Jodo Shinshu Correspondence Course

"Fall Enrollment 2010 Now Full - Registration Closed. Please join us for the Spring Enrollment 2011. You may register during the application period from November 1 to February 15, therefore, please check back at this time.  Thank you.

Almost 800 years have passed since Shinran revealed the teaching of Jodo Shinshu (Shin Buddhism) in Japan, following the path of Sakyamuni and other masters in India, China and Japan.  The teaching, with deep reflection on human existence and the realization of dynamic Dharma, has fascinated many people around the world.  Thus, the practice of Jodo Shinshu does not remain  solely in Japan, but has expanded to Hawaii, North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Australia and Africa.  More people are learning about Jodo Shinshu through ministers’ activities, publications and the internet.  As one response to their growing interest, we have established a correspondence course providing them, especially those who do not have access to temples nearby, with basic knowledge of Jodo Shinshu.

In addition, this correspondence course also aims to provide those individuals who have already joined Jodo Shinshu temples as members, with opportunities to deepen their understanding.  This is achieved through internet communication with instructors about specific topics related to Jodo Shinshu and Buddhism in general.

The Course consists of four subjects: General Buddhism, Shinshu I (Shinran Shonin’s life and the teaching of Jodo Shinshu), Shinshu II (the Three Pure Land Sutras and the Seven Masters), and History of Jodo Shinshu.  In two years, students will complete these four subjects and gain basic understanding of Buddhism and Jodo Shinshu.  In addition to course activities through the internet, we are planning to hold a summer workshop so that students and instructors may meet and communicate in person as well as online if they wish.

The Correspondence Course takes on a new challenge and plays an important role in transmitting the teaching to all people who seek further knowledge of Jodo Shinshu.  We are pleased to offer you the Jodo Shinshu Correspondence Course and welcome your enthusiastic participation in this new journey of online education.