About us

The The Jôdo Shinshû ("True essence of the Pure Land Way") was founded by Shinran Shônin in the 13th century. It is a denomination for Buddhist lay people who completely entrust themselves to the other Power of the Buddha. Although Jôdo Shinshû has the most followers among all Buddhist denominations in Japan it is quite unknown in the West. One of the first who introduced Shinran's teachings to Western people was Daisetsu Suzuki (1870-1966), the great transmitter of Zen Buddhism. From him stems also the English term "Shin Buddhism".

The BGJ-D (Buddhist Association of Jodo Shinshu, Germany) is an association of German Shin Buddhists under the patronage of Jôdo Shinshû Hongwanji-ha (the Nishi-Hongwanji in Kôto). Purpose of the association is the transmitting of Buddha's teaching in general and its Shin Buddhist view in particular, and furthermore to contribute to international understanding between people of different nations and religious convictions. As a member of German Buddhist Union and the European Buddhist Union the BGJ-D promotes cooperation between various Buddhist denominations transmitted to Europe.