What defines Shingon Esoteric Buddhism? How do its teachings diverge from exoteric Buddhist practices? What are the experiences of spiritual retreats like Mount Koya? And what is the significance of initiation rites such as kanjō?

This video investigates the tradition’s key practices and philosophical tenets, providing a scholarly overview of this profound path to enlightenment.

Discover the teachings of Kukai, the ritualistic intricacies of Ajikan meditation and the Goma fire ritual, and the doctrine of sokushin jobutsu, which advocates for attaining Buddhahood within one’s own life. A concise guide to the Mahavairocana Sutra is offered, explaining its role in Shingon’s meditative and ritual framework, alongside an explanation of the sacred mantras and mudras.

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REFERENCES

Hakeda, Y. S. (1972). Kukai: Major Works. Columbia University Press.

Orzech, C., Sørensen, H., & Payne, R. K. (Eds.). (2011). Esoteric Buddhism and the Tantras in East Asia. Brill.

Payne, R. K. (Ed.). (2006). Tantric Buddhism in East Asia. Wisdom Publications.

Snodgrass, A. (1988). The Matrix and Diamond World Mandalas in Shingon Buddhism. Aditya Prakashan.

Yamasaki, T. (1988). Shingon: Japanese Esoteric Buddhism. Shambhala.

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00:00 Introduction Dr Puca’s Pilgrimage to Japan

00:51 What is Shingon Esoteric Buddhism?

01:26 The Start of Shingon Buddhism

03:02 Support Angela’s Symposium

04:09 Art, Culture, and the Pursuit of Enlightenment

06:56 Mount Koya – the centre of Shingon Buddhism

07:58 The Theoretical Foundations of Shingon Buddhism

08:32 The Distinction between esoteric and exoteric Buddhist Practice

09:05 Shingon’s Concept of Two Truths

09:50 Mahavairocana Sutras, Mudras and Mantras

11:33 Buddhist Practices in Shingon

14:03 Shingon Initiation and Empowerment (Abhiseka)

15:42 The differences between esoteric and exoteric Buddhism

18:05 The Role of the Guru/Master in Shingon Buddhism

18:47 The Goal of Shingon Buddhism

19:27 Summary: Shingon Buddhism

21:49 Support Angela’s Symposium

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Published on February 18, 2024