The Shingon Ajikan: Diagrammatic Analysis of Ritual Syntax

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In this Subject: Religion
By this author: Payne R.K.

Author: Payne R.K.

Source: Religion, Volume 29, Number 3, July 1999 , pp. 215-229(15)

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Abstract:

Ajikan is a ritualised meditation in which the practitioner visualizes the syllable A. Popular in the Japanese esoteric Buddhist tradition of Shingon since mediaeval times, this practice is rooted in classic Indian religious culture. The symbolism of the syllable (originary, universal and eternal) is based on its uses in Sanskrit. This essay examines the ritual syntax of the Ajikan practice, comparing two ritual manuals, one premodern, the other modern. This analysis seeks not only to understand the structure of this particular ritual but to develop a diagrammatic technique that will allow meaningful comparisons of rituals from differing religious traditions. Copyright 1999 Academic Press

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 1999-07-01