Shingon Buddhism
Shingon Buddhism is a form of Mahayana Buddhism that was established in the early ninth century in Japan by Kobo Daishi (774-835). These teachings were brought by Kobo Daishi to Japan after he journeyed to Tang Dynasty China to receive them.
This type of Buddhism is also called Mikkyo, or esoteric Buddhism. Originating in India, these teachings were first brought to China and later to Tibet. Shingon Buddhism preserves a unique form of esoteric Buddhism based on Chinese and Indian antecedents.
The world "Shingon" is a translation of the Sanskrit word "mantra." Shingon Buddhism places great emphasis on mantras, both to be chanted and visualized.
Shingon Buddhism has had a tremendous influence on Japanese religion, culture, and history. Anyone interested in Japanese civilization or in personal spiritual cultivation will find much of interest in Shingon Buddhism.
There are approximately 10 million followers of Shingon Buddhism in Japan today, and Koyasan is one of the main centers of the school, attracting many tourists, visitors, pilgrims, and religious devotees.