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Shinran founded Jōddo Shinshū after being a Shingon Japanese monk.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shinran founded Jōddo Shinshū, but he was formerly a Tendai Japanese monk, having been ordained in the Tendai sect at Mount Hiei, not a Shingon monk.
Shinran lived during a period of political stability where the Emperor held significant power.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shinran lived during the late Heian to early Kamakura period, a time characterized by significant political upheaval and a diminished political power for the Emperor, rather than stability.
Shinran was ordained as a novice monk in the Tendai sect at the age of nine.
Answer: True
Explanation: Shinran was indeed ordained as a novice monk in the Tendai sect at Mount Hiei when he was nine years old in 1181.
Shinran's disillusionment with Buddhism at Mount Hiei stemmed from his belief that the teachings were becoming too complex.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shinran's disillusionment at Mount Hiei arose from his perception of a decline in the efficacy and practical relevance of the teachings being propagated, not primarily from their complexity.
Prince Shōtoku appeared to Shinran in a dream on the 95th day of his retreat at Rokkaku-dō, revealing a path to enlightenment.
Answer: True
Explanation: During his 100-day retreat at Rokkaku-dō, Shinran had a dream on the 95th day where Prince Shōtoku appeared and revealed a path to enlightenment through verse.
Hōnen was Shinran's disciple and founded the Jōddo-shū school in 1201.
Answer: False
Explanation: Hōnen was Shinran's mentor, not his disciple, and he founded the Jōddo-shū school in 1175, not 1201.
During his exile, Shinran adopted the name 'Gutoku,' meaning 'Bald Fool,' and moved to Echigo Province.
Answer: True
Explanation: Shinran chose the name 'Gutoku,' meaning 'Bald Fool,' during his exile and relocated to Echigo Province (modern Niigata Prefecture).
Shinran married Eshinni in 1210 and had several children during his exile.
Answer: True
Explanation: During his exile, Shinran married Eshinni, the daughter of an Echigo aristocrat, in 1210, and they had several children.
Shinran reunited with Hōnen after the nembutsu ban was lifted in 1211.
Answer: False
Explanation: Although the nembutsu ban was lifted in 1211 and Shinran was pardoned, Hōnen died in 1212, and Shinran never saw him again after their exile.
Shinran died at the age of 89 by Western reckoning in 1263.
Answer: True
Explanation: Shinran passed away in 1263 at the age of 90, which is 89 by Western reckoning.
Who founded Jōddo Shinshū?
Answer: Shinran
Explanation: Jōddo Shinshū was founded by Shinran, who was formerly a Tendai Japanese monk.
During what historical period did Shinran live?
Answer: Late Heian to early Kamakura period
Explanation: Shinran lived from 1173 to 1263, which corresponds to the late Heian to early Kamakura period in Japanese history.
At what age was Shinran ordained as a novice monk in the Tendai sect?
Answer: Nine
Explanation: Shinran was ordained as a novice monk in the Tendai sect at Mount Hiei at the age of nine.
What was the primary reason for Shinran's disillusionment with Buddhism at Mount Hiei?
Answer: He foresaw a decline in the potency and practicality of the teachings.
Explanation: Shinran's disillusionment at Mount Hiei stemmed from his perception that the Buddhist teachings being espoused were losing their potency and practical relevance.
Who appeared to Shinran in a dream during his retreat at Rokkaku-dō?
Answer: Prince Shōtoku
Explanation: During his retreat at Rokkaku-dō, Shinran had a dream on the 95th day in which Prince Shōtoku appeared to him.
Who was Shinran's mentor, and what school did he found?
Answer: Hōnen, Jōddo-shū
Explanation: Hōnen, an ex-Tendai monk, was Shinran's mentor and founded the Jōddo-shū, or Pure Land School, in 1175.
What lay name did Shinran choose for himself during his exile?
Answer: Gutoku
Explanation: During his exile, Shinran chose to call himself Gutoku, meaning 'Bald Fool,' despite being given the lay name Yoshizane Fujii by authorities.
What significant personal event occurred for Shinran during his exile in Echigo Province?
Answer: He married Eshinni and had several children.
Explanation: During his exile in Echigo Province, Shinran married Eshinni in 1210 and subsequently had several children.
When was the nembutsu ban lifted, and what happened to Hōnen shortly after?
Answer: 1211, Hōnen died in 1212 and Shinran never saw him again.
Explanation: The nembutsu ban was lifted in 1211, and Shinran was pardoned. However, Hōnen passed away in 1212, meaning Shinran never reunited with his mentor after their exile.
When did Shinran die?
Answer: 1263
Explanation: Shinran passed away in 1263 at the age of 90 (or 89 by Western reckoning).
Shinran's eldest son, Zenran, was disowned for attempting to usurp control of the Hongan-ji temple.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shinran disowned his eldest son, Zenran, in 1256 for claiming to have received special teachings and demanding control of local monto groups, not for attempting to usurp control of the Hongan-ji temple itself.
Shinran's daughter, Kakushinni, was instrumental in preserving his teachings and establishing his mausoleum as Hongan-ji.
Answer: True
Explanation: Kakushinni, Shinran's daughter, played a crucial role in preserving his teachings and ensuring his mausoleum eventually became the Hongan-ji temple.
Rennyo, the 8th descendant of Shinran, played a key role in the decline of Shin Buddhism.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rennyo, the 8th descendant of Shinran, is credited as the 'Second Founder' for reversing the early stagnation of Jōdo Shinshū and significantly contributing to its growth, not its decline.
Rennyo formalized Jōddo Shinshū rituals and consolidated most smaller Shin sects.
Answer: True
Explanation: Rennyo formalized much of Jōddo Shinshū's ritual and liturgy and consolidated most of the smaller Shin sects, contributing significantly to the school's identity and growth.
There are currently five distinct sects of Jōddo Shinshū Buddhism.
Answer: False
Explanation: There are currently ten distinct sects of Jōddo Shinshū Buddhism, with Nishi Hongan-ji and Higashi Hongan-ji being the two largest.
Rennyo is sometimes criticized for his involvement in medieval politics and alleged deviations from Shinran's original teachings.
Answer: True
Explanation: While revered as the 'Second Founder,' Rennyo has faced criticism from some Shin scholars for his involvement in medieval politics and perceived deviations from Shinran's original doctrines.
Ryukoku University was founded by the Hongan-ji to formalize Jōddo Shinshū traditions.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Hongan-ji established Ryukoku University in Kyoto to formalize many of the Jōddo Shinshū traditions.
Why did Shinran disown his eldest son, Zenran, in 1256?
Answer: Zenran claimed to have received special teachings from Shinran and demanded control of monto groups.
Explanation: Shinran disowned Zenran in 1256 because his son claimed to have received special teachings from him and sought to control local lay follower groups (monto), which Shinran deemed heretical.
Who was crucial in preserving Shinran's teachings and establishing his mausoleum as Hongan-ji?
Answer: Kakushinni
Explanation: Shinran's daughter, Kakushinni, was instrumental in preserving his teachings and ensuring his mausoleum eventually became the Hongan-ji temple.
Who is credited as the 'Second Founder' of Jōddo Shinshū for reversing its early stagnation?
Answer: Rennyo
Explanation: Rennyo is widely credited as the 'Second Founder' of Jōddo Shinshū for his pivotal role in revitalizing the community and reversing its early stagnation.
How many distinct sects of Jōddo Shinshū Buddhism exist today?
Answer: Ten
Explanation: There are currently ten distinct sects of Jōddo Shinshū Buddhism, with Nishi Hongan-ji and Higashi Hongan-ji being the two largest.
What academic institution was founded by the Hongan-ji?
Answer: Ryukoku University
Explanation: The Hongan-ji established Ryukoku University in Kyoto, formalizing many Jōddo Shinshū traditions.
Jōddo Shinshū is also commonly known as Shin Buddhism or True Pure Land Buddhism.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jōddo Shinshū is indeed known by the alternative designations Shin Buddhism and True Pure Land Buddhism, reflecting its core identity as a school of Pure Land Buddhism.
Shinran's most important written work, Kyōgyōshinshō, was completed in 1234.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shinran's most significant written work, the Kyōgyōshinshō, was completed in 1224, not 1234.
Shinran spent his final years in Kyoto composing the Wasan, a collection of verses to summarize his teachings.
Answer: True
Explanation: After returning to Kyoto in 1234, Shinran dedicated his remaining years to writing, including the Wasan, a collection of verses summarizing his teachings for his followers.
The doctrine of mappō suggests that humanity's capacity to understand Buddhist teachings increases over time.
Answer: False
Explanation: The doctrine of mappō is a Mahayana eschatological belief that humanity's capacity to understand and practice Buddhist teachings *diminishes* over time, losing its effectiveness.
Shinran rejected jiriki, or 'self-power,' because he believed humans in his age were too rooted in karmic evil to achieve liberation through their own efforts.
Answer: True
Explanation: Shinran rejected jiriki for his era, believing that humans were too deeply rooted in karmic evil to develop the truly altruistic compassion necessary for self-powered liberation.
Tariki, or 'other power,' in Shin Buddhism refers to the reliance on the power of Amitābha to attain liberation.
Answer: True
Explanation: Tariki, or 'other power,' is indeed the reliance on the power of Amitābha, as manifested in his Primal Vow, to attain liberation in Shin Buddhism.
In Jōddo Shinshū, the nembutsu is primarily understood as a practice to generate karmic merit for rebirth in the Pure Land.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Jōddo Shinshū, the nembutsu is understood not as a practice to generate karmic merit, but rather as an expression of gratitude to Amitābha, evoked by his unobstructed compassion.
Jōddo Shinshū teaches that birth in the Pure Land is settled at the moment of death.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jōddo Shinshū teaches that birth in the Pure Land is settled in the midst of one's life, at the moment a person entrusts themselves to Amitābha, not necessarily at the moment of death.
Jōddo Shinshū encourages elaborate rituals to guarantee rebirth in the Pure Land, as they demonstrate devotion.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jōddo Shinshū rejects elaborate rituals for Pure Land rebirth, viewing them as a demonstration of a lack of trust in Amida Buddha and a reliance on 'self-power' (jiriki).
Shinjin, the central goal of the Shin path, is attained through conscious human effort and self-discipline.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shinjin is attained through the renunciation of self-effort and reliance entirely on the 'other-power' of Amida Buddha, arising from jinen (naturalness), not conscious human effort or self-discipline.
The Tannishō is a 13th-century book containing Shinran's sayings, transcribed by his disciple Yuien-bo.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Tannishō is indeed a 13th-century text comprising recorded sayings attributed to Shinran, transcribed with commentary by his disciple Yuien-bo.
Rennyo actively promoted the widespread distribution of the Tannishō to all Shin Buddhists.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rennyo actually noted in the 15th century that the Tannishō should not be shown indiscriminately to those lacking 'past karmic good,' indicating a restricted, not widespread, distribution.
Nagarjuna was the first of the Shin Patriarchs to advocate for the Pure Land as a valid Buddhist path.
Answer: True
Explanation: Nagarjuna, an Indian monk, is recognized as the first of the Shin Patriarchs to advocate for the Pure Land as a valid Buddhist path.
What is the primary translation of Jōddo Shinshū?
Answer: The True Essence of the Pure Land Teaching
Explanation: Jōddo Shinshū translates to 'The True Essence of the Pure Land Teaching,' reflecting its core doctrinal focus.
What is the title of Shinran's most significant written work, completed in 1224?
Answer: Kyōgyōshinshō
Explanation: Shinran's most significant written work, completed in 1224, is the Kyōgyōshinshō, which translates to 'The True Teaching, Practice, Faith and Attainment of the Pure Land.'
What was the primary purpose of the Wasan, composed by Shinran in his later years?
Answer: To summarize his teachings for his followers to recite.
Explanation: Shinran composed the Wasan, a collection of verses, in his later years with the primary purpose of summarizing his teachings for his followers to recite.
What is the doctrine of mappō?
Answer: The belief that humanity's capacity for Buddhist teachings diminishes over time.
Explanation: The doctrine of mappō is a Mahayana eschatological belief that humanity's capacity to understand and practice Buddhist teachings diminishes over time.
In Shinran's doctrine, what concept refers to conscious efforts towards achieving enlightenment through one's own strength?
Answer: Jiriki
Explanation: Jiriki, or 'self-power,' refers to conscious efforts towards achieving enlightenment through one's own strength, a path Shinran deemed unsuitable for his age.
What is tariki, and how is it central to Shin Buddhism?
Answer: Other-power, relying on Amitābha's Primal Vow.
Explanation: Tariki, or 'other power,' is the reliance on the power of Amitābha, as manifested in his Primal Vow, and is central to Shin Buddhism as an 'Easy Path' to liberation.
How does Jōddo Shinshū interpret the practice of nembutsu?
Answer: As an expression of gratitude to Amitābha.
Explanation: In Jōddo Shinshū, the nembutsu is interpreted not as a practice for merit, but as an expression of gratitude to Amitābha, evoked by his compassion.
When does Jōddo Shinshū teach that birth in the Pure Land is settled?
Answer: In the midst of one's life, upon entrusting oneself to Amitābha.
Explanation: Jōddo Shinshū teaches that rebirth in the Pure Land is settled in the midst of one's life, at the moment of entrusting oneself to Amitābha, not solely at death.
How is shinjin, the central goal of the Shin path, attained in Jōddo Shinshū?
Answer: By relying entirely on the 'other-power' of Amida Buddha and renouncing self-effort.
Explanation: Shinjin is attained in Jōddo Shinshū by entirely relying on the 'other-power' of Amida Buddha and renouncing all self-effort towards enlightenment.
In the context of shinjin development, what does 'deep hearing' (monpo) primarily entail?
Answer: Understanding the origin and fulfillment of the Buddha's Vow, becoming free of doubt.
Explanation: In shinjin development, 'deep hearing' (monpo) primarily entails understanding the origin and fulfillment of the Buddha's Vow, leading to a state free of doubt.
Which of the following best describes the Tannishō?
Answer: A 13th-century book of Shinran's recorded sayings and commentary by Yuien-bo.
Explanation: The Tannishō is a 13th-century book containing recorded sayings attributed to Shinran, along with commentary by his disciple Yuien-bo.
What was Rennyo's view on the distribution of the Tannishō?
Answer: He believed it should not be shown indiscriminately to those lacking 'past karmic good.'
Explanation: Rennyo held that the Tannishō should not be shown indiscriminately to those lacking 'past karmic good,' indicating a cautious approach to its distribution.
Which of the following figures is NOT considered one of the 'Seven Patriarchs of Jōddo Shinshū'?
Answer: Nichiren
Explanation: Nichiren is not considered one of the 'Seven Patriarchs of Jōddo Shinshū,' who include Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, Tan-luan, Daochuo, Shandao, Genshin, and Hōnen.
What was Nagarjuna's key contribution as a Shin Patriarch?
Answer: Advocating for the Pure Land as a valid Buddhist path.
Explanation: Nagarjuna is recognized as the first of the Shin Patriarchs to advocate for the Pure Land as a valid Buddhist path.
Hōnen's primary contribution as a Shin Patriarch was:
Answer: Developing a specific school of Buddhism devoted solely to rebirth in the Pure Land.
Explanation: Hōnen's primary contribution as a Shin Patriarch was developing a specific school of Buddhism, Jōddo-shū, devoted solely to rebirth in the Pure Land.
Shin Buddhism is the most widely practiced branch of Buddhism in Japan.
Answer: True
Explanation: Shin Buddhism is recognized as the most widely practiced branch of Buddhism throughout Japan.
The Buddhist establishment in Kyoto criticized Hōnen and his followers primarily for their political activism.
Answer: False
Explanation: Hōnen and his followers faced criticism from the Buddhist establishment in Kyoto primarily for their nembutsu-only method, not for political activism.
The nembutsu ban in 1207 was a direct result of two imperial ladies-in-waiting converting to Hōnen's practices.
Answer: True
Explanation: The nembutsu ban and subsequent exile of Hōnen and Shinran in 1207 were triggered by the conversion of two imperial ladies-in-waiting to Hōnen's teachings, which prompted Kōfuku-ji to persuade Emperor Go-Toba to act.
The Hongan-ji temple was split into two sects by Oda Nobunaga to curb its political power.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Hongan-ji temple was split into two sects (Nishi and Higashi) by Shōgun Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1602 to curb its political power, not by Oda Nobunaga, although Nobunaga did engage in conflicts with Hongan-ji.
The 'Danka system' in the Edo period required temples to provide memorial services to prevent the spread of Shintoism.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Danka system' in the Edo period required temples to provide memorial and funeral services for registered members primarily to prevent the spread of Christianity, not Shintoism.
During the Meiji Restoration, Jōddo Shinshū suffered significant losses and nearly disappeared due to persecution.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the Meiji Restoration's persecution of Buddhism (haibutsu kishaku), Jōddo Shinshū largely survived intact due to the strong devotion of its lay followers (monto).
Shinran initially distanced Jōddo Shinshū from Shinto practices, believing they contradicted reliance on Amitābha.
Answer: True
Explanation: Shinran initially distanced Jōddo Shinshū from Shinto practices, as he believed many of them contradicted the core principle of reliance on Amitābha.
Jōddo Shinshū primarily drew its support from the aristocratic and educated classes in Japan.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jōddo Shinshū primarily drew its support from the lower social classes in Japan, as these individuals often lacked the time or educational opportunities for more esoteric practices.
What is the prevalence of Shin Buddhism in Japan?
Answer: It is the most widely practiced branch of Buddhism.
Explanation: Shin Buddhism is recognized as the most widely practiced branch of Buddhism in Japan.
What led to the nembutsu ban and the exile of Hōnen and Shinran in 1207?
Answer: Criticism from Kōfuku-ji after two imperial ladies-in-waiting converted to Hōnen's practices.
Explanation: The nembutsu ban and subsequent exile were a direct result of Kōfuku-ji's successful petition to Emperor Go-Toba after two imperial ladies-in-waiting converted to Hōnen's teachings.
What was the primary reason Shōgun Tokugawa Ieyasu mandated the division of the Hongan-ji temple in 1602?
Answer: To curb its considerable political power.
Explanation: Shōgun Tokugawa Ieyasu mandated the division of the Hongan-ji temple in 1602 into two sects (Nishi and Higashi) specifically to diminish its significant political power.
How did Jōddo Shinshū largely survive the persecution during the Meiji Restoration?
Answer: Thanks to the strong devotion of its lay followers (monto).
Explanation: Jōddo Shinshū largely survived the persecution during the Meiji Restoration due to the strong devotion of its monto, or lay followers.
What was Shinran's initial approach to the relationship between Jōddo Shinshū and Shinto?
Answer: He distanced Jōddo Shinshū from Shinto, believing many practices contradicted reliance on Amitābha.
Explanation: Shinran initially distanced Jōddo Shinshū from Shinto practices, believing they often contradicted the core principle of reliance on Amitābha.
Jōddo Shinshū primarily drew its support from which social classes in Japan?
Answer: The lower social classes.
Explanation: Jōddo Shinshū primarily attracted its adherents from the lower social classes in Japan, who often lacked the resources for more esoteric Buddhist practices.
The Hongan-ji issued an apology for its support of the military government during World War II.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Hongan-ji, along with other Japanese Buddhist schools, was compelled to support the military government during World War II and later issued an apology for its actions.
The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II led Jōddo Shinshū temples to focus more on outreach to non-Japanese individuals.
Answer: False
Explanation: The internment of Japanese Americans and Canadians during World War II caused Shin temples to focus on rebuilding the Japanese-American Shin Sangha, rather than actively encouraging broader outreach to non-Japanese individuals.
What action did the Hongan-ji take regarding its role during World War II?
Answer: It issued an apology for supporting the military government.
Explanation: The Hongan-ji, having been compelled to support the military government during World War II, later issued an apology for its actions.
How did the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII affect Jōddo Shinshū's outreach efforts in North America?
Answer: It caused temples to focus on rebuilding the Japanese-American Shin Sangha rather than broader outreach.
Explanation: The internment of Japanese Americans during WWII led Jōddo Shinshū temples in North America to prioritize rebuilding their ethnic Japanese communities over broader outreach efforts.