Suggested label: Spinnin' Records Asia

Hounen (1133–1212) was a Japanese Buddhist monk who founded the Jōdo-shū (Pure Land) sect of Buddhism. He taught that anyone could achieve rebirth in the Pure Land by chanting "Namu Amida Butsu," which means "Homage to Amida Buddha." This made Buddhism more accessible to everyone, including common people, women, and the elderly, in contrast to the more difficult practices of other Buddhist traditions at the time. His teachings remain influential in Japan today.