SHINGON BUDDHISM

Shingon Buddhism was founded in Japan early in the 9th century by the monk Kukai (774-835). It is based on a form of tantric Buddhism called Chen Yen, or True Word, that Kukai studied in China.  It remains one of the largest schools of Buddhism in Japan.

"Shingon" means "school of the true word," which refers to the importance of mantras in Shingon practice. Shingon is also known for its use of mandalas and other artistic representations of the dharma. Many of the teachings and rituals of Shingon are esoteric, passed orally from teacher to student and not made public. Shingon's historic "home" is Mount Koya, or Koyasan, a monastery about 50 miles south of Kyoto.

Shingon is syncretic, incorporating aspects, including deities, of Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto, and other forms of Buddhism. Since it is esoteric, the inner knowledge, so-called, is not written in books where the uninitiate can read it. 

A considerable emphasis is placed on the use of painting so that the obscurities of the esoteric can be better grasped.  Kukai himself was a superb artist and a patron of art.  As Kukai put it, "The various attitudes (appearances) and mudras (hand gestures) of the holy images all have their sources in Buddha's love, and one can attain buddhahood at the sight of them.  Thus the secrets of the sutras and commentaries can be depicted in art, and the essential truths of esoteric teaching are all set forth in them...Art is what reveals to us the state of perfection."

Shingon was seriously challenged by the Zen sects, but it is still one of the major players in Japanese Buddhism.