These three lineages of nenbutsu each have their own characteristics: Nenbutsu of Byakuren-sha mainly having characteristics as a kanso nenbutsu (to contemplate Buddha (especially Amitabha) in the mind and repeat his name), nenbutsu of Shandao having characteristics as kosho nenbutsu (invocatory prayer), and nenbutsu in Jimin-ryu having the characteristics of zen.
これらの念仏の三流は、それぞれ特徴をもち、白蓮社の念仏は観想念仏を主とし、善導の念仏は口称念仏、慈愍流の念仏は禅観的念仏であるなどである。