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Shingon Refractions

By Mark Unno

Book Description

In the rich tapestry of Japanese Buddhism, Shingon stands as one of the most influential yet least understood traditions in the West. With twelve million practitioners today, this eighth-century sect offers profound spiritual practices that remain largely unexplored by Western seekers and scholars alike.

Mark Unno opens the door to this esoteric world by focusing on Shingon's most essential practice: the tantric Mantra of Light. This ancient technique forms the heart of Shingon spiritual cultivation, yet its depths have remained hidden from most Western students of Asian spirituality. Through careful translation and detailed exploration, Unno makes these transformative practices accessible to contemporary readers seeking authentic Buddhist wisdom.

Central to this investigation is the remarkable figure of Myoe Koben, a scholar-monk whose dedication to the Mantra of Light elevated him to become its greatest advocate and interpreter. Through Myoe's insights and experiences, readers encounter not just theoretical knowledge but lived spiritual practice that bridges centuries of Buddhist understanding.

This comprehensive examination reveals how tantric Buddhist practices can illuminate the path toward spiritual awakening. For those drawn to the contemplative traditions of Asia or seeking to deepen their understanding of Buddhist meditation and mantra practice, Unno's work provides both scholarly rigor and practical wisdom, making the profound teachings of Shingon Buddhism available to a new generation of spiritual practitioners.