Draft:Ishizuchi-San Shingon Buddhism

Ishizuchi-San Shingon Buddhism (石鎚山真言宗 / Ishizuchi-San Shingon-shū) Is a sub-sect of Kogi Shingon Buddhism and Touzan-Ha Shugendo. The head temple of the sect Gokuraku-ji is located in Saijo city, Ehime Prefecture within the Ishizuchi-san mountain range (1,982 meters above sea level).

Record of the Sect's Foundation
Temple's records, dating back to approximately 680 AD, document the ascetic practices of En no Gyōja a notable figure in the propagation of Shugendo within the Ishizuchi-San mountain range. En no Gyōja undertook intense practices on Ryūōzan (龍王山 / Dragon King Mountain) within the Ishizuchi mountain range, purifying himself at Fudo falls, Focusing his meditations toward the peak of Mt. Ishizuchi for the well being of all sentient beings. The narrative recounts a significant event where, during a period of full bloom rhododendrons, En no Gyōja's prayers were believed to be answered atop Mt. Ishizuchi. Descriptions include the appearance of Amitabha Buddha accompanied by Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta, amidst an array of supernatural phenomena including the deities arriving on purple clouds, heavenly music, and numerous deities descending upon the mountain. These supernatural phenomena were believed to be a response to his dedication and prayers.

En no Gyōja reportedly expressed his gratitude through prostration and extended worship, further deepening his spiritual commitments.

His prayers emphasized compassion for beings suffering in the age of Dharma decline, invoking a transformation of the Amitabha triad into a more wrathful form, Ishizuchi Kongo Zao Dai-Gongen (石鎚金剛蔵王大権現), to embody divine intervention. The transformed deity is described with detailed iconography, symbolizing various aspects of Buddhist teachings and the overcoming of spiritual obstacles.

Determined to perpetuate the benefits of this divine encounter for future generations, En no Gyōja is said to have created a sacred representation of the deity, establishing a temple for worship and ascetic practice on Ryūōzan, named Tenga Temple. This temple became a hub for diverse practitioners, including notable figures like Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi), and survived through several historical periods, promoting a form of religious practice accessible to a broad spectrum of society.

Determined to perpetuate the benefits of this divine encounter for future generations, En no Gyōja is said to have created a sacred representation of the deity, naming the central figure Ishizuchi Kongo Zao Gongen, flanked by two additional figures named Ryūō Kongo Zao Gongen (龍王吼蔵王大権現) on and Mufu Hō Kongo Zao Gongen (無畏宝吼蔵王大権現). Establishing a temple for worship and ascetic practice on Ryūōzan, named Tenga Temple. This temple became a hub for diverse practitioners, including notable figures like Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi), and survived through several historical periods, promoting a form of religious practice accessible to a broad spectrum of society.

However, Tenga Temple faced destruction during the late Muromachi period. Subsequent relocation of the deity from Kamegamori and changes in worship practices led to the establishment of Gokuraku-ji by a disciple of Yūhō Daitoku, continuing the mission of making esoteric practices accessible to the common people.

Years later, when excavating the ruins of the former Tenga Temple, the central statue of Ishizuchi Kongo Zao Dai-Gongen was found underground. It underwent major restorations and now resides in the Zao Hall of Gokuraku-ji, where it has been worshipped for over 1,300 years. Gokuraku-ji also enshrined other deities, including Namikiri Fudō Myōō a deity closely associated with En no Gyōja.

In modern times, after the discovery and restoration of the central statue of Ishizuchi Kongo Zao Dai-Gongen, it has been enshrined in Gokuraku-ji's Zao Hall, maintaining over 1,300 years of continuous worship. The temple, despite historical challenges, remains a site of reverence, now recognized as the independent Ishizuchi-san Shingon Sect following the Religious Corporations Act, embodying En no Gyōja's spirit and the inclusive practice of Esoteric Buddhism.

Ascetic Practices
=== Shingon Practices === Following ordination, initiates engage in an intensive period of prostration training as a precursor to undertaking the Four Prayogas (Shido-Kegyo / 四度加行), adhering to the practices of the Samboin-Kenjin Gata lineage (三宝院流憲深方). Subsequent to this preparatory phase, disciples receive esoteric instruction through a ritual known as Denpo Kanjo (伝法灌頂). After this initiation, a comprehensive transmission of the lineage's teachings, termed Ichiryu-denju (一流伝授), takes place over several years.

Acharya within the Shingon sect are involved in a variety of ascetic practices. These include engagements with the Three Mysteries (三密), interactions with various enlightened entities, work with Mandalas, and participation in pujas, which encompass offering ceremonies and Homas.

=== Shugendo === At Mt. Ishizuchi, an integral component of Shugendo practices is their alignment with the changing seasons. Practitioners engage in rituals such as waterfall meditation (滝行) and river ablution meditation, aimed at purifying the six senses throughout the year, against the backdrop of Mt. Ishizuchi. These practices reflect the cyclical nature of life, marked by the renewal of spring, the energy of summer, the transition of autumn, and the introspection brought by winter.

Mountain ascent meditation at Mt. Ishizuchi is varied, including single-day climbs and more extended rituals like the Ishizuchi kaihogyo, which involves consecutive days of practice. The mountain is also associated with a Dai-tengu named Hokkibou, who, unlike the practices at Mt. Omine that involve cliffside austerities, is said to have trained by scaling the mountain's vertical chains, a practice still observed by contemporary ascetics.

Twice a year, in February and May, large Homa ceremonies, known as Dai-Saito Goma (大柴燈護摩供), are conducted. This method, attributed to Shingon Master Rigen Daishi, demands intricate meditations and contemplations from the practitioners, spanning from the initial tree cutting to the final extinguishing of the fire. The ceremony is held in the presence of multiple enlightened beings and kami, necessitating meticulous preparation in terms of offerings, structure, and execution. The Dai-Saito Goma ceremony is a highlight at Gokuraku-ji, occurring biannually. Given the tradition, many esoteric practices at Mt. Ishizuchi, especially specialized Homas, are transmitted orally and are not documented.

The most significant annual event is the mountain opening ceremony, which takes place from July 1st to 10th. This period sees hundreds of ascetics from across Japan gather at Mt. Ishizuchi for daily Homa ceremonies and mountain ascents. During this time, the Hibutsu (hidden Buddha) of Ishizuchi Kongo Zao Gongen is revealed for veneration and offerings.

The head abbot of the temple advocates for simplicity in practice for lay followers, emphasizing the importance of physical expression of devotion, such as joining palms, visiting the mountain, engaging in worship, and focusing on developing Bodhicitta along with the purification of body and mind.