The origins of Shorinji Kempo’s teachings (which are of course those of our founder, Doshin So) can be found within the correct teachings of Buddha, and in adapting the Bodhi Dharma to the modern era.
Kongo Zen focuses not on obtaining benefit in paradise or this life, but through the training in Shorinji Kempo, on learning sufficient “jiko kakuritsu” (self-establishment) and on realizing how helping others is a new road which leads to mind-body unity (“Shin Shin Ichinyo”) and the sharing of joy (“Shin Shin Ichinyo”).
The name Kongo Zen was chosen by Doshin So based on the name of a protective Buddhist god and is symbolic of the limitless capacity and potential of the peaceful heavens.