Shingon

  • Seattle Koyasan

    Welcome to Seattle Koyasan Buddhist Temple Seattle Koyasan Buddhist Temple is located in the Central District of Seattle, Washington. We are a temple in the Shingon-shu 真言宗 (Shingon Sect) of Japanese Buddhism. Shingon-shu traces its origins to the lineage founder, Kobo Daishi. Kobo Daishi (the Monk Kukai) brought esoteric Buddhism to Japan from China in the 9th century C.E. Please come join us for our services and events as we learn and practice Shingon Buddhism. Our web page is currently being updated to include a wealth of information relating to the cosmological structure and history of Shingon-shu. Seattle Koyasan Buddhist Temple is a tax-exempt 501(c) (3) non-profit organization registered …

  • The Origins of Buddhism

    The basic doctrine of Buddhism characteristically describes the importance of practices and experiences. Buddhism was founded and recognized by Gautama Shiddhartha (the historical Buddha) who lived in India about twenty-five hundred years ago. The word “Buddha” literally means “one who has awakened to the truth” as well as the doctrines that are based on the teaching of one who had attained enlightenment. The basic doctrine of Buddhism describes how to be awakened to the truth of the universe and how to attain perfect enlightenment. The content of this doctrine makes some religious experts say that Buddhism is not just a religion but also a philosophy. Others have also characterized Buddhism …

  • The Mahayana

    Buddhism was divided into two main branches as it began spread worldwide. Buddhism, like many other religions, began to evolve over time and developed into many district groups. These different groups came from the same original doctrine of Buddhism but differ in teachings and the philosophy of how to become enlightened to the truth. Buddhism was divided into two main branches as it began spread worldwide. One stream (Mahayana) made its way from India to China, Mongolia, Central Asia, and then came to Japan via the Korean Peninsula during the 6th century. The other branch (Theravada) took course to the south as it moved from Burma to Thailand via Sri …

  • Mikkyo

    Koyasan was founded by Kobo Daishi as his ascetic sanctuary in the 9th century. His teaching is called “Mikkyo” or “Esoteric Buddhism” which emerged during the middle and the last period of the development of Buddhism in India. Mikkyo (Esoteric Buddhism) and Shingon Buddhism What is “Mikkyo”? Mikkyo is the Japanese word for Esoteric Buddhism and is often translated as “secret teachings”. The doctrines of Mikkyo are taught through masters of Mikkyo and the information or knowledge is transmitted spiritually according to the abilities of the practitioners. In contrast to Exoteric Buddhism (Mahayana Buddhism), in which the doctrines are taught through the use of textbooks, Mikkyo emphasizes that teaching …

  • Enlightenment in this life

      What does it mean to attain enlightenment in this very life? “Sokushin Jobutsu” is the Japanese term for becoming a Buddha in this very physical body. This term is one of the main theories of Shingon Buddhism and distinguishes it from the other branches. Other doctrines of Buddhism require endless efforts over many lifetimes in order to attain enlightenment. Moreover, it is necessary to be reborn again and again in order to attain enlightenment. On the contrary, the teachings of Shingon Mikkyo preach that followers have the ability to become a Buddha in this real body in this life. Kobo Daishi teaches that it is possible for anyone to …

  • Kobo Daishi and Koyasan

    Kobo Daishi and Koyasan Kobo Daishi (Kukai) was a renowned monk who established Shingon Buddhism during the Heian era. In 835, he entered into eternal meditation and in the year of 921 he was given the posthumous name of Kobo Daishi by Emperor Daigo. The meaning of the name Kobo Daishi recognizes his excellence as a teacher as well as his work and efforts to spread the word of the Esoteric Buddhism throughout Japan. Although both names are used interchangeably, Kobo Daishi is the name most commonly used by the followers of Shingon Buddhism. Kobo Daishi became disenchanted with the secular world and began to develop a strong interest in …

  • Koyasan Today

    In 2004, Koyasan was registered through UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The official title is the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”. In the last 1200 years, the teachings, rituals and traditions in Koyasan havenot changed. Through the efforts of countless people, the community has been able to preserve its rich heritage and its customs, but there have been some notable changes that have occurred over time. Today there are 117 temples in Koyasan, but there used to be many more. Although many of the ancient buildings have survived for many years, some of the original buildings have been lost due to fire. Another significant …