Friday, September 4, 2020

Constitution of Amidaji International Temple

The crest of Amidaji 

revised and updated on July 6th 2022

Any place where unenlightened beings meet needs some kind of organization, especially if it is a Dharma place. In our case, if we want to preserve and transmit the Jodo Shinshu teaching, we need a good team of people who can accomplish that goal. However, a team cannot work without common rules that will help us focus on our religious goal, so I hope this Constitution will provide the administrative base, rules and regulations for our aspirations. 

During many years of monkhood in which I have closely watched the ways of various Jodo Shinshu temples and communities I realized that a reform in both doctrinal and administration matters is very much needed. 

On Amidaji branch of Jodo Shinshu and its relation with Nishi Hongwanji

Amidaji is now an independent branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. However, we did not appear from nowhere and we did not invent Jodo Shinshu. We received this teaching due to the efforts of many generations of followers and teachers who worked for its preservation and transmission. This is why I say in the Constitution (chapter I) that we do have a traditional connection to Nishi Hongwanji which means that
“we inherit the essentials of Jodo Shinshu teaching as transmitted through the Nishi Hongwanji branch”. 

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Monks and nuns ordinations in Amidaji Branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism


(last revised July 6th 2022)


Monks and nuns are men and women who received the tokudo (monk/nun ordination) from any monk and nun in Amidaji system. Monks and nuns of Amidaji are called monks and nuns of the Last Dharma Age or monks in name only (nominal monks) as well as monks (or nuns) without precepts. The doctrinal base for such a monk ordination as well as detailed explanations are presented here (click to read). 

Monks and nuns will not form separate orders inside Amidaji but will be treated equally without any discrimination. However, no discrimination also means that the rules are the same for all. Whenever the term “monk” is used in the present Constitution for easy language, it also automatically includes nuns. 

The tokudo candidate must choose a monk or nun from Amidaji sangha as his/her personal teacher with whom he will train in the doctrine and liturgies of Amidaji. Then he must pass an examination with him. The examination will contain general topics established for all candidates at the level of the entire Amidaji organization as well as special topics decided by his teacher and examiner. He must also meet the necessary requirements of a monk as explained in this section. 

Monday, August 31, 2020

I added the double doors and windows of Amidado (Hall of Amida)


Amidado (Hall of Amida) with the new
double doors and windows
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE NEW UPGRADES AT THE TEMPLE 

In July I built the walls of Amidado (Hall of Amida) and these days I successfully added a double door and two windows. I also added some covering materials on the four sides of the roof.
The total price was around 560 euros.

These type of doors and windows were more expansive than wood but the cheapest of their kind. I could not chose to make a wooden door for two reasons: 1) professional wood carpenters are very rare in my area, and 2) the wood is not so resistant to rain, snow and other elements, often swelling if its too wet outside and causing many problems. However, after I add the outside insulation I might paint the double door and windows in a color that imitates wood.

Amidado (Hall of Amida) with the new
double doors and windows
For the moment, the Amidado is not fit for religious services, especially not for services in the hot or cold season. The next important steps are to add thermal insulation and another wall inside (the walls of Amidado must be like a sandwich with insulation inside), and another insulation on the outside walls, plus a good paint.
These things will probably cost around 2000 euros or more.

working on the double door
and windows
I would also need to add a new similar double door to the present Hondo (Dharma Hall) and Library because the actual doors were damaged by the exposure to elements. These might cost around 600-700 euros and are a top priority.

As all the Dharma activities at Amidaji are done for free, the temple depends on the benevolence of its readers and friends, so please help if you can! Any little donation is welcome and very much needed.

If you wish to help you can use this PayPal donation box,


adding a kind of covering material
on the four sides of the roof




Or CLICK HERE if you would like to use other methods like Bank account, Revolut or Monese. 
Donors and those in whose name a donation is offered will be included in the dedication list of my new books.

Namo Amida Bu 


My religion is Jodo Shinshu Buddhism - Amidaji lineage


the crest of Amidaji Sangha
Let it be known. 
My religion is Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, Amidaji lineage.
I am NOT in the same school with all kinds of heretics and proponents of wrong views who misuse the label of "Jodo Shinshu". I am NOT the colleague of those who call Amida a myth, a metaphor, a fictional character or who say that "Pure Land is here and now" or "in the mind". Also, I am NOT in the same school with those who use Jodo Shinshu as a vehicle for various ideological and sexual groups. I am a member of Jodo Shinshu Amidaji, an orthodox lineage of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. 

Monday, August 10, 2020

New statue of Amida Buddha from Zuikoji temple in Osaka


A great gift arrived today at Amidaji from Rev Oku Kyokai  of Zuikoji temple in Osaka. I am very grateful to him for this surprise. He is also the one who offered us the Amida scroll we have in the Hondo. After the completion of the 
Amidado (Hall of Amida), the statue will be placed there  and the scroll will remain in the Hall where it is now 
and which will be transformed into library.
Namo Amida Bu 




AMIDAJI BOOKSTORE - LIBRERÍA AMIDAJI - LIVRARIA AMIDAJI - LIBRAIRIE AMIDAJI


Dharma talks on my youtube channel