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Koryu Shugen Honshu and its associated organization International Shugendo Association (ISA) invite you to this remarkable event: the first visit of Kakudo Mitsunaga Ajari to the USA. This is a precious opportunity to receive empowerments and teachings from both him and his student Shodo Koshikidake Soke, Headmaster of the Mt. Koshikidake tradition of Shugendo.

Remarkably, the event will include kechien kanjo - an esoteric empowerment rarely conducted outside of Japan, during which participants establish connection with specific enlightened beings. Mitsunaga Ajari will conduct this ritual in the formal Tendai manner; it is an unparalleled opportunity to receive this initiation in N. America.

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The event location is Korinji, a Buddhist monastery on 17 forested acres 50 miles northwest of Madison, Wisconsin (about 7 miles north of the town of Reedsburg). Registration is limited.

KAKUDO MITSUNAGA DAI-AJARI is a Tendai Buddhist master and among the most eminent Japanese Buddhist figures today. He is famous as one of the "marathon monks" of Mt. Hiei, having completed the sennichi kaihogyo training - perhaps the most physically grueling spiritual practice in the world. Over a course of seven years he walked between 30 and 84 km on foot each day in the mountains - up to 200 days a year - as part of this practice. (A documentary featuring Mitsunaga Ajari may be seen here).

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SHODO KOSHIKIDAKE SOKE is the Headmaster of Mt. Koshikidake Shugendo, and chief priest of Kannon-ji temple where that tradition has historically been centered. Aside from being the heir of his family's Shugendo tradition, he trained as a Tendai priest and in the Shugendo of Mt. Haguro's Kotaku-ji Shozen-in. He has devoted himself to restoring and preserving Shugendo teachings, and spreading them worldwide. To this end, in 2005 he founded Koryu Shugen Honshu - a recognized religious organization in Japan.