The Chinzei school (鎮西流) branch, also called the Chinzei Doctrine (鎮西義), is one of the two largest branches of Jōdo-shū Buddhism (the second being Seizan). The tradition traces itself to Benchō (a.k.a. Shōkō Shōnin), a disciple of Hōnen, but it was formally established as a separate branch by Benchō's disciple Ryōchū (良忠, 1199–1287). It is also sometimes called the Chikushi school due to its early development in the Chikushi region of Kyushu. It played a key role in shaping the doctrinal and institutional framework of Jōdo-shū, which remains one of Japan's major Buddhist traditions today.[1]
Originally based in Kyushu where Benchō had been exiled, the sect contended with other disciples of Hōnen until it emerged into the dominant branch today. Its origins in Kyushu are also the reason for the sect's name, as Chinzei was an older name for Kyushu and was adopted by Benchō.[2][1]
The famous temple of Chion-in, Hōnen's gravesite, and the temple of Zōjō-ji in Tokyo are all administered by the Chinzei branch.
- ^ a b "鎮西流". New Compendium of Jodo Shu Encyclopaedia [WEB 版新纂浄土宗大辞典] (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-03-07.
- ^ "Major Annual Ceremonies, Jodo Shu Homepage". Retrieved 2009-05-24.