Constructing a Modern Esoteric Buddhist Breath Therapy

This chapter examines the meditative therapies developed by Japanese Shingon priests Ōshita Daien and Takayama Seiei, which blend esoteric Buddhist breathing techniques and visualizations with contemporary psychology, chaplaincy, and world meditations. After introducing the Shingon tradition and defining esoteric Buddhism, the chapter traces each priest's personal path and how their therapies emerged. It then reflects on the complex webs of influence and impact of these practices within the larger themes of entangled influences and modern adaptation in spiritual care.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Combining esoteric Buddhist breathing techniques and visualisations, contemporary psychology and chaplaincy, and various world meditations, the meditative therapies used with clients of Japan's Ōshita Daien 大下大園 (1954–) and Takayama Seiei 高山誓英 (1948–) are case studies in entangled influences and modern adaptation. Ōshita Daien is a profoundly influential figure in the field of ‘spiritual care’ in Japan. Takayama was his student and further developed these methods for his own contexts. After briefly introducing their Shingon 真言 tradition and contextualising the term esoteric Buddhism, the chapter delves into the stories of these two priests with a focus on their individual paths and how their therapies came about. Finally, the chapter will reflect on their complex webs of influence and impact in terms of this volume's larger themes.