Meiso = Meditation

Kiko always begins and ends with Meiso. We translate Meiso as Meditation.
We use seiza or correct sitting in kiko for meditation.
Seiza is sitting in a kneeling position with our knees bent and our heels tucked under our buttocks.
Our nose must be vertical, and our eyes horizontal.
Our breathing is natural, full, and complete.
Our whole-self sits quiet and still.

Ningenkeisei = To Become Human

Ningenkeisei = To Become Human
Ningenkeisei means to become a human being. Does this imply that we may not already be human? More likely that we do not completely realize or true humanness, or what it is to be truly human, and therefore appear to be more just animal than complete humans.

In kiko the process of Ningenkeisei is called Sho(u)Do(u). In kiko we translate Shodo as the upright path. Of course we begin with the buddhist HaShoDo or the 8 Upright Paths.
1. Sho(u)Ken = Upright View
2. Sho(u)ShiYui = Upright Thought/Thinking/Reflection/Resolve
3. Sho(u)Go = Upright Speech/Sound
4. Sho(u)Go(u) = Upright Action/Activity
5. Sho(u)Myo = Upright Livelihood/Way of living
6. Sho(u)ShoJin = Upright Effort/Striving/Exertion/Diligence
7. Sho(u)Nen = Upright Understanding
8. Sho(u)Jyo = Upright Contemplation

When we call this, 'Sho(u) Shin no Do(u)': The Upright and True Way, we add more practices.
Sho(u)Gaku, for instance, is Upright Study.
Sho(u)Setsu is Upright Exposition.
Sho(u)Kan is Upright Meditation.
Sho(u)Chi is Upright Wisdom/Knowing Reality.

When we call this Ho(u)Do(u), the Way of the Law/Teaching/ the methods increase to 10,000 (or infinity if you like).
Chu(u) Do(u) for instance is the all important middle path from which we often begin and then stretch this path from the middle to include everything; just as we find the middle of ourselves (Tanden) that connects us to our birth, the cosmos and everything else; then as we stretch ourselves from this center to find the depths and heights of our practice to include all that is.

When we naturally follow all 10,000 paths with one step, we call this NinGenKanSei.

Nagaiki = Longevity

Nagaiki = Longevity:
The exoteric portion of kiko often is done for Nagaiki, or longevity; to increase the length of our lives. Of course, our practice must both increase the length and the quality of our lives to be worthwhile. In the Buddhist aspect this is done only so that we can either realize our true selves and/or to help others do the same.

In Kiko we teach 5 life style practices for Nagaiki.
1. Mokuteki = Purpose
To have a purpose in our lives; to live for others, not just ourselves; to have a reason to live).
2. Tekido = Moderation
(to live moderately, modestly, and appropriately).
3. Hohoemi & Warai = Smile & Laugh
(take time to have a good time, and not take ourselves too seriously).
4. Osore wo Kaiho suru = Release Fear
(To have courage in all circumstances, in kiko we have no room for fear).
5. Ochitsuita & Odayakana = Be Calm & Serene
(To remain Calm in all situations, helps us see clearly and live clearly).

Have a Purpose;
Live Moderately;
Smile & Laugh;
Release Fear;
Be Calm & Serene;

We teach that these 5 things will lead to a long and healthy life.

Inzo - positions / postures / seals

Kiko deals with GoDai the 5 Elements of Shingon: Chi = Earth; Mizu = Water; Hi = Fire; Kaze = Wind; and Ku = Emptiness. We use the GoDai when we create Inzo. Inzo are postures and movements that seal the spells and invest our intent with energy. When we create the Inzo (seals/postions) with our hands, each digit represents one of the elements. In the esoteric teaching: The thumb is Ku; The index/pointing finger is wind; The middle finger is Fire; The ring finger is Water; and the little finger is earth. In the exoteric tradition they are reversed, how confusing is that? When we continue the Inzo with our bodies... Ku is the centered in crown of the head; from the third eye up to infinity and throughout the cosmos. Kaze includes the nose mouth and throat. Hi is from the bottom of the neck to the solar plexus and centered in the Heart. Mizu is the stomach including the solar plexus and the tanden Chi is the whole lower half of the body also including the tanden and tail/root/sacred bone. Each of these Inzo can be combined to represent different energies. Each energy has it's own sets of sounds and meanings that correspond with eachother and interact. In our tradition there are currently 1664 + 2 = 1666 different combinations being used; But it is said there are 18,400 of them. Or sometimes we just say 10,000 which can mean infinite; since ultimately everything we think, say, and do is Kiko.