Shingon Buddhism
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The goal of Shingon Buddhist practice is to achieve enlightenment, "in this very existence." But in Shingon teachings, this is no distant goal, difficult to attain. Enlightenment is, in fact, the true nature of human existence. It is innate in the mind. What is difficult is to come to a true experience of this reality, "To see your mind as it truly is."
Even though it may be difficult to see your true mind this way, it is easy to live in conformance with the true nature of the mind. Shingon gives us rules regarding how to live, how to keep our words, thoughts, and actions in tune with our enlightened nature. The rules are often stated in the form a vow:
From this day forward, to the end of the future, I will observe The Ten Precepts;
I will not kill.
I will not steal.
I will not commit adultery.
I will not tell a lie.
I will not exaggerate.
I will not slander.
I will not equivocate.
I will not be greedy.
I will not be hateful.
I will not be biased.
By observing these ten precepts, you will act in a way that conforms to your true, enlightened nature. This conformance between inner nature and outer actions is the essence of Shingon practice. It's referred to as the Three Secrets, the practice of bringing the actions of your Body, Speech, and Mind in conformity with your true nature. It is, in fact, the way to achieve enlightenment, "in this very existence."
In addition to the negative injunctions of the Precepts, Shingon gives many positive indications of how to live in conformance with your true Buddha nature. Among these are The Four Obligations:
The obligation to our parents
The obligation to the nation
The obligation to living beings
The obligation to the Three Treasures
The Buddha
The Sangha (the Buddhist community)
The Dharma (Buddhist law)
The obligation to living beings is of special importance when we consider how to live in the world. In line with the precept not to be greedy, it is important to act in a way that sponsors social harmony and good human relations. We must act towards others in a way that further's their interests, not our own. This is fostered by following what Kobo Daishi called “The Four Methods of Including Others:”
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