The first monk ordination in Amidaji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism (Rev Kosho Arana from Columbia)

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the Romanian version of this article

NEW! Click here to read about Rev Kosho's experience at Amidaji during his ordination!

On the evening of September 21^st 2023, I ordained our brother Kosho Arana from Colombia as a Buddhist monk (priest).  This is a historical day for Amidaji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.

As you may know, Amidaji follows the wise and compassionate instructions of the late 23rd Monshu of Nishi Hongwanji temple, Shōnyo Shōnin (Kosho Ohtani)[1], who encouraged non-Japanese Nembutsu followers to organize themselves independently from Japan, and who agreed with the first non-Japanese ordinations done in Europe by Rev Harry Pieper (Shaku Shōgon Hōshi)[2] and Rev Jean Earacle (Shaku Jôan)[3]. In the same spirit initiated by Shōnyo Shōnin of sincere aspiration to spread the authentic Jodo Shinshu Buddhist teachings in a non-Japanese environment, Amidaji affirms the right to have its own ordination platform. Thus, a candidate for monkhood (priesthood) can receive his or her ordination from any of the monks or nuns affiliated with Amidaji after a serious examination and going through the ceremony of ordination that we can held at any of our temples or dojos.

You can read about the doctrinal base for monks and nuns at this link (click here) which is a chapter in my recent book, On the Monks and Nuns of Amidaji Branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. 

Since September 4^th, 2020, Amidaji (founded in 2014), functions as an independent branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, and at the present moment it has a few members in 12 countries. Our approach towards Jodo Shinshu as well as general Buddhist teaching (including morality, social and family life), is orthodox and conservative. We consider that the Buddha Dharma, and especially the teaching on the Primal Vow (Amida Dharma) is the supreme medicine given by the Supreme Teacher (The Buddha) and we train ourselves to offer it to our fellow sentient beings without altering it by our personal opinions and without mixing it with nonbuddhist teachings or the sick worldly ideologies of our times. 

Here you can see a few photos from the retreat I organized at Amidaji on the occasion of Rev Kosho's ordination. Many more will be added in the following days, so check any updates to this article.

Thank you Amida Buddha, and thank you all who made this event possible. Thank you dear brothers and sisters of Amidaji sangha! I bow to you in gratitude with my head touching the ground.

Namo Amida Bu 

Two members also came to Amidaji in the next days. Rev Kosho led the service and

offered them teachings,

Rev Kosho reciting Nembutsu  at

a small altar in Amidaji courtyard

Enjoying tea together and Dharma stories

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[1]Shōnyo Shōnin (Kosho Ohtani) lived between 1911-2002 and introduced Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in Europe.
[2] Rev Harry Pieper (Shaku Shōgon Hōshi) lived between 1907-1978. He was the first Jodo Shinshu monk (priest) in Europe.
[3] Rev Jean Earacle (Shaku Jôan) lived between 1930 – 2005. He was ordained by Rev Harry Pieper and also ordained others.