WHO ARE WE
The Way To Dharani is a spiritual and educational initiative led by three Shingon Buddhist ācāryas, with support from experienced lay practitioners.
Our team brings together three areas of Japanese spiritual practice: Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, Sukuyō astrology, and Shugendō, Japan’s ancient mountain ascetic tradition.
Rooted in established lineages and traditional training, our purpose is to make these teachings and practices more accessible to English-speaking communities with clarity, sincerity, and respect.
Our Approach
We deeply respect orthodox lineage, proper empowerment, and guidance from qualified teachers. At the same time, we follow the Buddhist principle of relying on the Dharma rather than becoming attached to personalities.
We do not wish to become objects of dependence or veneration. Our role is to share faithfully what we have received, while continually directing attention toward the Three Jewels, ethical conduct, and sincere personal practice.
For this reason, our team currently chooses not to show our faces publicly. This allows us to preserve an appropriate degree of personal privacy while keeping the focus on the teachings and practices themselves, rather than on individual personalities, appearances, or reputations.
We nevertheless aim to remain transparent about our roles, training, and the responsibilities each member holds within The Way To Dharani. To provide readers with a more concrete means of verifying the background and qualifications described above, we have also included below a copy of Venerable Capybara’s Shingon Buddhist teacher qualification certificate. For reasons of privacy and personal data protection, certain identifying details have been appropriately redacted.
Why the Animal Names?
Many respected Japanese Buddhist teachers referred to themselves with humility, humor, or unusual names. Zen Master Ikkyū, for example, sometimes called himself the “Blind Donkey,” while Shinran referred to himself as “Foolish Bald-headed Shinran.”
In the same spirit, each member of our team has adopted an affectionate animal name. These names remind us not to take ourselves too seriously and help us remain warm and approachable while keeping the focus on the practice rather than individual personalities.
Our Commitment to Giving
We believe spiritual practice should express itself not only through prayer and ritual, but also through compassionate action in the world.
Each month, The Way To Dharani dedicates 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 an important part of this commitment. Donation receipts and fund-allocation records are published monthly so that our community can understand how these resources are being used.
MEET THE TEAM
Monk Capybara
Chief Ritual Officiant and Shingon Ācārya
Monk Capybara grew up in Canada and later returned to Taiwan, where he continued his study and practice of Shingon Buddhism.
In addition to his Shingon training, he has studied Sukuyō astrology and received training in Shugendō. His practice focuses on ritual, mantra, astrology, and the practical application of Buddhist teachings in everyday life.
Outside of religious practice, he works in the technology industry. He also enjoys strength training, martial arts, and spending time with animals.
His nickname comes from his love of capybaras and dogs, reflecting the warm and approachable spirit we hope to maintain at The Way To Dharani.
His nickname comes from his love of capybaras and dogs. After deciding that dogs were far too energetic and similar to his own personality, he chose the calm and composed capybara as a reminder to cultivate greater stillness.
In his spare time, he enjoys songwriting, strength training, Muay Thai, and kickboxing.
Crow Practitioner
Shugendō Yamabushi and Shingon Ācārya
Crow Practitioner has trained in Shugendō since his youth and is a member of the Ōmine-kō directly affiliated with Sakuramotobō. Within The Way To Dharani, he serves as the group’s Shugendō specialist.
He has also trained within the Naritasan lineage of Shingi Shingon Buddhism, completing the Four Preliminary Practices and Dharma Transmission Consecration, and holds formal teaching qualifications.
His practice centers on mountain asceticism, ritual, meditation, and physical discipline. The name “Crow Practitioner” reflects Shugendō’s association with the crow tengu and serves as a personal reminder to remain vigilant against pride.
By day, he works in the banking industry and continues to devote much of his time outside work to religious practice and physical training.
Seal Astrologer
Seal Sukuyō Astrologer is a Shingon ācārya specializing in Sukuyō astrology at The Way To Dharani.
They completed the Four Preliminary Practices and received Dharma Transmission initiation at Shinbessho Entsū Ritsuji Temple, subsequently receiving formal teaching certification.
Within The Way To Dharani, they are especially known for their specialization in Sukuyō astrology.
Their current personal goal is to complete Japan’s Shikoku Pilgrimage before turning thirty.
LINEAGE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Our practitioners’ qualifications were obtained through formal training within their respective traditions. Where privacy and institutional policies permit, supporting information concerning lineage, training, and qualifications may be provided upon request.
We perform only those rituals and teachings that fall within the scope of our training and authorization.