Observations placeholder
Myōe – Receives a vision of Light
Identifier
021376
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
From Shingon Refractions – Professor Mark Unno
Myōe recorded his first major vision in which the Mantra of Light appeared in 1220:
In the summer of 1220, I was practicing the samadhi of the Buddha's Radiance. On the twenty-ninth day of the seventh month of the same year, I received auspicious signs in the midst of meditation. That is, a sphere of white light appeared before me. Its shape was like that of a white jewel of approximately one foot in diameter. To the left there was a white light that grew from one foot [in length] to two feet and then three. To the right there was a light like a mass of fire. There was a voice that said, "This is the Mantra of Light."
When I emerged from my contemplation and thought about it, its profound meaning became apparent. The light, like a mass of flames, was the light to illuminate the evil paths (of reincarnation).