This book is "An important contribution to understanding Japanese Buddhism." Shingon Buddhism arose in the eighth century and remains one of Japan''s most important sects, at present numbering some 12 million adherents. As such it is long overdue appropriate coverage. Here, the well-respected Mark Unno illuminates the tantric practice of the Mantra of Light , the most central of Shingon practices, complete with translations and an in-depth exploration of the scholar-monk Myoe Koben, the Mantra of Light's foremost proponent. The Mantra of Light is a central practice of the Shingon sect, the tantric or esoteric school of Japenese Buddhism. Few books in English address this subject, and Unno's work offers key new translations and in-depth exploration of Myoe Koben. The well-respected Unno illuminates a key tantric practice of Japanese Buddhism.