Mikkyo
Mikkyo ,"secret teaching," refers to the esoteric Buddhist teachings (vajrayana or mantrayana) transmitted from India to China. These arrived in Japan in the 9th century, carried by great masters like Kukai and Enchin.
Today, mikkyo is preserved primarily in the Shingon and Tendai schools. Its teachings are still transmitted privately, from teacher to student, through oral instruction.
Mikkyo practice centers on penetration of the "Three Mysteries" of body, speech, and mind, making use of mudra, mantra, and visualization. Thus identifying experientially with enlightened beings, the mikkyo practitioner's own body becomes itself the body of a buddha.
Mikkyo methods historically had tremendous impact on Japanese Buddhism and culture as a whole, and their influence can be found in almost every tradition, including Zen. At Korinji, we are able — because of relationships we have with Shingon and Tendai teachers — to serve as a gateway to those traditions for interested persons.
Various ritual practices are observed throughout the year here, including monthly goma (fire ritual) during which anyone may submit prayer boards to be burned in the flames. Please see the calendar for upcoming events, or to submit prayer boards for goma.