[Buddha-l] Lankavatara and Shingon Sutras

[Stephen Hodge]

Dear Jeff,

> Second, Shingon is not a unified school but rather a
> descriptive term for several major competing schools with many
> sub-variations (as many as 36, according to one authority).

Hhmm.  I think that Shingon ismuch more unified that you suggest.  The two 
main divisions are the Shingon per se and the late medieval off-shoot of 
Shingi Shingon.  These are sub-divided into a number subsidiary lineages 
(ha) -- many of which are now extinct.  As far as I know, the differences 
between the subsidiary lineages have more to do with ritual praxis rather 
that doctrinal interpretation.  When I was at Koyasan, members of all the 
Shingon lineages from all over Japana had no problem in participating in 
major communal events.

As a foot-note, one also might mention that the Japanese version of Tendai 
also incorporates mantrayana scriptures and practices, as does the syncretic 
Shugendo or yamabushi folk.  There is also a tiny group of temples adhering 
to the so-called Shotoku-shu/ha, apparently tracing their lineage back to 
Prince Shotoku, who also use Shingon rituals and texts.

Best wishes,
Stephen Hodge