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Japanese Tendai most fully incorporated the Mikkyo doctrines upon the return from China of Ennin (794~864), Dengyo Daishi's disciple.  Prior to this, the Tendai Esoteric Teachings had yet to match those of the Shingon Denomination, which were imported in their entirety by Kobo Daishi.  Ennin's valiant studies atop Mount Godai, annotated in his epic work, the Nittoguho Junrei Kouji, describe his numerous initiations into the fundamental Mikkyo doctrines.  Ennin would later concentrate his efforts upon the promulgation of the Soshitsuji-Ho, a dramatic work highly prized in the Tendai School to this day.

Tendai Mikkyo would differentiate itself from Shingon doctrines in subtle means, later being referred to as Taimitsu (in contrast to the Shingon Tomitsu).  What differentiates the two?

From a general perspective:

The most striking difference, or evolution of Mikkyo conceptual thought within Taimitsu is found in the notion that the Esoteric Teachings are equal to the Highest Lotus Teachings, what is known in Japanese as KENMITSU ICCHI (Alignment of All Teachings).

Beyond mere academia, Taimitsu is a presentation of the Highest Unified Wisdom of Mahavairocana like none other.  Seeing all facets of the Dharma, from the Lotus Sutra to the Renowned Diamond Sutra, as intrinsically and equally pervasive in our quest for highest awareness, Taimitsu is an original, highly functional Path to Realization.

As ordained priests, we strive to idealize this realization through ritual practice consisting of the Four Primary Practices known in Japanese as the Shido Kegyo.

Upon Tendai Ordination (Tokudo), a trainee priest studies the Principle Mikkyo rituals (Shido Kegyo), consisting of:

The Juhachi-Do Ritual
The Taizosho Mandala Ritual
The Kongokai Mandala Ritual
The Goma Ritual

An accompanying commentary follows each ritual, allowing the practitioner to peer deeper within the symbolism of each ritual.  These commentary teachings annotate the essence of the ritual itself and are instrumental in bringing about greater realization aligned with truthful esoteric practice.

As lay practitioners, we embark upon meditative disciplines meant to spark realization of Mahavairocana's unity with us, our Intrinsic Awareness as presented through highly introspective investigation.

Mikkyo instruction, in general, takes place between Teacher (Sensei) & Disciple (Deshi).  To undertake a commitment to a specific Teacher is to form a Karmic Link with that aspect of the Lineage known as Tendai.  As Deshi, we are striving to authenticate the oral teachings as passed down over the ages in a protected fashion.

Mikkyo is not "secret" per se, in that it "can't be shared," "can't be discussed," or "can't be let out."  Rather, it is "secret" in that it can not wholly be enacted through words and concepts, yet only through active ritual practice.  Through such KUYO, or "service unto (and with) the Buddha" (Sanskrit: puja), we are empowering our intrinsic ONENESS with the Buddha and actualizing our inherent capacity to BE Buddha in our Meditation (thoughts), Declarations (words) & Activations (deeds).

To perform these rituals requires an understanding of the Japanese term, SANMITSU, or "The Three Secret (Practices)."  While the majority of these teachings is of an esoteric nature and may not be freely expressed without initiation and empowerments, that is not to say that lay Tendai believers can not integrate aspects of the Secret Trinity within their own lives and practices.