Honen Quotes
Honen was a Japanese Buddhist monk and the founder of the Pure Land school of Japanese Buddhism. After decades of intensive study and practice on Mount Hiei, he came to the conviction that the conditions of his age made the traditional path of monastic discipline impossible for most people, and that salvation must come from the boundless compassion of Amida Buddha rather than from human effort. The quotes below are attributed to Honen, organized by topic.
Honen on God
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Attributed to Honen:
“All who recite the nembutsu in faith will be reborn in the Pure Land.”
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Attributed to Honen:
“Salvation comes through the grace of Amida, not through self-power.”
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Attributed to Honen:
“Faith is greater than understanding.”
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Attributed to Honen:
“When even the wisest cannot save themselves by their own power, the compassion of Amida is enough.”
Honen on Virtue
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Attributed to Honen:
“The simplest practice is the deepest practice.”