...there are no temples or teachers near me. Once upon a time I was a Buddhist, then a Buddhist-Hindu syncretist. Now I identify as neither, but wish to research and look into various practices.
I believe Shingon successfully mixes Buddhism with elements of Hinduism (primarily some of the deities), while at the same time developing it's own philosophy and practice. All the while retaining many Japanese rites and customs. The problem is, Shingon is considered "Vajrayana" and, unlike the other school in Vajrayana (Tibetan Buddhism), it is not as widespread or as well known in the west.
I live in the U.S., where the only known temples are on the west coast and up in Vermont. I really want to practice this school of Buddhism and have a couple of questions.
1.) Can one successfully have a teacher when they don't have one near them? If I got a teacher, they would probably be a few states away. Can one have a physically distant teacher and still get the benefits of having one?
2.) Do you believe one needs a temple to fully practice their school? Can one successfully practice their school when they are the only one in their area? There are a couple of Buddhist temples in my area, but neither of them are Shingon. There is also a Hindu temple which I still continue to attend.
I believe Shingon successfully mixes Buddhism with elements of Hinduism (primarily some of the deities), while at the same time developing it's own philosophy and practice. All the while retaining many Japanese rites and customs. The problem is, Shingon is considered "Vajrayana" and, unlike the other school in Vajrayana (Tibetan Buddhism), it is not as widespread or as well known in the west.
I live in the U.S., where the only known temples are on the west coast and up in Vermont. I really want to practice this school of Buddhism and have a couple of questions.
1.) Can one successfully have a teacher when they don't have one near them? If I got a teacher, they would probably be a few states away. Can one have a physically distant teacher and still get the benefits of having one?
2.) Do you believe one needs a temple to fully practice their school? Can one successfully practice their school when they are the only one in their area? There are a couple of Buddhist temples in my area, but neither of them are Shingon. There is also a Hindu temple which I still continue to attend.
