Hōnen (法然, May 13 (April 7), 1133 – February 29, 1212) was the religious reformer and founder of the first independent branch of Japanese Pure Land Buddhism called Jōdo-shū (浄土宗, "The Pure Land School"). He is also considered the Seventh Jōdo Shinshū Patriarch.
Hōnen became a Tendai initiate at an early age, but grew disaffected and sought an approach to Buddhism that anyone could follow, even during the perceived Age of Dharma Decline. After discovering the writings of the Chinese Buddhist Shandao, he undertook the teaching of rebirth in the pure land of Amitābha through nianfo or "recitation of the Buddha's name".
Hōnen gathered a wide array of followers and critics. Emperor Tsuchimikado exiled Hōnen and his followers in 1207 after an incident regarding two of his disciples in addition to persuasion by influential Buddhist communities. Hōnen was eventually pardoned and allowed to return to Kyoto, where he stayed for a short time before his death.
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Some of their strengths
Honen has many admirable traits.
Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Confident, Energetic, Extroverted, Honest, Optimistic, Intelligent, and Brave.
Strong and Diligent
According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, Honen is someone who is a strong, diligent, and trustworthy person who approaches life with honesty and perseverance, but who is also physical, sensual, and artistic. A person who is ambitious and motivated.
Soulful and Intuitive
Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know Honen well know them as someone who can be graceful, romantic, and reserved, like gentle rain.
Independent and Organized
According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe Honen as someone who is independent, organized, inventive, and generous.
A person who is curious and a loves learning, who seems to always know what to say, who has an optimism that can overcome any difficult situation, and who seems to be able to master almost any skill.
Dynamic and Imaginative
Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, Honen is someone who can bring a purifying element to situations, and who is a risk-taker with vision and imagination.
They are also someone who is mysterious, intuitive, and diplomatic, and who has a keen intuition, charisma, and a focus on balance and partnership.
Patient and Compassionate
According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, Honen tends to be someone who approaches life with grace and compassion, and who has a powerful and commanding personality. Who can be analytical, patient, and deliberate, avoiding risks and seeking out stability instead.
Some of Honen's challenges
While Honen has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.
For example, Honen can be Stubborn, Idle, Arrogant, Status-seeking, Domineering, Impatient, and Unemotional.
Stubborn and Idle
One of Honen's key challenges is that they are someone who can be seen as stubborn and, at times, lazy.
Domineering and Impatient
Honen is someone who can be demanding, egotistical, and controlling, can have a lack of judgment regarding personal finances, be argumentative and stubborn, and who can have a tendency to be withdrawn and spend time in self-imposed isolation.
Materialistic and Aggressive
Finally, Honen also can be materialistic, emotional, aggressive, stubborn, inconsistent, and be prone to big temper outbursts.
