Anjin Ketsujō Shō

The Anjin Ketsujō Shō (AKS, Essence of the Determination of the Settled Mind) is a Japanese Pure Land Buddhist text which is influential in the Seizan and Jōdo Shinshū traditions. The work was written soon after the time of Hōnen and modern Japanese scholars argue that it was likely written in the Seizan branch of Jōdo-shū.

As its title indicates, the Anjin Ketsujō Shō focuses on the key Pure Land Buddhist topics of the "settled mind" or "peaceful mind", which is another term for true entrusting (shinjin) in Buddha Amida, and on the idea of "assurance" (ketsujō) of one's future birth in the Pure Land of Sukhavati. Modern scholars are unsure of the author of the AKS, though most Japanese scholars now accept the view that it was written in the Seizan school, possibly by Shōkū (1177–1247).

By the 14th century, the text had become influential in Jōdo Shinshū, possibly being introduced into the tradition via the figure of Anichibō, who has also been claimed as a possible author. Two surviving manuscripts exist from the 14th century, copied by Jōsen (1295–1377). By this time, the AKS was already being studied by important Jōdo Shinshū figures, like Kakunyo (1270–1351), the third head of Hongan-ji, as well as by his son, Zonkaku (存覚). The work was important to the great Shin reformer Rennyo (1415–1499), who called it a "gold mine" that "expresses the essentials of the Jōdo Shinshū tradition."