Translation guide
A form of Buddhism emphasizing secret teachings, rituals, and direct transmission from teacher to disciple. In Japanese contexts, this primarily refers to the Shingon and Tendai schools.
Referring to the broader category of esoteric Buddhist traditions, especially in Japanese contexts.
The standard term for esoteric Buddhism as a category, contrasting with exoteric Buddhism (顕教, けんぎょう). Used in academic and general contexts.
密教はインドで発展し、中国を経て日本に伝わった。
Esoteric Buddhism developed in India and was transmitted to Japan via China.
Literally 'esoteric sect', often used in Chinese Buddhist contexts but also understood in Japanese. Less common than 密教.
密宗の儀式は複雑で秘密に満ちている。
The rituals of the esoteric sect are complex and filled with secrecy.
Referring specifically to the Shingon school, the primary Japanese tradition of esoteric Buddhism founded by Kūkai.
The Shingon school, one of the major Japanese Buddhist schools, known for its esoteric teachings, mandalas, and rituals. Often what is meant by 'esoteric Buddhism' in Japan.
真言宗の開祖は空海です。
The founder of Shingon Buddhism is Kūkai.
Specifically 'Shingon esoteric Buddhism', emphasizing the esoteric aspect of the Shingon school. Used to distinguish from Tendai esotericism.
真言密教では、曼荼羅を用いた瞑想が重要です。
In Shingon esoteric Buddhism, meditation using mandalas is important.
Referring to the esoteric teachings within the Tendai school, which also incorporates esoteric practices.
Abbreviation for Tendai esotericism (天台密教). Refers to the esoteric Buddhist tradition within the Tendai school, distinct from Shingon esotericism (東密, とうみつ).
台密は最澄によって日本に伝えられました。
Tendai esotericism was transmitted to Japan by Saichō.
The full term for Tendai esoteric Buddhism. Used in formal or academic contexts.
天台密教は、法華経と密教の融合を目指しています。
Tendai esoteric Buddhism aims to integrate the Lotus Sutra and esoteric teachings.
Referring to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, often called Vajrayana, which is a form of esoteric Buddhism.
Also used for Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism, though context is needed to distinguish from Japanese esotericism. Often specified as チベット密教.
チベット密教は、ダライ・ラマを中心とする生きた伝統です。
Tibetan esoteric Buddhism is a living tradition centered on the Dalai Lama.
The Japanese translation of Vajrayana (Diamond Vehicle). More technical and less common in everyday speech.
金剛乗は、大乗仏教の一派として発展しました。
Vajrayana developed as a branch of Mahayana Buddhism.
密教 (esoteric Buddhism) is often contrasted with 顕教 (exoteric Buddhism). 顕教 refers to teachings openly expounded by the historical Buddha, while 密教 refers to secret teachings transmitted directly from the cosmic Buddha (Dainichi Nyorai).
In Japanese, 密教 without qualification usually refers to Japanese esoteric Buddhism (Shingon and Tendai). To specify Tibetan Buddhism, say チベット密教.