Clarification on Shingon Initiation, lay practices

Hello all,

I wanted to clarify a mistake I made on the blog in earlier posts. I recently spoke with someone whose an expert on Shingon Buddhism, and he pointed out that my assumption that, as a lay practitioner, I have to obtain initiation was wrong. If you want to ordain as a Shingon priest, you definitely have to receive initiation, but as a lay practitioner, you do not. Traditionally lay practitioners do take part in a ceremony called Kechien Kanjō (結縁潅頂) in Japanese, and this only takes place in certain temples in Japan. However, this is not required.

Instead, what the person explained to me is that lay people develop a close relationship to a Shingon priest over time (attending services, just getting to know people, etc), and the teacher will provide practices that fit that person. So, in my past experience, when I visited the Seattle Koyasan temple, and the priest there taught me some practices related to the Mantra of Light, that was perfectly normal Shingon lay-teacher relationship. Sadly, I haven’t been able to go very often, but if I had, I am sure that he would teach me more over time when the time is right.

In any case there are two things to take from this information:

• The key to following the Shingon path is not through ceremony as much as it is patience and getting involved.
• Shingon priests aren’t “mantra machines” either who just give out mantras at will. Don’t go and just ask for stuff. I didn’t, but the priest knew of my interest and just taught the practice one afternoon, so being respectful and patient pays off.

Anyways, please disregard previous statements made. I was being (as usual) over-cautious and thinking too much. Thanks!

Namu Amida Butsu
Namu Daishi Henjo Kongo