About JSIO
Purpose
Under the slogan “The World is Waiting for Buddhism and Shinran Shonin” the JSIO strives to provide people with opportunities to encounter the teaching of Shinran Shonin and to nurture Nembutsu practitioners throughout the world. JSIO will develop its programs with the belief that the teaching of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism contributes to the establishment of a society where people live a life of compassion together with others.
Background
Jodo Shinshu International Office is the further development of the Hongwanji Office, founded in 2006 by Hongwanji-ha and operated under Buddhist Churches of America. JSIO has now grown into its own religious non-profit organization. In addition to continuing programs run by the Hongwanji Office, JSIO will also initiate new programs with the support of the following organizations:
Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha
Buddhist Churches of America
Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada
Federacao Budista Sul-Americana
Programs
Jodo Shinshu International Office (JSIO) programs all fall under one of two categories: education & training or propagation. JSIO is continuing the programs that were previously conducted by the Hongwanji Office.
International Ministerial Orientation Program
IMOP aims to train Japanese ministers for Kaikyoshi certification through lectures, temple visitations, Dharma message practice, and participation in various activities.
Jodo Shinshu Correspondence Course
This two-year online program provides an opportunity for anyone to learn about Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in English. Students broaden their knowledge through reading and receiving one-on-one feedback from instructors on their monthly essays.
These are programs currently in development
JSCC Support and Development:
This project will create a more accessible and less intensive educational program for those who are new to or interested in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
Development of Ministerial Training:
The goal is to develop programs for those who are engaged in propagation to broaden their knowledge and develop their skills to spread the teaching more effectively.
Creation of Teaching Materials:
The materials will be used in training to support the education of those working to spread the dharma such as kaikyoshi, ministerial candidates, and assistants.
Quarterly Journal:
This publication is to spread the joyous voices of Jodo Shinshu Buddhists who live by the teaching of Shinran Shonin to the world.
Website:
Our website will be used to disseminate information about the activities of JSIO as well as other Jodo Shinshu temples and organizations. It will also act as a resource for helpful information and free content.
Publication Development:
Through this program JSIO will publish and reprint materials geared toward laypeople. This will also include the translation of Japanese materials and ebook publication.
Networking with Other Sects and Religions:
This program will promote and create activities to increase the visibility and presence of Jodo Shinshu as a world religion by participating in communication and networking with other religions and sects.
Jodo Shinshu Speaker’s Bureau:
This will be an online directory of ministers and Buddhist speakers who can transmit the teachings to audiences within and without the Jodo Shinshu communities throughout the world.