Shingon, also known as Esoteric Japanese Buddhism, is a form of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in Japan in the 9th century. It is based on the teachings of the Indian Buddhist monk Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi, who brought the teachings of Esoteric Buddhism to Japan after studying in China. Shingon is characterized by its emphasis on ritual and meditation practices, as well as its use of mantras and mudras.

At the core of Shingon is the belief in the Three Mysteries, also known as the Three Secrets. These are the Body, Speech, and Mind of the Buddha, which are believed to represent the ultimate truth and enlightenment. The Body of the Buddha refers to the physical manifestation of the Buddha, while the Speech of the Buddha refers to the teachings and scriptures. The Mind of the Buddha represents the ultimate wisdom and enlightenment that can be attained through the practice of Shingon.

Another important belief in Shingon is the concept of the Three Bodies of the Buddha. These are the Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya. The Dharmakaya is the ultimate formless and limitless body of the Buddha, while the Sambhogakaya is the body of enjoyment that can be perceived by advanced practitioners. The Nirmanakaya is the physical manifestation of the Buddha in the world, such as in the form of historical figures like Shakyamuni Buddha.

Shingon also places a strong emphasis on the belief in the power of mantras and mudras. Mantras are sacred syllables or phrases that are chanted or recited during meditation to help focus the mind and achieve enlightenment. Mudras, on the other hand, are hand gestures that are believed to have spiritual significance and can aid in the practice of meditation.

In addition to these core beliefs, Shingon also places importance on the concept of the Five Elements, which are earth, water, fire, wind, and space. These elements are believed to be the building blocks of the universe and are used in various rituals and meditations to achieve balance and harmony.

Overall, the core beliefs of Shingon revolve around the ultimate goal of attaining enlightenment and understanding the true nature of reality. Through the practice of rituals, meditation, and the use of mantras and mudras, practitioners of Shingon strive to achieve a deep understanding of the Three Mysteries and the Three Bodies of the Buddha.