Ippen: Ji-shu Buddhism founder who appealed to common folk of Japan

Ippen

Devoutly adore the glory of God,

Do not Ignore the original one’s virtue.

Devoutly revere the Buddha, the Law, and the Priesthood,

Do not forget the power of communion.

Devoutly practice the invocation,

Do not engage in superfluous disciplines.

Devoutly trust the law of love,

Do not denounce the creeds of outliers.

Devoutly promote the sense of equality,

Do not arouse discriminatory feelings.

Devoutly awaken the sense of compassion,

Do not forget the sufferings of others.

Devoutly cultivate an amicable disposition,

Do not display an angry countenance.

Devoutly preserve a humble manner,

Do not arouse the spirit of arrogance.

Devoutly visualize the sources of defilement,

Do not develop a sense of attachment.

Devoutly study the law of evanescence,

Do not arouse the sense of greed.

Devoutly examine your own faults,

Do not make comment on the faults of others.

Devoutly go on trying to influence others,

Do not forget your own proper business.

Devoutly beware of the three evil ways [lust, greed, and anger],

Do not indulge in wanton acts.

Devoutly yearn for the bliss of the happy land,

Do not forget the tortures of Hell.

Devoutly persevere in the aim of rebirth,

Do not neglect the practice of the invocation.

Devoutly concentrate on the vision of the West,

Do not let your attention stray to the nine regions.

Devoutly follow the path of enlightenment,

Do not mix with pleasure seekers.

Devoutly follow the teacher’s guidance,

Do not indulge your own desires.

— “Precepts for Followers of the Timely Teaching” by Ippen

Ippen (1234-1289) was Japanese Buddhist theologian and religious leader who founded Ji-shu, a branch of Buddhism while holds that true enlightenment comes through devotion to Amitabha, a divinized form of the Buddha who resides in a heavenly reality outside of time. The three basic elements of this doctrine are discernment, pure perception and recognition that all phenomena are resolved in emptiness. Essential to the practice of Ji-shu, as revealed to Ippen in a mystic experience during a pilgrimage, is the recitation of Amitabha’s name. Ippen led his disciples in a constant journey throughout Japan to proselytize in the name of Amitabha. Like the country-style of preaching popular among rural regions in the U.S., Ippen’s approach to religion appealed especially to the common folk of Japan.