Founding Philosophy

The founding philosophy, or educational goal, of Kyoto Joshi Gakuen (Kyoto Women’s Educational Institution) is based on the Buddhist principles advocated by Shinran Shonin (1173-1263). This is to nurture human spirituality by enhancing learning and sensitivity for the life of others. The humanistic principle presented by Shinran Shonin is to nurture intelligence and pure sentiments under a deep awareness of one’s own imperfect nature, thus cultivating equal love and compassion for all living things. The ultimate truth revealed by Buddha, the enlightened one, teaches us that this is the true path human beings are to follow. This philosophy is the origin of humanistic teaching and is the foundation stone upon which Kyoto Joshi Gakuen was established more than a hundred years ago.