Kamakura Period 1185-1333


Myoe Koben (1173-1232) monk of Kegon and Shingon schools

Dogen (1200-1253) Zen, Soto

Shinran (1173-1262) Pure Land, Shin

Nichiren


Myoe and his Dream Journal (Yume no ki)

body-mind nonduality


Kegon Philosophy, Shingon Practice

Kegon Philosophy

Philosophy of Interpenetration

A. Interpenetration of Emptiness/Oneness and Phenomena (ji)

B. Interpenetratin of Phenomena and Phenomena


Shingon Practice

Mantra Practice, Visualization, Nonduality form and emptiness - Tantric

Mantra of Light practice


Relation to the Kasuga Shrine; Myoe, a Fujiwara, Yuasa

Shinto Priestess (miko): Cousin, Woman of Tachibana (Yuasa)

Honji Suijaku essence and manifestation


Mantra of Light: “On abogya beiroshano makabotara mani handoma jimbara harabaritaya un,” Its meaning is, roughly, “Praise be to the flawleo, all- pervasive illumination of the great mudra [the seal of the Buddha]. Turn over to me the jewel, lotus, and radiant light.”


The Kasuga Deity spoke to Myoe through her and said, “I love you as I would my own dear child. But it is to be regretted that you have been neglecting your studies of late, and I wish that you would pay more attention to the holy scriptures. . . . Many suffering beings are waiting for you, so do not isolate yourself but go live near the imperial palace. I also feel a deep sympathy for Gedatsubo Jokei, but un- fortunately, he has gone into seclusion in Kasagi. Please relate my feelings to him. You are under the protection of various deities, but the Sumiyoshi Deity and myself are your constant guards, and I am like your father. You are assured of being born in the Tusita Heaven in your next life, but you should serve as a teacher for humans while you are in this world. Your desire to go to India is a great source of con- cern for me. . . . You should come to the Kasuga Shrine and live in Nara. . . .

After the deity had finished speaking, he lifted Myoe up by his hands and cradled him. Tears filled his eyes as he looked into Myoe’s face with tender affection. He said, “Do not go against my word no matter what happens.”