THE 500TH ANNIVERSARY OF Rennyo's death has opened a new page in the history of Shin Buddhism. Through modern studies, Shin's potential to provide meaning for people in all areas of life, and increased expectations among the members for positive direction in our confusing and challenging contemporary world, have focussed attention on Rennyo (1415 - 1499), who also confronted a turbulent and chaotic world. The renewal of interest in Rennyo has centered on his personality and leadership qualities, which enabled him to establish the languishing Hongwanji as the foremost Buddhist sect of his age. The great transformation in the fortunes of the Hongwanji that he brought about gave rise to such titles as Restorer, Renovator, Innovator, and Second Founder. But more than creating a socially, politically and religiously powerful institution, Rennyo laid the basis for a personal spirituality which has sustained the movement into modern times when in the competition of faiths, it has declined seriously. What is needed is a revival of the determination, commitment, and creative spirit of Rennyo, which can revitalize the movement and offer a needed vigorous spiritual challenge to modern people universally.

It is the purpose of this essay to suggest in a summary fashion aspects of his life and work which highlight Rennyo's contemporary significance and overcome the historical gap of five hundred years between him and ourselves. It is hoped that this study will inspire people in their search for hope and faith in our turbulent world as he did in his...