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Ajikan (moon disk meditation)

Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 11:08 am
by Seishin
In our small group we have been practising a form of Ajikan. I understand that there are many forms of Ajikan but I was wondering how prevalent Ajikan is in Tendai?

Gassho,
Seishin.

Re: Ajikan (moon disk meditation)

Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 1:27 pm
by DGA
I've had different answers to this question. I've practiced it on retreat at Tendai Buddhist Institute more than once, but I'm not sure when how or under what circumstances (by whom) it is practiced in Japan today.

Re: Ajikan (moon disk meditation)

Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 1:43 pm
by Seishin
Hmm, maybe it is just our lineage :shrug:

Re: Ajikan (moon disk meditation)

Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 2:03 pm
by DGA
To clarify my earlier post: I know it's practiced, but I don't know how frequently it is practiced, or by whom. more by PM.

Re: Ajikan (moon disk meditation)

Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 2:21 pm
by Seishin
Thanks for the clarification. :smile:

Re: Ajikan (moon disk meditation)

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 2:39 am
by jikai
Hi Seishin,
We have practiced it at the Hawaii Betsuin as well, although I cant say it we have done it too often. Having said that, it is certainly a mainstream Tendai practice.
Gassho
Jikai

Re: Ajikan (moon disk meditation)

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 8:21 am
by rory
Ajikan is a common esoteric practice, going back to Vajrayana in India and probably further. I suggest you read Richard Payne's "Ajikan; Ritual and Meditation in the Shingon Tradition." found in "Revisioning Kamakura Buddhism" it's pretty old 1998 but a good place to start. You might find the later "Tantric Buddhism in East Asia" 2005 ed. Richard K Payne helpful in understanding tantra and its place in Buddhism.
If I remember correctly Rev. Eijo said with a tone of disapproval Shingon shu were teaching Ajikan to laypeople, but who knows that was years ago over at e-sangha. Things may have changed.
ah here I found a link to Komyo-in the Shingon Shingi temple in france & ajikan
ttp://komyoin.free.fr/komyo-site/francais/pratiques/kan/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
gassho
rory

Re: Ajikan (moon disk meditation)

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 9:09 am
by JKhedrup
As a side comment, do you know where Rev. Eijo is these days or what he is up to? I miss that guy!

Re: Ajikan (moon disk meditation)

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 10:29 am
by Seishin
Thank you for the replies everyone and thanks for the book, I've added it to my wish list :tongue: . Good to see you again Jikai :twothumbsup:

Gassho,
Seishin.

Re: Ajikan (moon disk meditation)

Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 12:33 am
by rory
You can find him as Thomas Eijo Dreitlein, he's on the faculty of Mt. Koya University.