Shingon and Tendai Buddhism have been linked to each other quite often. These two forms of Buddhism are known to have quite a few things in common. Both, Shingon and Tendai are known to have Chinese predecessors. They have doctrines that follow the similar lines. And what's more? The history of these two forms of Buddhism also has quite a lot in common.
Let us take a closer look at both these forms of Buddhism and how they are similar to each other.
Amidst various other similarities between Shingon and Tendai Buddhism, it is the similarity in their doctrines that is most prominent. The doctrines of both these forms of Buddhism were developed in China and then directly imported to Japan. Besides, their doctrines also promote the same teachings. They emphasize on 'attaining enlightenment in this very body'. Further on, both these traditions also emphasize on monastic life.
The history of these traditions too dwells on the same lines. Both, Shingon and Tendai Buddhism garnered popularity during the same period. They came to influence during the Heian period. This is the period when imperial court enjoyed immense power and popularity. While Shingon was brought to Japan by a monk called Kukai, Tendai Buddhism entered the Japanese territory through a Japanese monk known as Saicho. The centre for Tendai Buddhism was built on Mt Hiei. Thus, both Shingon as well as Tendai did not originate where they were eventually followed.
The imperial clan played a prominent role in spreading the popularity of both Shingon as well as Tendai Buddhism. In 1868, the imperial family adhered to Shingon rites, which made it one of the most powerful sects in the country. The same was the case with Tendai too as the imperial clan promoted it with full force, which led to its unprecedented popularity.
Another thing that is common to both these schools of Buddhism is the symbols that they put to use. Both of these schools of Buddhism make use of symbols that have their roots in India. These symbols are used in art, priestly vestments, architecture, and the like. Tendai makes use of artistic motifs and several other symbols that represents numerous divinities. Shingon, on the other hand, makes use of mandala designs. These mandala designs are native to Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, which is related to both Shingon as well as Tendai Buddhism.
With this it would not be untrue to say, that there are quite a number of similarities between Shingon as well as Tendai. However, despite these numerous similarities, these two schools of Buddhism stand to be completely distinct from one another and have unique traits of their own.
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