Shoshinge

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The Shōshinge (正信偈) or The Hymn of True Faith was written by the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, Shinran. The Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism is the only sect that makes extensive use of hymns along with the chanting of Buddhist sutras.

The hymn is an explanation of Shinran's teachings, including Amida Buddha, the Patriarchs whose teachings were the foundation of Shinran's thought, and an exhortation to take refuge in Amida Buddha. The format, originally posted here, is organized like so:

• Homage to Amida
• Adoration to Amida and Shakyamuni Buddhas
• Exhortation to take refuge in Amida
• Teachings of the Patriarchs:

1. Nagarjuna
2. Vasubandhu
3. Tan-luan
4. Tao-cho
5. Shan-tao
6. Genshin
7. Honen

• Exhortation

Often the Shoshinge is accompanied by Shoshinge Wasan; verses from Shinran's Sanjo Wasan. The first six verses of the Sanjo Wasan, based on Donran's San Amida Butsu Ge ('Gatha in Praise of Amida Buddha'), are most frequently used but some temples work their way through the whole Sanjo Wasan on an annual basis. Traditionally Honganji temples chant the Shoshinge and Wasan daily at 6am, but many Jodo Shinshu temples now reserve the Shoshinge for special holidays due to its length. The Shoshinge can take up to 30 minutes to chant in its entirety.

In Higashi Honganji there are 10 styles of chanting the Shoshinge and in Nishi Honganji 5. Only two or three styles are used regularly. The everyday style is fast and light whereas on formal occasions slower, heavier versions are used.

[edit] External Links

• The Shoshinge and Wasan sung by the ministers of the Honpa Hongwanji in mp3 format.
• Shoshinge lyrics in Japanese and English
• The Shoshinge at the Collect Works of Shinran site