The Eastern Branch of Hongwanji is at present showing the tendency to become a spiritual center of Japan. The Buddhist families belonging to this denomination amount to more than several millions, and it has over fifty Betsuin (or branch temples), some 8160 Matsuji (or local temples), and several hundreds of lecture halls (or in Japanese Sekkyojo) distributed all over the country. The managers of these places are called either "Rimban," or "Jyushoku," or "Shunin"; and the Jyushoku of the local temple, that is, Matsuji, is hereditary as is the master (hosshu) of the mother Hongwanji.

The followers of this Sect belong either to a branch temple (betsuin), or to a local temple (matsuji), or to a lecture hall (sekkyojo); and they are called its "Danke" (supporters or donors) or "Koju" (members or associates). The relation between the local temple and its supporters is close and cordial.

Missionaries are regularly despatched from the headquarters, who will preach on fixed dates at a branch temple, or local temple or lecture hall. We have at present about 2500 of such travelling preachers. In the larger towns there are some stationary teachers whose mission is to visit factories, educational institutions, young men's associations, etc.; they may also respond to invitations from the post stationed there. There are about 120 stationary teachers. We have, further, several tens of the religious advisers who are sent to teach in the penitentiaries at the request of the government.

The Eastern Hongwanji also spends much for philanthropy. One of its successful works attracting much public attention is the establishment of a free lodging station for the poor, in Tokyo.

The building of a branch temple (betsuin) at Shanghai in 1876 marked the beginning of the foreign missionary work by the Eastern Hongwanji. Since then, the missionaries have been sent to several places in China, Korea, and other lands. These foreign missionaries are called Kaikyoshi, meaning carriers of the Good Law throughout the world in order to bring our brethren to enlightenment.

II. TEACHINGS OF THE TRUE SECT OF PURE LAND.