[Buddha-l] Chen Yen survival or revival?

[Kate]

Hi Jeff,

There are two popular misconceptions regarding Chen Yen, the first being that CY lasted only a couple of hundred years before it died out.  The Chen Yen of today traces a direct lineage from about 759CE and preserves the original teaching.  The temples I mentioned are CY temples and aren't part of any recently created Buddhist Movements.  When I said they went underground I was referring to the Communist era in particular but also in general to the fact that being an esoteric group, they were highly secretive anyway and didn't draw much attention. 
  The second misconception is that Chinese CY is the same as Japanese Shingon.  The original Chen Yen was never taken to mainland Japan.  The Japanese school of Shingon, founded by Kukai "is dedicated to support the principles that Kukai conceived" (Shingon Buddhism by M. Kiyota).  Kukai's principles were influenced by CY but they weren't the same.  I had been told that Japanese S uses different sutras to CY but before Stephen's answer, I didn't know what those sutras were. 

  The Japanese Tendai forms of Shingon has some elements in common with CY.  However it is the Yamabushi teachings that are closest to CY. 

  CY with its original teaching was introduced directly to Okinawa, not via Japan.  The Order in Okinawa is quite separate from the Japanese Koyasan sect of Shingon and considers the temple in China as its 'Mother Church'.  It does have some connections to various Japanese Acaryas but does not fall into either the Taimitsu or Tomitsu classification. 

  It is the Okinawan Order that has promoted the establishment of many overseas branches.  Most of these have been granted autonomy and have set up their various headquarters in America, Britain and Europe.  Most of these are still highly secretive, however one or two are becoming less so. 

  Most of the websites are accessible by invitation only.  The only one that I know of that is available to the public is at http://website.lineone.net/~kongoryuji/index.html 

  There is an article at http://www.geocities.com/gorinto/chenyen_med.html regarding CY meditation.  However if you are unfamiliar with its type of "ritual", the article may not make much sense. If after reading these you are still interested and want to learn more I can seek permission for you to contact the American head temple.

  Regards

  Kate

   

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