Nakasendo Way

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Home / Glossary Terms / Shingon Buddhism

Shingon Buddhism

Shingon (True Word) Buddhism came to Japan from China in the 9th Century by the monk  Kukai whose teachings have been little changed since. Earlier Buddhist sects had been very  esoteric and secretive, but Shingon proved considerably more popular. It placed great  emphasis on chants, magical rituals, and ceremonies for the dead, much to the delight of  the average worshipper. The sect was responsible for spreading the Chinese religion far  beyond the ruling class and continues to be a major faith today.

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From the glossary

  • Meiji Emperor

    The Meiji Emperor (1852-1912) took the throne in 1867. Although a young man, he had significant presence and charisma and was an inspirational figurehead during the rapid and tumultuous changes of Meiji period . Unlike his successors, he intervened from time to time in political affairs although historical records do not tell us much about his interventions. He had an interest in Japanese history and traditional rituals. He made a trip along the Nakasendo to Kyoto stopping at nearly every interesting place on the way; each of these stops is commemorated with an inscription. When he died in 1912, there was a general feeling that a momentous period had ended and that much uncertainty lay ahead.

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