Esoteric Buddhism: a form of Buddhism in which the most profound teachings were not expounded openly, but were transmitted in secret from master to disciple. Esoteric Buddhism contained strong components of magic and ritual, and made frequent use of art to transmit religious ideas. Because of this, it became quite popular in Japan, attracting both aristocrats and common people. Heian Buddhism was dominated by the esoteric Shingon school and by the esoteric component of the Tendai school. By the end of the Heian period, esoteric teachings had been adopted by monks and temples of the Nara schools as well.