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Shugendō (修験道) is an old Japanese way of studying the relationship between Man and Nature. "Shugendo" literally means "the path of training and testing." It centers on an ascetic, mountain-dwelling lifestyle and incorporates teachings from other eastern philosophies. The focus or goal of Shugendo is the development of spiritual experience and power.
En-no-Gyōja is often considered the founder of shugendo.
History
Shugendō evolved as a sort of amalgamation between state-sponsored Buddhism and several other religious influences in Japan around the 7th century, including but not limited to Taoism and Shintō. In modern times, shugendo is practiced by the Yoshino Yamabushi of Dewa Sanzan (Tendai sect), Kinpusenji and Ishiyama-dera Shingon sects, but it retains an influence on modern Japanese religion and culture.
Followers
Those who practice Shugendō are referred in two ways. One term, shugenja (修験者), is derived from the term "Shugendo" much as "Buddhist" describes a follower of Buddha or Christian a follower of Christ, though the term centers on an idea as opposed to a person.
The other term, yamabushi means "to lie in the mountains". Yamabushi often appeared in Japanese myths and folklore, as is evident in the demon Saito Musashibo Benkei and the deity Sojobo, king of the tengu (mountain spirits).
Further reading
- "Sutra on the Unlimited Life of the Threefold Body" (translated into English)
External links
"Shugendo"