Garbhadhatu (Sanskrit) or Taizo-kai (jp.) - Mandala
Last updated: 25
Aug
2022

Shingon Buddhism – The Japanese root of Esoteric Buddhism

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Shingon Buddhism is one of the major schools of Buddhism in Japan and one of the few surviving Vajrayana lineages in East Asia, originally spread from India to China through traveling monks such as and .

Table of Contents

Japanese Esoteric Buddhism

Known in Chinese as the Tangmi these esoteric teachings would later flourish in Japan under the auspices of a Buddhist monk named (空海), who traveled to Tang China to acquire and request transmission of the esoteric teachings.

For that reason, it is often called Japanese Esoteric Buddhism, or Orthodox Esoteric Buddhism.

The word shingon is the Japanese reading of the Chinese word zhēnyán (真言) which is the translation of the Sanskrit word “mantra”.

The Shingon teachings

The teachings of Shingon are based on early Buddhist tantras, the Mahā Sūtra, the Vajraśekhara Sūtra, the Prajñāpāramitā Naya Sūtra, and the Susiddhikara Sūtra.

These are the four principal texts of Esoteric Buddhism and are all tantras, not sutras, despite their names.

The mystical Vairocana and Vajraśekhara Tantras are expressed in the two main mandalas of Shingon, the Mandala of the Two Realms – The mandala and the Diamond Realm mandala.

These two mandalas are considered to be a compact expression of the entirety of the , and form the root of Buddhism.

In Shingon temples, these two mandalas are always mounted one on each side of the central altar.

Precepts, sutras, people & places

This is a list of precepts, sutras, people and places related to the practice of Shingon Buddhism.

Vairocana

Vairocana is a cosmic buddha from Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. Vairocana is often interpreted, in texts like the Avatamsaka Sutra, as the dharmakāya of the historical Gautama Buddha. In East Asian Buddhism, Vairocana is also seen as the embodiment of the Buddhist concept of śūnyatā. In the conception of the 5 Jinas of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, Vairocana is at the centre and is considered a Primordial Buddha.

Samaya

The , is a set of vows or precepts given to initiates of an esoteric Vajrayana Buddhist order as part of the abhiṣeka ceremony that creates a bond between the guru and disciple.

Acala

is a dharmapala primarily revered in Vajrayana Buddhism. He is seen as a protective deity particularly in Shingon traditions of Japan where he is known as Fudō Myō-ō, in Tangmi traditions of China and Taiwan as Búdòng Míngwáng, in Nepal and Tibet as Caṇḍaroṣaṇa, and elsewhere.

Amoghavajra

Amoghavajra was a prolific translator who became one of the most politically powerful Buddhist monks in Chinese history and is acknowledged as one of the Eight Patriarchs of the Doctrine in Shingon Buddhism.

Born in Samarkand of an Indian merchant or a brahmin father and a mother of Sogdian origin, he went to China at age 10 after his father’s death.

In 719, he was ordained into the sangha by Vajrabodhi and became his disciple.

Kūkai

Kūkai (空海), also known posthumously as Kōbō-Daishi , 774–835, was a Japanese Buddhist monk, civil servant, scholar, poet, and artist who founded the Esoteric Shingon or “mantra” school of Buddhism. Shingon followers usually refer to him by the honorific title of Odaishisama (お大師様) and the religious name of Henjō-Kongō (遍照金剛).

Vajrasekhara Sutra

The Vajraśekhara Sūtra is an important Buddhist tantra used in the schools of Buddhism, but can refer to a number of different works. In particular a cycle of 18 texts studied by Amoghavajra, which included both Tattvasaṃgraha Tantra, and the Guhyasamaja Tantra, a Tibetan text which appears to be composed of two works grouped together and to further confuse matters in the Japanese Shingon school the Sarvatathāgatatattvasaṃgraha Tantra is known by this name. In Tibetan it is considered to be the main representative of the Yogatantra class of texts.

Mantra of Light

The , also called the Mantra of the Unfailing Rope Snare, is an important mantra of the Shingon and Kegon sects of Buddhism, but is not emphasized in other Vajrayana sects of Buddhism.

It is taken from the Amoghapāśakalparāja-sūtra or Sutra of the Mantra of the Unfailing Rope Snare of the Buddha Vairocana’s Great Baptism and is chanted as follows:

Sanskrit/Roman script: om̐ amogha vairocana mahāmudrā maṇipadma jvāla pravartāya hūm̐

Devanagari: ॐ अमोघ वैरोचन महामुद्रा मणिपद्म ज्वाल प्रवर्ताय हूँ

Japanese: おん あぼきゃ べいろしゃのう まかぼだら まに はんどま じんばら はらばりたや うん Om abogya beiroshanō makabodara mani handoma jinbara harabari tayaun

Korean: 옴 아모가 바이로차나 마하무드라 마니 파드마 즈바라 프라바릍타야 훔 om amoga bairochana mahamudeura mani padeuma jeubara peurabareutaya hum

Vietnamese: Án (Ông/Úm) A ma cát Hoài lô giai nã Ma cáp mẫu đức la Ma ni bá đức ma Cập phạp la Bát la phạp nhĩ đả nha Hồng

Kanji and Chinese script: 唵 阿謨伽 尾盧左曩 摩訶母捺囉 麽抳 鉢納麽 入嚩攞 鉢囉韈哆野 吽 Ǎn ā mó jiā wěi lú zuǒ nǎng mó hē mǔ nà luō me nǐ bō nà me rù mó luó bō luō wà duō yě hōng

Tibetan: ཨོཾ་ཨ་མོ་གྷ་བཻ་རོ་ཙ་ན་མ་ཧཱ་མུ་དྲཱ་མ་ཎི་པདྨ​་ཛྭ་ལ་པྲ་བརྟ་ཡ་ཧཱུྃ༔

Womb Realm

In Vajrayana Buddhism, the Womb Realm is the metaphysical space inhabited by the Five Compassion Buddhas. The Womb Realm is based on the Mahavairocana Tantra. The name of the mandala derives from chapter 2 of the sutra, where it is said that the buddha Mahāvairocana revealed the mandala’s secret teachings to his disciple Vajrasattva from his “womb of compassion”. In other translations, the term Matrix Realm or Matrix Mandala are used.

Hua Giam Si

Hua Giam Si, is a Buddhist monastery in Singapore. The center was originally set up by Venerable Zhen Ding. The present premises are located at Geylang, Singapore.

, is a Buddhist monastery in Singapore. The center was originally set up by Venerable Zhen Ding. The present premises are located at Geylang, Singapore.

Vajrabodhi

Vajrabodhi was an Indian esoteric Buddhist monk and teacher in Tang China. He is one of the eight patriarchs in Shingon Buddhism. He is notable for introducing Vajrayana Buddhism in the territories of the Srivijaya Empire which subsequently evolved into a distinct form known as Indonesian Esoteric Buddhism.

Ajari

(阿闍梨) is a Japanese term that is used in various schools of Buddhism in Japan, specifically Tendai and Shingon, in reference to a senior monk who teaches students; often abbreviated to jari. The term is a Japanese rendering of the Chinese transliteration for the Sanskrit “âcârya,” one who knows and teaches the rules.” In the Sōtō tradition, this title is used in reference to any monk that has completed five ango—a way of demonstrating respect and reverence for them.

Sokushinbutsu

(即身仏) are a kind of Buddhist mummy. The term refers to the practice of Buddhist monks observing asceticism to the point of death and entering mummification while alive. They are seen in a number of Buddhist countries, but the Japanese term “sokushinbutsu” is generally used.

Śubhakarasiṃha

Śubhakarasiṃha was an eminent Indian Buddhist monk and master of Esoteric Buddhism, who arrived in the Chinese capital Chang’an in 716 CE and translated the Mahāvairocana Abhisaṃbodhi Tantra, better known as the Mahāvairocana Sūtra. Four years later another master, Vajrabodhi, and his pupil Amoghavajra, would arrive and proceeded to translate other scriptures, thus establishing a second esoteric tradition. Along with these other masters, Śubhakarasiṃha was responsible for bringing Esoteric Buddhism to the height of its popularity in China.

Rāgarāja is a deity venerated in the Esoteric and Vajrayana Buddhist traditions. He is especially revered in Chinese Esoteric Buddhism in Chinese communities as well as Shingon and Tendai in Japan.

Rāgarāja is a deity venerated in the Esoteric and Vajrayana Buddhist traditions. He is especially revered in Chinese Esoteric Buddhism in Chinese communities as well as Shingon and Tendai in Japan.

Nanzo-in

Nanzo-in is a Shingon sect Buddhist temple in Sasaguri, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is notable for its bronze statue of a reclining Buddha, said to be the largest bronze statue in the world.

is a Shingon sect Buddhist temple in Sasaguri, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is notable for its bronze statue of a reclining Buddha, said to be the largest bronze statue in the world.

Kiyotaki-ji

is a Shingon Buddhist Temple located in Tosa, Kōchi, Japan. It is the 35th temple of the . The Honzon of Kiyotaki-ji is Bhaisajyaguru.

Shinnyo-en

Shinnyo-en is a Japanese Buddhist new religious movement in the tradition of the Daigo branch of Shingon Buddhism. It was founded in 1936 by Shinjō Itō , and his wife Tomoji in a suburb of metropolitan Tokyo, the city of Tachikawa, where its headquarters is still located.

is a Japanese Buddhist new religious movement in the tradition of the Daigo branch of Shingon Buddhism. It was founded in 1936 by Shinjō Itō , and his wife Tomoji in a suburb of metropolitan Tokyo, the city of Tachikawa, where its headquarters is still located.

Kakuban

Kakuban, known posthumously as Kōgyō-Daishi (興教大師) was a priest of the Shingon sect of Buddhism in Japan and credited as a reformer, though his efforts also led to a schism between Kogi Shingon-shū and Shingi Shingon-shū . Kakuban is also famous for his introduction of the "esoteric nembutsu".

, known posthumously as Kōgyō-Daishi was a priest of the Shingon sect of Buddhism in Japan and credited as a reformer, though his efforts also led to a schism between Kogi Shingon-shū and Shingi Shingon-shū .

Kakuban is also famous for his introduction of the “esoteric nembutsu”.

Huiguo

Huiguo (746–805) was a Buddhist monk of Tang China who studied and taught Chinese Esoteric Buddhism, a Vajrayana tradition recently imported from India. Later Huiguo would become the teacher of Kūkai, founder of Shingon Buddhism, a prominent school of Buddhism in Japan.

(746–805) was a Buddhist monk of Tang China who studied and taught Chinese Esoteric Buddhism, a Vajrayana tradition recently imported from India. Later Huiguo would become the teacher of Kūkai, founder of Shingon Buddhism, a prominent school of Buddhism in Japan.

Daigensuihō

The Daigensuihō (大元帥法), or the Great Rite of Āṭavaka, is one of the great rites of Esoteric Shingon Buddhism. Its name is also sometimes pronounced Daigen no hō. The ritual is performed with Āṭavaka in the role of honzon, and it may be considered a military curse.

The Daigensuihō (大元帥法), or the Great Rite of Āṭavaka, is one of the great rites of Esoteric Shingon Buddhism. Its name is also sometimes pronounced Daigen no hō. The ritual is performed with Āṭavaka in the role of honzon, and it may be considered a military curse.

Homa (ritual)

In the Vedic Hinduism, a homa also known as havan, is a fire ritual performed on special occasions by a Hindu priest usually for a homeowner. The grihasth keeps different kinds of fire including one to cook food, heat his home, amongst other uses; therefore, a Yajna offering is made directly into the fire. A homa is sometimes called a “sacrifice ritual” because the fire destroys the offering, but a homa is more accurately a “votive ritual”. The fire is the agent, and the offerings include those that are material and symbolic such as grains, ghee, milk, incense and seeds.

Thirteen Buddhas

The is a Japanese grouping of Buddhist deities, particularly in the Shingon sect of Buddhism. The deities are, in fact, not only Buddhas, but include bodhisattvas and Wisdom Kings. In Shingon services, lay followers recite a devotional mantra to each figure, though in Shingon practice, disciples will typically devote themselves to only one, depending on what the teacher assigns. Thus the chanting of the mantras of the Thirteen Buddhas are merely the basic practice of laypeople.

Sennyo-ji

Sennyo-ji (千如寺) is a Shingon temple in Itoshima, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Its honorary sangō prefix is Sennyo-ji Daihiō-in (千如寺大悲王院). It is also referred to as Raizan Kannon (雷山観音).

(千如寺) is a Shingon temple in Itoshima, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Its honorary sangō prefix is Sennyo-ji Daihiō-in (千如寺大悲王院). It is also referred to as Raizan Kannon (雷山観音).

Zenjibu-ji

Zenjibu-ji is a Shingon Buddhist Temple located in Nankoku, Kōchi, Japan. It is the 32nd temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

is a Shingon Buddhist Temple located in Nankoku, Kōchi, Japan. It is the 32nd temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Yashima-ji

Yashima-ji (屋島寺) is a Shingon temple in Yashima, a lava plateau to the northeast of Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. A branch temple of Ninna-ji in Kyoto, it is the eighty-fourth temple on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage. It is said to have been founded as a Ritsu school temple by Ganjin in 754, and to have been converted by Kōbō Daishi. The 5x5 bay irimoya-zukuri tiled Hondō (1618) has been designated an Important Cultural Property. A Heian period wooden seated statue of Senjū Kannon and the temple bell (1223) are also Important Cultural Properties. There is a museum of temple treasures and items relating to the Battle of Yashima.

(屋島寺) is a Shingon temple in Yashima, a lava plateau to the northeast of Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. A branch temple of Ninna-ji in Kyoto, it is the eighty-fourth temple on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage. It is said to have been founded as a Ritsu school temple by Ganjin in 754, and to have been converted by Kōbō Daishi. The 5×5 bay irimoya-zukuri tiled Hondō (1618) has been designated an Important Cultural Property. A Heian period wooden seated statue of Senjū Kannon and the temple bell (1223) are also Important Cultural Properties. There is a museum of temple treasures and items relating to the Battle of Yashima.

Saga Go-ryū

Saga Go-ryū (嵯峨御流) is a school of ikebana, the Japanese traditional art of flower arrangement. The school is also known as Saga-ryū.

Sagami-ji

Sagami-ji , is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Kasai, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. Its mountain name (sangō) is Senjōsan (泉生山). Emperor Shōmu ordered its construction in 745 at the request of Gyōki, a Buddhist priest.

, is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Kasai, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. Its mountain name (sangō) is Senjōsan (泉生山). Emperor Shōmu ordered its construction in 745 at the request of Gyōki, a Buddhist priest.

Twelve Heavenly Generals

In East Asian Buddhism, the Twelve Heavenly Generals or Twelve Divine Generals are the protective deities, or yaksha, of Bhaisajyaguru, the buddha of healing. They are introduced in the Bhaiṣajyaguruvaidūryaprabharāja Sūtra. They are collectively named as follows:simplified Chinese: 十二神将; traditional Chinese: 十二神將; pinyin: Shí'èr Shén Jiāng Japanese: Jūni Shinshō (十二神将) or Jūni Shinnō (十二神王) or Jūni Yakusha Taishō (十二薬叉大将)

In East Asian Buddhism, the or Twelve Divine Generals are the protective deities, or yaksha, of Bhaisajyaguru, the buddha of healing. They are introduced in the Bhaiṣajyaguruvaidūryaprabharāja Sūtra. They are collectively named as follows:simplified Chinese: 十二神将; traditional Chinese: 十二神將; pinyin: Shí’èr Shén Jiāng Japanese: Jūni Shinshō (十二神将) or Jūni Shinnō (十二神王) or Jūni Yakusha Taishō (十二薬叉大将)

Tōchō-ji (東長寺) is a Shingon temple in Hakata, Fukuoka, Japan. Its honorary sangō prefix is Nangakuzan (南岳山). It was founded by Kūkai in 806, making it the oldest Shingon temple in Kyushu.

Tōchō-ji (東長寺) is a Shingon temple in Hakata, Fukuoka, Japan. Its honorary sangō prefix is Nangakuzan (南岳山). It was founded by Kūkai in 806, making it the oldest Shingon temple in Kyushu.

Sangō Shiiki (三教指帰) is a dialectic allegory written by Kūkai in 797. It is Japan's oldest comparative ideological critique.

Sangō Shiiki (三教指帰) is a dialectic allegory written by Kūkai in 797. It is Japan’s oldest comparative ideological critique.

Seiryū-ji (青龍寺) is a Kōyasan Betsuin located in Aomori, Aomori Prefecture. The temple was founded by a Great Acharya Ryūkou Oda , who later built Shōwa Daibutsu (昭和大仏) in 1984. Roughly 21.35 meters in height, it is the tallest seated bronze figure of Buddha in Japan.

Seiryū-ji (青龍寺) is a Kōyasan Betsuin located in Aomori, Aomori Prefecture. The temple was founded by a Great Acharya Ryūkou Oda , who later built Shōwa Daibutsu (昭和大仏) in 1984. Roughly 21.35 meters in height, it is the tallest seated bronze figure of Buddha in Japan.

Tō-ji Temple , also known as Kyō-ō-gokoku-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple in the Minami-ku ward of Kyoto, Japan.

Tō-ji Temple , also known as Kyō-ō- is a Shingon Buddhist temple in the Minami-ku ward of Kyoto, Japan.

Shikoku Pilgrimage

The Shikoku Pilgrimage or Shikoku Junrei (四国巡礼) is a multi-site pilgrimage of 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kūkai on the island of Shikoku, Japan. A popular and distinctive feature of the island's cultural landscape, and with a long history, large numbers of pilgrims, known as henro (遍路), still undertake the journey for a variety of ascetic, pious, and tourism-related purposes. The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot, but modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles, or motorcycles. The standard walking course is approximately 1,200 kilometres (750 mi) long and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete.

The Shikoku Pilgrimage or Shikoku Junrei (四国巡礼) is a multi-site pilgrimage of 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kūkai on the island of Shikoku, Japan. A popular and distinctive feature of the island’s cultural landscape, and with a long history, large numbers of pilgrims, known as henro (遍路), still undertake the journey for a variety of ascetic, pious, and tourism-related purposes. The pilgrimage is traditionally completed on foot, but modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles, or motorcycles. The standard walking course is approximately 1,200 kilometres (750 mi) long and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete.

Tairyūji or Tairyū-ji is a Koyasan Shingon temple in Anan city, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan. Temple # 21 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage. The main image is of Ākāśagarbha Bodhisattva.

Shingon Risshu

The Shingon-risshū is a comparatively small medieval sect of Buddhism in Japan that arose in the Kamakura period as an offshoot of Shingon Buddhism. Its founder was a monk named Eison, a disciple of Jōkei, and carried further by Eison's disciple Ninshō.

The Shingon-risshū is a comparatively small medieval sect of Buddhism in Japan that arose in the Kamakura period as an offshoot of Shingon Buddhism. Its founder was a monk named Eison, a disciple of Jōkei, and carried further by Eison’s disciple Ninshō.

Shinsenen

Shinsenen (神泉苑) is a Shingon Japanese Buddhist temple located south of Nijō Castle in the approximate center of the modern city of Kyoto, Honshu, Japan. It was founded by Kūkai in 824 and predominantly consists of a large water garden centering about a pond. It is said to be the oldest existing garden in Kyoto.

(神泉苑) is a Shingon Japanese Buddhist temple located south of Nijō Castle in the approximate center of the modern city of Kyoto, Honshu, Japan. It was founded by Kūkai in 824 and predominantly consists of a large water garden centering about a pond. It is said to be the oldest existing garden in Kyoto.

Tanema-ji

Tanema-ji is a Shingon Buddhist Temple located in Kōchi, Kōchi, Japan. It is the 34th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

is a Shingon Buddhist Temple located in Kōchi, Kōchi, Japan. It is the 34th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Shinshō (Shingon)

Shinshō (真紹) (797–873) was a Japanese Buddhist monk of the Shingon sect and founder of the Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji in Heian-kyō.

Shōfuku-ji (Odawara)

Shōfuku-ji (勝福寺) is a Shingon sect Buddhist temple located in the northeastern portion of the city of Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is more popularly known as the Iizumi Kannon (飯泉観音), after its primary object of worship. Shōfuku-ji is the 5th temple in the Bandō Sanjūsankasho pilgrimage circuit of 33 Buddhist temples in the Kantō region of eastern Japan to the Bodhisattva Kannon.

Shōfuku-ji (勝福寺) is a Shingon sect Buddhist temple located in the northeastern portion of the city of Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is more popularly known as the Iizumi Kannon (飯泉観音), after its primary object of worship. Shōfuku-ji is the 5th temple in the Bandō Sanjūsankasho pilgrimage circuit of 33 Buddhist temples in the Kantō region of eastern Japan to the Bodhisattva Kannon.

Shōjō-ji (勝常寺) is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon-shu Buzan-ha sect in Yugawa, Kawanuma District, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.

Shōjō-ji (勝常寺) is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon-shu Buzan-ha sect in Yugawa, Kawanuma District, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.

Shōryaku-ji (正暦寺) is a Shingon temple in the southeast of Nara, Japan. Founded in 992, it is the head temple of the Bodaisen Shingon sect.

Shōryaku-ji (正暦寺) is a Shingon temple in the southeast of Nara, Japan. Founded in 992, it is the head temple of the Bodaisen Shingon sect.

Ohashi Kannon-ji

Ohashi Kannon-ji (御橋観音寺) is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon-shū Chizan-ha in Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan. Its honorary sangō prefix is Sekkyōzan (石橋山).

(御橋観音寺) is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon-shū Chizan-ha in Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan. Its honorary sangō prefix is Sekkyōzan (石橋山).

Taisan-ji (Matsuyama)

Taisan-ji (太山寺) is a Shingon temple in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. It is Temple 52 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage, and Temple 3 on the Thirteen Buddhist Sites of Iyo. The Hondō is a National Treasure.

Taisan-ji (太山寺) is a Shingon temple in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. It is Temple 52 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage, and Temple 3 on the Thirteen Buddhist Sites of Iyo. The Hondō is a National Treasure.

Ōkubo-ji

Ōkubo-ji (大窪寺) is a Shingon temple in Sanuki, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is Temple 88 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage. Pilgrims leave their kongō-zue at the temple when completing the circuit. The Ōkubo-ji temple bell and pilgrim bells have been selected by the Ministry of the Environment as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan.

Ōkubo-ji (大窪寺) is a Shingon temple in Sanuki, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is Temple 88 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage. Pilgrims leave their kongō-zue at the temple when completing the circuit. The Ōkubo-ji temple bell and pilgrim bells have been selected by the Ministry of the Environment as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan.

Motoyama-ji

The Shippōzan Motoyama-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple of the Kōyasan sect in Mitoyo, Kagawa, Japan. It was established by Emperor Heizei's instruction in 807. Hayagriva is a principal image now. The temple has undergone several reconstruction efforts since its founding, such as the rebuilding of its Main Hall in 1300.

The Shippōzan is a Shingon Buddhist temple of the Kōyasan sect in Mitoyo, Kagawa, Japan. It was established by Emperor Heizei’s instruction in 807. Hayagriva is a principal image now. The temple has undergone several reconstruction efforts since its founding, such as the rebuilding of its Main Hall in 1300.

Nyoirin-ji (Ogori)

Nyoirin-ji (如意輪寺) is a Shingon temple in Ogōri, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. The temple, which is famed for its frog things, is commonly referred to as Kaeru-dera (カエル寺), meaning "frog temple", while the formal name is Seieizan Nyoirin-ji (清影山如意輪寺).

Nyoirin-ji (如意輪寺) is a Shingon temple in Ogōri, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. The temple, which is famed for its frog things, is commonly referred to as Kaeru-dera (カエル寺), meaning “frog temple”, while the formal name is Seieizan Nyoirin-ji (清影山如意輪寺).

Hotsumisaki-ji

Hotsumisaki-ji (最御崎寺) is a Shingon Buddhist Temple located in Muroto, Kōchi, Japan. It is the 24th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, and the first located in Kochi, representing the start of the "austerity and discipline" stage of the pilgrimage.

(最御崎寺) is a Shingon Buddhist Temple located in Muroto, Kōchi, Japan. It is the 24th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, and the first located in Kochi, representing the start of the “austerity and discipline” stage of the pilgrimage.

Butsuryū-ji is a ninth-century Shingon temple in Uda, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is located approximately four kilometres southwest of Murō-ji across Mount Murō.

Butsuryū-ji is a ninth-century Shingon temple in Uda, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is located approximately four kilometres southwest of Murō-ji across Mount Murō.

Byōdō-ji (Anan – Tokushima)

Byodo-ji is a Koyasan Shingon temple in Anan, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan. Temple # 22 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage. The main image is of Yakushi Nyorai. It is designated as Anan Muroto Historical Cultural Road.

Byodo-ji is a Koyasan Shingon temple in Anan, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan. Temple # 22 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage. The main image is of Yakushi Nyorai. It is designated as Anan Muroto Historical Cultural Road.

Daigo-ji

Daigo-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan. Its main devotion (honzon) is Yakushi. Daigo, literally "ghee", is used figuratively to mean "crème de la crème" and is a metaphor of the most profound part of Buddhist thoughts.

is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan. Its main devotion (honzon) is Yakushi. Daigo, literally “ghee”, is used figuratively to mean “crème de la crème” and is a metaphor of the most profound part of Buddhist thoughts.

Daikaku-ji

Daikaku-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Ukyō-ku, a western ward in the city of Kyoto, Japan. The site was originally a residence of Emperor Saga, and later various emperors conducted their cloistered rule from here. The Saga Go-ryū school of ikebana has its headquarters in the temple. The artificial lake of the temple, Ōsawa Pond, is one of the oldest Japanese garden ponds to survive from the Heian period.

is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Ukyō-ku, a western ward in the city of Kyoto, Japan. The site was originally a residence of Emperor Saga, and later various emperors conducted their cloistered rule from here. The Saga Go-ryū school of ikebana has its headquarters in the temple. The artificial lake of the temple, Ōsawa Pond, is one of the oldest Japanese garden ponds to survive from the Heian period.

Daizen-ji

Daizen-ji (大善寺), is a Buddhist temple belonging to the Shingon school of Japanese Buddhism, located in the city of Kōshū, Yamanashi, Japan. Its main image is a hibutsu statue of Yakushi Nyōrai, shown to the public every five years,

(大善寺), is a Buddhist temple belonging to the Shingon school of Japanese Buddhism, located in the city of Kōshū, Yamanashi, Japan. Its main image is a hibutsu statue of Yakushi Nyōrai, shown to the public every five years,

Ekan Ikeguchi

is a Shingon Buddhist priest, currently the High Priest of Saifukuji in Kagoshima. He holds a doctorate in medicine from Yamaguchi University and is an expert in the goma fire ritual. He has spoken at Harvard University and performed a ritual at the World Trade Center site in October 2001. Ikeguchi recently returned to the United States in November 2012 to preside over the goma fire ritual in Los Angeles to commemorate ’s 100th anniversary.

Enichi-ji

Enichi-ji (恵日寺) is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon-shu Buzan-ha sect in the town of Bandai, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. The temple was founded in the Heian period as Enichi-ji (慧日寺), and the ruins of its previous incarnation were designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1970.

(恵日寺) is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon-shu Buzan-ha sect in the town of Bandai, Yama District, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. The temple was founded in the Heian period as Enichi-ji (慧日寺), and the ruins of its previous incarnation were designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1970.

Enkōji (延光寺) is a Chisan Shingon temple in Sukumo, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan. Temple 39 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage, the main image is of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing and medicine. The temple is said to have been founded by Gyōki in the first year of the Jinki era.

Enkōji (延光寺) is a Chisan Shingon temple in Sukumo, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan. Temple 39 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage, the main image is of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing and medicine. The temple is said to have been founded by Gyōki in the first year of the Jinki era.

Enmyō-ji (円明寺) is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. It is Temple 53 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage.

Enmyō-ji (円明寺) is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. It is Temple 53 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage.

Fukuishi Kannon

Fukuishi Kannon (福石観音) is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon-shū Chizan-ha in Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan. Its honorary sangō prefix is Fukuishisan (福石山).

(福石観音) is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon-shū Chizan-ha in Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan. Its honorary sangō prefix is Fukuishisan (福石山).

Gokoku-ji

Gokoku-ji (護国寺) is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Tokyo's Bunkyō.

Gokoku-ji (護国寺) is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Tokyo’s Bunkyō.

Hase-dera

Hase-dera (長谷寺) is the main temple of the Buzan sect of Shingon Buddhism. The temple is located in Sakurai, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The Main Hall is a National Treasure of Japan.

(長谷寺) is the main temple of the Buzan sect of Shingon Buddhism. The temple is located in Sakurai, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The Main Hall is a National Treasure of Japan.

Hawaii Shingon Mission

Hawaii Shingon Mission or Shingon Shu Hawaii located at 915 Sheridan Street in Honolulu, Hawaii, is one of the most elaborate displays of Japanese Buddhist temple architecture in Hawaiʻi. It was first built in 1915-1918 by Nakagawa Katsutaro, a master builder of Japanese-style temples, then renovated in 1929 by Hego Fuchino, a self-taught man who was the first person of Japanese ancestry to become a licensed architect in the Islands. The building underwent further changes in 1978, and was considerably augmented in 1992. However, its most distinctive features remain: the steep, hipped-gable roof (irimoya) with rounded-gable projection, both with elaborate carvings on the ends, and the glittering altar and interior furnishings from Japan that signify its ties to esoteric Shingon Buddhism.

or Shingon Shu Hawaii located at 915 Sheridan Street in Honolulu, Hawaii, is one of the most elaborate displays of Japanese Buddhist temple architecture in Hawaiʻi. It was first built in 1915-1918 by Nakagawa Katsutaro, a master builder of Japanese-style temples, then renovated in 1929 by Hego Fuchino, a self-taught man who was the first person of Japanese ancestry to become a licensed architect in the Islands. The building underwent further changes in 1978, and was considerably augmented in 1992. However, its most distinctive features remain: the steep, hipped-gable roof (irimoya) with rounded-gable projection, both with elaborate carvings on the ends, and the glittering altar and interior furnishings from Japan that signify its ties to esoteric Shingon Buddhism.

Hōrai-ji (鳳来寺), Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect located in the city of Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Its main image is a statue of Yakushi Nyōrai. The temple is located on the 695 metres (2,280 ft) Mount Hōrai and is accessed by a flight of 1425 steps. The grounds have been designated Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument since 1931. The area is also noted for its population of Eurasian scops owl, the prefectural bird of Aichi Prefecture.

Hōrai-ji (鳳来寺), Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect located in the city of Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Its main image is a statue of Yakushi Nyōrai. The temple is located on the 695 metres (2,280 ft) Mount Hōrai and is accessed by a flight of 1425 steps. The grounds have been designated Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument since 1931. The area is also noted for its population of Eurasian scops owl, the prefectural bird of Aichi Prefecture.

Iiyama Kannon

Hase-dera, or Chōkoku-ji (長谷寺) is a Shingon sect Buddhist temple located outside of Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is more popularly known as the Iiyama Kannon (飯山観音), after its primary object of worship.

Hase-dera, or Chōkoku-ji (長谷寺) is a Shingon sect Buddhist temple located outside of Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is more popularly known as the (飯山観音), after its primary object of worship.

Naritasan Kurume Bunin

Naritasan Kurume Bunin (成田山久留米分院) or Kurume Narita-san (久留米成田山) is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is a direct branch of Narita-san Shinshō-ji in Narita, Chiba Prefecture.

(成田山久留米分院) or Kurume (久留米成田山) is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is a direct branch of Narita-san Shinshō-ji in Narita, Chiba Prefecture.

Koyasan Buddhist Temple

Koyasan Beikoku Betsuin , also known as Koyasan Buddhist Temple, is a Japanese Buddhist temple in the Little Tokyo district of Downtown Los Angeles, California, United States. Founded in 1912, it is one of the oldest existing Buddhist temples in the North American mainland region. The temple is a branch of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism and is the North America regional headquarters for the school.

Koyasan Beikoku Betsuin , also known as Koyasan Buddhist Temple, is a Japanese Buddhist temple in the Little Tokyo district of Downtown Los Angeles, California, United States. Founded in 1912, it is one of the oldest existing Buddhist temples in the North American mainland region. The temple is a branch of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism and is the North America regional headquarters for the school.

Narita-san

Narita-san Shinshō-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple located in central Narita, Chiba, Japan. It was founded in 940 by Kanchō Daisōjō, a disciple of Kōbō Daishi. It is a lead temple in the Chisan branch of New Shingon, includes a large complex of buildings and grounds, and is one of the best-known temples in the Kantō region. It is dedicated to Ācala who is usually depicted holding a sword and rope and surrounded by flames. Often called a fire god, he is associated with fire rituals.

Narita-san Shinshō-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple located in central Narita, Chiba, Japan. It was founded in 940 by Kanchō Daisōjō, a disciple of Kōbō Daishi. It is a lead temple in the Chisan branch of New Shingon, includes a large complex of buildings and grounds, and is one of the best-known temples in the Kantō region. It is dedicated to Ācala who is usually depicted holding a sword and rope and surrounded by flames. Often called a fire god, he is associated with fire rituals.

Mount Kōya is a large temple settlement in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan to the south of Osaka.

In the strictest sense, Mount Kōya is the mountain name (sangō) of Kongōbu-ji Temple, the ecclesiastical headquarters of the Kōyasan sect of Shingon Buddhism.

Mount Gokurakuji

, at 661 metres (2,169 ft) elevation, stands near the city of Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, and belongs to the Shingon Buddhist sect. The area includes a natural Fir forest where wild bird songs can be heard. The forest has been designated and preserved as a citizen’s forest. It is an astonishing tourism site.

The Sanskrit term adhiṣṭhāna is the name for initiations or blessings in Vajrayana Buddhism. The term has various meanings, including the raised base on which a temple stands.

The Sanskrit term adhiṣṭhāna is the name for initiations or blessings in Vajrayana Buddhism. The term has various meanings, including the raised base on which a temple stands.

Marici (Buddhism)

Mārīcī, is a Buddhist god (deva) or goddess, as well as a bodhisattva associated with light and the Sun. By most historical accounts, Marici is a goddess — but in some regions, she is depicted as male god, revered among the warrior class in East Asia. She is typically depicted with multiple arms and riding a charging boar or sow, or on a fiery chariot pulled by seven horses or seven boars. She has either one head, or between three to six with one shaped like a boar. In parts of East Asia, in her fiercest forms, she may wear a necklace of skulls. In some representations, she sits upon a lotus.

Kuji-kiri

Kuji-kiri is a practice of using hand gestures found today in Shugendō and Shingon Mikkyō. It is also present in some old and traditional schools ("ryūha") of Japanese martial arts including but not exclusive to schools that have ties with ninjutsu.

is a practice of using hand gestures found today in Shugendō and Shingon Mikkyō. It is also present in some old and traditional schools (“ryūha”) of Japanese martial arts including but not exclusive to schools that have ties with ninjutsu.

Kōya Hijiri (高野聖) were Japanese monks from Mount Kōya who were sent to preach Buddhism around the country. They were the lowest caste inside the priests’ hierarchy of the Mount Kōya temples, and traveled while peddling for a living.

Ishite-ji

Ishite-ji (石手寺) is a Shingon temple in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. It is Temple 51 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage. Its name means Stone Hand Temple (石手寺). Seven of its structures have been designated National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties.

(石手寺) is a Shingon temple in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. It is Temple 51 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage. Its name means Stone Hand Temple (石手寺). Seven of its structures have been designated National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties.

Kōryū-ji (広隆寺) is a Shingon temple in Uzumasa, Ukyō Ward, Kyoto, Japan. The temple is also known by the names Uzumasa-dera (太秦寺) and Kadono-dera (葛野寺), and was formerly known as Hatanokimi-dera (秦公寺), Hachioka-dera (蜂岡寺) and Hōkō-ji (蜂岡寺).

Kōryū-ji (広隆寺) is a Shingon temple in Uzumasa, Ukyō Ward, Kyoto, Japan. The temple is also known by the names Uzumasa-dera (太秦寺) and Kadono-dera (葛野寺), and was formerly known as Hatanokimi-dera (秦公寺), Hachioka-dera (蜂岡寺) and Hōkō-ji (蜂岡寺).

Kiburi-ji

Kiburi-ji (来振寺) is a Buddhist temple in Ōno, Gifu Prefecture belonging to the Chisan sect of Shingon Buddhism. The temple claims to have been founded as the Hossō sect temple of Shinpuku-ji by the wandering priest Gyōki in 715 AD. It was burned down by Oda Nobunaga in 1560 and subsequently rebuilt with the support of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu and the Toda clan of Ōgaki Domain during the Edo period.

(来振寺) is a Buddhist temple in Ōno, Gifu Prefecture belonging to the Chisan sect of Shingon Buddhism. The temple claims to have been founded as the Hossō sect temple of Shinpuku-ji by the wandering priest Gyōki in 715 AD. It was burned down by Oda Nobunaga in 1560 and subsequently rebuilt with the support of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu and the Toda clan of Ōgaki Domain during the Edo period.

Kento Three Great Acalas

The Kanto Three Great Acalas (関東三大不動) is a collective term, recorded in the Japanese history, for the three temples that are dedicated to the Acala in Kantō region governed by shōgun.

Kanjizai-ji

Kanjizaiji (観自在寺) is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Ainan-cho (愛南町), Minamiuwa District, Ehime, Japan. It is number 40 of the 88 temples in the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Kanjizaiji (観自在寺) is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Ainan-cho (愛南町), Minamiuwa District, Ehime, Japan. It is number 40 of the 88 temples in the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Jōdo-ji (Ono)

The Gokurakusan Jōdo-ji (極楽山浄土寺) is a temple of the Shingon sect in Ono, Hyōgo, Japan. It was first established by Chōgen in 1190 – 1198, and the temple structures have undergone several reconstruction efforts since then, with the last reconstruction taking place in 1632.

The Gokurakusan Jōdo-ji (極楽山浄土寺) is a temple of the Shingon sect in Ono, Hyōgo, Japan. It was first established by Chōgen in 1190 – 1198, and the temple structures have undergone several reconstruction efforts since then, with the last reconstruction taking place in 1632.

Jōdo-ji (Matsuyama)

Jōdo-ji (浄土寺) is a Shingon temple in Matsuyama, Japan. It is Temple 49 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage, and temple two on The Thirteen Buddhist Sites of Iyo.

Jōdo-ji (浄土寺) is a Shingon temple in Matsuyama, Japan. It is Temple 49 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage, and temple two on The Thirteen Buddhist Sites of Iyo.

The Byōbuura Gogakusan Tanjō-in Zentsū-ji (屏風浦五岳山誕生院善通寺) is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in Zentsūji, Kagawa, Japan. It was established in 807 by Kūkai, founder of Shingon Buddhism, who was born where the temple now stands. The oldest structure, the Shakadō Hall, dates to around 1677.

The Byōbuura Gogakusan Tanjō-in Zentsū-ji (屏風浦五岳山誕生院善通寺) is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in Zentsūji, Kagawa, Japan. It was established in 807 by Kūkai, founder of Shingon Buddhism, who was born where the temple now stands. The oldest structure, the Shakadō Hall, dates to around 1677.

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