Many antropologists recognise Shugendo's roots (sangaku shinko, worship of sacred mountains) as the most ancient popular spiritual and religious belief and practice system of Japan dating back to over 1300 years ago.

 

Though being rooted in Vajrayana buddhism, members of the priesthood and laymen alike follow one same path of Realisation.

 

 

To walk on the Path in the mountains as walking within natural mandalas is the way of shugen.The practices and meditation exercises aim at harmony or furthermore fusion of the elements such as earth, water, fire, air or ether... At a time when man is losing his social, economical, political and even religious whereabouts it is urgent to turn once again towards a true ecology, towards a natural and nature based spirituality; to relive the experience of the elders by placing oneself in the core or centre of the Universe to find and achieve in doing so,a good balance in life and happiness...

 

For sure its understanding demands efforts of comprehension of a culture radically different to that of the analytical, cartesian and individualist West.

 

This website will never replace direct teaching and transmission,but will however give you an overview, as it is the fruit/result of 30 years of intense practice of this mountain buddhism.

 

Shugen is the knowledge in sight of an inner-transformation, making it possible to "go back to times when rocks, trees and plants spoke of things"...

 

May its discovery be the opportunity for an enriching inner-journey as it is above all a sharing.