other teachings and vues, different under­standings and practices　異学異見・別解別行 Terms first used by Shan-tao to indicate teachings and practices other than those of Pure Land Buddhism. Hōnen considered them to be ways in the Path of Sages, specifying those who differ in understanding to be the scholars of the eight Mahayana schools, such as Tendai and Hossō, and those who differ in practice to be the monks of Shingon, Tendai, etc.
　Shinran gives finer distinctions, referring to people of “other teachings and beliefs” as those following the varied Mahayana traditions, secular philos­ophies, magico-religious practices, and divination, all of which inflate ego-design; and he speaks of people of “different understandings and practices” to be those who, while saying the nembutsu, do not entrust themselves completely to Amida, relying on their own contrivance. According to Shinran’s scheme, then, nonbuddhist teachings and the Path of Sages are considered as one (other teachings and beliefs), and Pure Land practices with the vestiges of self-power to be another category (different understandings and practices). Both are based upon self-power and hence ultimately are unsatisfactory; only those who entrust themselves to Other Power will be truly fulfilled, they being people of true understanding and practice.