Unlike the Zen emphasis on shikantaza (“just sitting”), Jōdo-shū places the nembutsu—“Namu Amida Butsu”—front and center. Meditation (zazen) isn’t frowned upon; rather, it’s seen as a useful tool for calming the mind. By and large, Jōdo-shū doesn’t insist on lengthy silent retreats or strict posture work. The real star of the show remains sincere entrusting (shinjin) in Amida Buddha’s vow, expressed through heartfelt recitation.

Picture zazen as a tranquil pool—still, clear, reflective. It helps settle racing thoughts and cultivates focus. The nembutsu, on the other hand, is like a golden thread running through everyday life: each utterance reawakens faith, ensuring that every waking moment resonates with the promise of the Western Pure Land. Where zazen asks practitioners to carve out quiet hours, nembutsu invites constant remembrance, be it while waiting for a subway in Tokyo or sipping tea at home.

Historically, Honen shunned complex rituals and deep meditation training in favor of this simple practice, arguing that the iron ox couldn’t plow its way into enlightenment by its own power. Fast-forward to today’s mindfulness craze—apps and virtual retreats abound—yet Jōdo-shū’s message still rings true: ultimate salvation hinges not on perfect concentration, but on Amida’s boundless compassion, tapped through nembutsu.

Some modern temples blend both practices, offering morning zazen followed by communal chanting. It’s a balanced diet that appeals to seekers hungry for both inner stillness and devotional warmth. But at the end of the day, the nembutsu remains the lifeline—an unbroken mantra guiding practitioners straight toward that Western Paradise.