous, pious followers of the Jodo Shinshu
sect of Japanese Buddhism
. Myokonin are typically uneducated peasants, but whose faith has become an example for other Jodo Shinshu followers. The etymology of the term "myokonin" means "wonderfully fragant person" referring to his sincere faith and how it exudes from his character.
Myokonin were largely unheard of in the West until they were introduced by D.T. Suzuki in his lectures and writings on Jodo Shinshu
. Most Myokonin left behind very little writing, but in the case of Saichi, he left behind a prolific amount of poetry expressing his devotion to Amida
Buddha.
Myokonin have been documented through Japanese history, from the Tokugawa Period to the modern period.
Jodo Shinshu
, also known as Shin Buddhism, is a school of Pure Land Buddhism. It was founded by the former Tendai Japanese monk Shinran. Today, Shin Buddhism is considered the most widely practiced branch of Buddhism in Japan.-Shinran :...
sect of Japanese Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
. Myokonin are typically uneducated peasants, but whose faith has become an example for other Jodo Shinshu followers. The etymology of the term "myokonin" means "wonderfully fragant person" referring to his sincere faith and how it exudes from his character.
Myokonin were largely unheard of in the West until they were introduced by D.T. Suzuki in his lectures and writings on Jodo Shinshu
Jodo Shinshu
, also known as Shin Buddhism, is a school of Pure Land Buddhism. It was founded by the former Tendai Japanese monk Shinran. Today, Shin Buddhism is considered the most widely practiced branch of Buddhism in Japan.-Shinran :...
. Most Myokonin left behind very little writing, but in the case of Saichi, he left behind a prolific amount of poetry expressing his devotion to Amida
Amida
Amida can mean:* Amitabha, an important Buddha in East Asian Buddhism* Amida , a beetle genus* Amida Buddha* Amidah, the central prayer of the Jewish services* Amidakuji, a way of drawing lots* Amitabh Bachchan, an actor...
Buddha.
Myokonin have been documented through Japanese history, from the Tokugawa Period to the modern period.