The Tale of the Heike is framed as a Buddhist tale, and it makes frequent reference to Buddhist ideas and practices. Among these are the esoteric (mikkyō) and exoteric (kengyō) schools of Buddhism. For example, in Book Two, episode 12, "The Battle with the Rank-and-File Monks," His Cloistered Eminence Go-Shirakawa visits Tennōji for his initiation as a Consecrated Teacher, the highest initiation in esoteric Buddhism. The chapter also mentions that he was taught the essence of three major esoteric sutras, resulting in his formal initiation. Esoteric and exoteric schools embrace different forms of teaching and passing on Buddhist principles, and together form the concept of Kenmitsu Buddhism. Esoteric Buddhism encompasses teachings that are passed down from master to student, and Go-Shirakawa’s master was Kōken, a great prelate of Miidera. Esoteric practices that he may have learned included rituals, chants, meditations, prayers, invocations, and physical austerities. The content of these practices varied from one school or institution to another. In addition, these practices were passed down in secret transmissions and initiation rituals, such as the ritual Go-Shirakawa participated in. These practices were used to engage the complex spirit world in Buddhism and functioned to realize the Buddhahood into this world. Esoteric teachings (mitsu) were more heavily focused on over exoteric ones. Exoteric teachings (ken) generally changed drastically between schools of thought, especially in medieval Japan. These teachings focused on rationally explaining esoteric concepts, and different interpretations were inevitable. However, it was generally agreed upon that esoteric practices formed the core of Buddhist teachings, and were more important to pass on. This relationship between esoteric and exoteric Buddhism hence form the idea of Kenmitsu Buddhism being dominant in medieval Japan, especially during the Heian period (794-1185). The Tale of the Heike took place during the late Heian period and early Kamakura period (1185-1333), when the concepts of Kenmitsu Buddhism were prevalent. In summary, esoteric teachings in Buddhism were important concepts and traditions that teachers passed on from master to student, and Cloistered Emperor Go-Shirakawa was proficient in them.
Information Taken From:
"Exoteric-Esoteric (Kenmitsu) Buddhism in Japan." Encyclopedia of Buddhism. . Encyclopedia.com. 21
Apr. 2018 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.