Ajikan (moon disk meditation)

[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.

[Jikan]

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.

[Seishin]

Hmm, maybe it is just our lineage

[Jikan]

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.

[Seishin]

Thanks for the clarification.

[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

[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/franca ... iques/kan/
gassho
rory

[JKhedrup]

As a side comment, do you know where Rev. Eijo is these days or what he is up to? I miss that guy!

[Seishin]

Thank you for the replies everyone and thanks for the book, I've added it to my wish list . Good to see you again Jikai

Gassho,
Seishin.

[rory]

You can find him as Thomas Eijo Dreitlein, he's on the faculty of Mt. Koya University.