Shingon Buddhism is a school of esoteric Buddhism in Japan, founded by the monk Kukai, who is also known by his posthumous title Kobo Daishi. Kukai travelled to Tang China in the early ninth century, where he studied esoteric teachings under the master Huiguo, and brought back texts, mandalas and ritual objects when he returned to Japan. He gained the favour of the court, and in 823 the Emperor Saga granted him the temple of To-ji in Kyoto as a base, while his main monastery was founded earlier on Mount Koya. The name Shingon means true word, or mantra, and the school teaches that enlightenment can be reached in one's own lifetime through ritual, meditation and chanting.
Before and after
- c. 818 CEOrigins of the Imam Reza Shrine
- from 819 CE to 999 CESamanid dynasty
- c. 820sAl-Khwarizmi writes the book that gives algebra its name
- from 821 CE to 873 CETahirid dynasty
- 823 CEOrigins of Shingon Buddhism
- 13 June 823 CEBirth of Charles the Bald
- 828 CEConstruction of St Mark's Basilica
- c. 830sThe House of Wisdom flourishes in Baghdad
- from 833 CE to 907 CEGreat Moravia
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The era
This moment belongs to the Medieval world (500 CE to 1500 CE), kingdoms, faiths and trade routes. You can also browse everything in the 9th century.