(Jpn. mikkyo)

A system of training that focuses on the acquisition of “unrevealed” wisdom that cannot be understood simply through study. The term “esoteric” is used because training also involves rituals and practices that are only accessible through initiation given by a master who judges when a disciple is ready to receive them. The term also refers to the belief that people are already fully enlightened at the intrinsic level of their buddha nature, but because of their inability to access that innate wisdom, their spiritual knowledge remains hidden to them.

Excerpted from publication Starting Out. An introduction to Shinnyo practice, pp. 105.