Jodo Shu: Three Minds and Four Modes of Practice

The 7th century Chinese Buddhist monk Shandao (pinyin: Shàndǎo, 善導, 613-681) is probably the single most influential monk in the entire Pure Land Buddhist tradition. Both Japanese and Chinese traditions claim him as a patriarch of their respective lineages. Shandao taught an interpretation of the Pure Land that was much less ambiguous and more accessible than earlier masters and popularized some practices that are now universally found, such as the verbal form of the nembutsu, and the dedication of merit hymn. He also penned the Parable of the White Path and Two Rivers.

Another teaching of Shandao’s that’s often cited in later sources, especially in Jodo Shu-sect Buddhism is the Three Minds and Four Modes of Practice (三心四修) or sanjin shishu.

The idea is that through devotion toward Amida (Amitabha) Buddha, and aspiration to be reborn on the Pure Land path, one’s mind and life style will eventually give rise to the Three Minds and your practice will align with the Four Modes of Practice.

According to the book, Traversing the Pure Land Path, the Three Minds are:

1. 至誠心 (shijōshin): An utterly sincere mind
2. 深心 (jinshin): A deeply, believing mind
3. 回向発願心 (ekō-hotsuganshin): The mind that dedicates one’s merit and good works toward rebirth in the Pure Land.

The Four Modes of Practice are:

1. 恭敬修 (kugyōshu): reverence toward Amida Buddha and his two bodhisattvas:
   • Avalokiteshvara – Bodhisattva of compassion
   • Mahasthamaprapta – Bodhisattva of wisdom
2. 無余修 (muyoshu): focused, exclusive practice
3. 無間修 (mukenshu): continuous practice
4. 長時修 (chōjishu): long-term practice

I like to think that this is a natural outflow of devotion through Buddhist practices such as reciting sutras, reciting the nembutsu, and dedicating good merits toward rebirth in the Pure Land, etc. It’s not something you contrive or measure your progress with. It just happens over time.

This post is mostly meant to be a reference post, but also I think it’s an example of how Buddhist practice over long term has positive benefits. No need to be elaborate or immerse yourself in difficult practices. Slow and steady wins the race.

Namu Amida Butsu