Practice with us! We welcome sincere applicants wishing to enter the gate of Shugendo.

Persons considering the Shugendo path with us should first understand two things:

FIRST, it is not possible to learn Shugendo from books, videos, or online. Though we offer some virtual learning, the majority of teachings and practices are imparted in-person. It is therefore necessary to travel periodically to attend events with us, such as Mountain Training, in North America, Europe, or Japan. If you aspire to receive tokudo and train more deeply, please understand that this will require intensive daily study and practice, and some periods of intensive retreat. It is possible to accomplish this while maintaining your family and work life, but it will require sacrifice and dedication.

SECOND, in popular culture there are many myths about Shugendo. For example, it is assumed that Shugendo practitioners have close connections to martial arts. But these ideas are almost entirely false, and real Shugendo is not a ninja movie. Shugendo is an ancient, profound, and physically demanding path of spiritual practice. Its goals are not the attainment of magical or martial powers, but rather wisdom and the ability to benefit others.

In short, we are seeking intelligent, dedicated individuals willing to undertake the challenging education - starting with basic Buddhist teachings and ritual methodology - that this path demands.

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Some more information:

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• ISA is a non-profit organization, incorporated in the USA. Funds that we raise go to support our activities in N. America, Europe, and Japan.

• The one-time entrance fee for beginning members is $100.00, which you may submit via PayPal with your application. Once accepted, the suggested monthly donation for members is $25 (but if you are unable to donate that amount, please contact us). 

• Your membership includes a digital copy of the Shugendo Gongyo book, which contains a daily ceremony for reciting important mantras and texts. When you attend the virtual learning for beginners, the manner of reciting gongyo is one of the first things you will learn, enabling you to begin practicing at home.

• Inclusivity Policy: International Shugendo Association welcomes all regardless of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status. Please also see our Harassment Policy.

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To Apply to Join ISA

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1. Fill out the application below and push "send." 

Please be sure to give us your entire mailing address including postal code.

 

2. Submit your $100 entrance fee using the FIRST PayPal button below.

If for some reason we choose to decline your membership, your fee will be refunded. Note that your membership application will not be reviewed until you submit the entrance fee.

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3. We will notify you by email if we have more questions, and when your membership has been accepted.

You may then set up your monthly donation, again via PayPal. We will also send you a digital copy of the Shugendo Gongyo book.

4. Please don't forget to join the ISA email list.

Click here to join.

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What to Do After You Are Accepted

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1. Set up your $25/monthly member donation using the SECOND PayPal button below.​

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2. When you have done that, we will email you the Shugendo Gongyo book.

You will learn how to practice this in the virtual learning lessons.

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3. Attend the virtual learning lessons 1-3 to gain a foundation of practice knowledge.

The next dates for these can also be seen on our Events page. 

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4. As soon as possible, meet us in person!

Attend events in N. America, Europe, or Japan. Your real learning will take place in person! See our Events page for upcoming training opportunities.

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