fellow-practicer　同行;同朋 A term for the people who share the aspiration for enlightenment and who together walk the path of the dharma. It has become to be especially associated with Shin Buddhists, among whom it suggests a strong sense of community bound by Amida’s compassion which excludes no one. In particular it reflects the overturning of all those barriers erected by traditional Buddhism which set certain people apart from others. Shin Buddhism recognizes no distinctions in clergy and lay, sexes, social standing, learning, intelligence, or moral goodness in matters regarding emancipation or enlightenment realized by virtue of the Primal Vow. Shinran himself said he had no disciples; instead he called everyone his fellow-practicer.