exoteric teachings ［顕教］ ( kenkyō): Those teachings that were revealed openly or explicitly for all listeners, in contrast with the esoteric teachings, which were taught secretly, implicitly, or exclusively to certain individuals. The True Word ( Shingon) school divides Buddhism into exoteric and esoteric teachings. It defines all the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha as exoteric teachings expounded in accord with the people’s capacity, and the teachings of Mahāvairochana Buddha as esoteric teachings. See also Esoteric Buddhism.