What is Shingon esoteric Buddhism?

Esoteric refers to wisdom that cannot be understood through words alone. Words, by their very nature, have limits. Esoteric Buddhism was one of the later branches to develop, and includes many of the teachings that came before it.

Esoteric Buddhism was first developed in India, and then spread throughout the Buddhist world from the 7th century onwards. It is sometimes called Vajrayana or Tantric Buddhism. Most modern schools of Buddhism contain elements of esotericism in their rituals or practice. In some traditions, like Shingon in Japan or the Buddhism of the Tibet tradition, esotericism plays a major role. The Shingon experience includes the intuitive feeling of oneness and harmony with everything. And since everything has the Buddha inside of it, this therefore means oneness and harmony with the Buddha. This feeling goes beyond feelings and emotions and intellectual understanding. While religious study of doctrine and texts are important, esoteric Buddhism emphasizes direct experience and practice. Another aspect of this form of Buddhism is the transmission of the rituals and doctrine from master to disciple, ensuring that the disciple is ready to receive them properly.