In practice, the Shin sect even more than the J[=o]-d[=o], teaches that it is faith in Buddha, which accomplishes the salvation of the believer.  Instead of waiting for death in order to come under the protection of Amida, the faithful soul is at once received into the care of the Boundlessly Compassionate.  In a word, the Shin sect believes in instantaneous conversion and sanctification.  Between the Roman and the Reformed soteriology of Christendom, was Melancthonism or the co[=o]perate union of the divine and the human will.  So, the old Buddhism prior to Shinran taught a phase of synergism, or the union of faith and works.  Shinran, in his “Reformed” Buddhism, taught the simplicity of faith.

So also in regard to the sacred writings, Shinran opposed the San-ron school and the three-grade idea.  The scriptures of other sects are in Sanskrit and Chinese, which only the learned are able to read.  The special writings of Shinran are in the vernacular.  Three of the sutras, also, have been translated into Japanese and expressed in the kana script.  Singleness of purpose characterised this sect, which was often called Monto, or followers of the gate, in reference to its unity of organization, and the opening of the way to all by Shinran and the doctrine taught by him.  Yet, lest the gate might seem too broad, the Shin teachers insist that morality is as important as faith, and indeed the proof of it.  The high priests of Shin Shu have ever held a high position and wielded vast influence in the religious development of the people.  While the temples of other sects are built in sequestered places among the hills, those of Shin Shu are erected in the heart of cities, on the main streets, and at the centres of population,—­the priests using every means within their power to induce the people to come to them.  The altars are on an imposing scale of magnificence and gorgeous detail.  No Roman Catholic church or cathedral can outshine the splendor of these temples, in which the way to the Western Paradise is made so clear and plain.  Another name for the sect is Ikko.

After the death of Shinran, his youngest daughter and one of his grandsons erected a monastery near his tomb in the eastern suburbs of Ki[=o]to, to which the Mikado gave the title of Hon-guanji, or Monastery of the Original Vow.  This was in allusion to the vow made by Amida, that he would not accept Buddhaship except under the condition that salvation be made attainable for all who should sincerely desire to be born into his kingdom, and signify their desire by invoking his name ten times.[11] It is upon the passage in the sutra where this vow is recorded, that the doctrine of the sect is based.  Its central idea is that man is to be saved by faith in the mercy of the boundlessly compassionate Amida, and not by works or vain repetitions.  Within our own time, on November 28, 1876, the present reigning Mikado bestowed upon Shinran the posthumous title Ken-shin Dai-shi, or Great Teacher of the Revelation of Truth.