Hōnen (May 13, 1133 – February 29, 1212) is the religious reformer and founder of the first independent branch of Japanese Pure Land Buddhism called Jōdo-shū ("The Pure Land School").

In the related Jōdo Shinshū sect, he is considered the Seventh Patriarch.

Hōnen becomes a monk of the Tendai sect at an early age, but grows disaffected, and seeks an approach to Buddhism that anyone can follow, even during the perceived Age of Dharma Decline.

After discovering the writings of Chinese Buddhist, Shan-tao, he undertakes the teaching of rebirth in the Pure Land of Amitabha through reciting the Buddha's name, or nembutsu.

Hōnen gathers a wide array of followers, but also critics.

The emperor exiles Hōnen and his followers in 1207, after an incident regarding two of his disciples, in addition to persuasion by certain influential Buddhist communities.

Hōnen is eventually pardoned and allowed to return to Kyoto, where he stays for a short time before his death.