Shinran Shonin, on whose teachings Jodo Shinshu Buddhism is based, was born on May 21, 1173. We commemorate Shinran’s birth with major services known as Gotan-e. In addition to a major Sunday service close to May 21, temples may also hold an evening service.

For more about Shinran Shonin, see our Jodo Shinshu Buddhism page in the Learn section.