Shinnyo-en refers to the spiritual world from which the guiding messages emanate as the "shinnyo reikai" (). This is not merely the dwelling place of the spirits of the dead, it also encompasses and is equated with the . The spiritual guides' contact with this world is not direct, but aided by the intercession of two and various dharma protectors, who are viewed as being one with forces of the heavens and earth. The Two Dōjis are none other than the first and second sons of Ito Shinjo, posthumously named, respectively, Kyodoin (, died aged one year old) and Shindoin (, died aged fifteen). Guidance from the "Buddha realm" is passed to the spiritual guides and subsequently to the practitioners.