East Asia: Later Buddhist Japan
The Shingon (True Word [of the Buddha]) Sect was founded by
the Japanese Buddhist priest Kukai (774-835, entitled posthumously as Kobo
Daishi) in 823. He had traveled to China during 804-806 where he was initiated
into the Chen yan shu (True Word [of the Buddha]) by Hui ko. The teachings
are based on the Mahavairocana sutra (Dainichi-kyo) and the Vajrasekhara
(Kongocho kyo) which is "explanatory sutra of the Sarvatathagatatattva
samgraha". It is a form of tantra, based on the Vairocana cycle teachings.
By meditation on the mandalas, reciting the mantras of the deities, and
realizing the true nature of one's self as identical with that of the deities,
one can attain enlightenment in this very lifetime. An intensely conservative
form of Buddhism, Japanese Shingon provides a "snapshot" of a
ninth century Buddhist practice as it must have existed in both China and
India.
Interior view of the Kanshin-ji in Osaka. Note the Vajradhatu Mandala
(Kongokai mandara) on the panel to the far left and the black cabinet at
the far right. The cabinet is actually in the center of the hall.
