The Way To Dharani
Dharani means “to uphold and retain”: to encompass the teachings, remember them without loss, preserve wholesome intentions, and prevent unwholesome thoughts from arising. As Buddhism developed, dharanis gradually came to be understood as sacred formulas or chants. They became an important practice in early esoteric Buddhism, used for protection, prayer, and spiritual cultivation. Across India, China, Japan, and Tibet, dharanis have inspired countless traditions and stories and have profoundly influenced the later development of Shingon Buddhism.
Compared with more advanced esoteric practices, dharani practice is accessible and well suited to everyday life. Following the thousand-year-old framework of the Shingon tradition, we hope to introduce this practice to the Western world so that more people may experience spiritual peace, protection, and guidance within an authentic lineage.
Our organization is led by three Ācāryas: one from the Koyasan Shingon tradition, one specializing in astrology, and one affiliated with Naritasan. Each of us maintains a secular profession and does not depend on offerings for personal support. Each month, after necessary operating costs are covered, at least 20% of the remaining revenue is dedicated to educational initiatives for disadvantaged children and stray animal rescue programs. To ensure transparency, donation receipts and fund-allocation records are published monthly.
OUR GOAL
Disadvantaged Education & Stray Animals
We believe a kinder future begins with education and compassion. Access to learning can give children from underserved communities a stronger foundation for life, while responsible rescue can offer stray and abandoned animals safety, care, and a second chance.
Each month, The Way To Dharani pledges at least 20% of the revenue remaining after necessary operating costs—including ritual offerings, ceremonial materials, and support staff expenses—to educational initiatives for disadvantaged children and stray animal rescue programs.
Transparency is essential to this commitment. Donation receipts, fund-allocation records, and reports showing how the funds are used will be published monthly on our official website, allowing our community to follow the impact of every contribution.
Life Protection Project
Buddhism teaches that protecting life requires both compassion and wisdom. Careless animal release can unintentionally harm both animals and native ecosystems, which goes against the true spirit of liberation.
Inspired by the Golden Light Sutra and Great Master Zhiyi’s protected habitats at Mount Tiantai, The Way To Dharani offers the All Deities Communal Offering Ceremony.
Daily offerings are made to Dharma protectors, and a dedicated mandala is prepared for each ceremony. Participants will receive the mandala image together with relevant practice guidance after the ceremony.
Funds raised through this project will support the purchase of suitable remote land where rescued animals can live safely and freely, with careful consideration for local communities, native ecosystems, and animal welfare.
Free Online Courses:
We are currently developing a series of free online courses on Eastern spiritual traditions. Topics will include Indian Buddhism, Japanese Esoteric Buddhism, various schools of Buddhist thought, and Japanese spiritual culture.
Over time, we will also introduce teachings and meditation practices centered on dharanis and other esoteric methods, designed to be accessible to people of all backgrounds and levels of experience.
Anyone interested is warmly invited to make use of these resources for study, practice, and personal exploration.
Our first video is scheduled for release in January 2027. Thank you for your patience—we look forward to meeting and practicing with you in the future.