Shingon Buddhism

Last Days in Xi’an

I spent my last few days going to tourist locations, and shopping. I finally went to the famous Terracotta Warriors, and they weren’t as impressive as I had imagined. I do believe they are a must see if you are in Xi’an, however I much preferred people watching […]

Posted at 10am on 3/12/10 | 3 comments | Filed Under: Xi'an | read on

Second Stop on the Silk Road: Lanzhou

The train ride to Lanzhou was a lot more pleasant than the train to Dunhuang. First of all I decided for the more comfortable soft sleeper cabin, and secondly it was only an overnight train. In the soft sleeper you’re in a cabin with four beds (two bunk beds), so you are placed in a […]

Posted at 10am on 3/7/10 | 2 comments | Filed Under: Lanzhou, Silk Road, Temples | read on

About

I am in Xi’an, China to study the roots of Japanese esoteric Buddhism, called Shingon Buddhism. This sect of Buddhism began in Xi’an during the Tang dynasty, the Japanese monk Kukai brought the sect over to Japan in 806. I am following his path and looking for remnants of esoteric Buddhist art and architecture. I am specifically looking for traces of Shingon mandalas, which are depictions of the Buddha universe, they are used for meditation and esoteric rituals. I will be traveling to Luoyang, Dunhuang, and Lanzhou while in China, and then I’ll travel to Japan for a week as well. Besides working on my research project I am also studying and learning the Chinese Language and analyzing modern Chinese film.