Kuji-in
Encyclopedia
Ku-ji simply means “nine syllables”, and refers to a variety of mantra
s that consist of nine syllables. The syllables used in kuji are numerous, especially within the realm of mikkyo
(Japanese esoteric Buddhism). The kuji most often referred to is of Taoist origin, not Buddhist. There is no record of the kuji in any of the Shingon or Tendai records that were brought back from China
The use of kuji is largely a layman’s practice, and not seen in the orthodox Buddhist traditions. It is found extensively in Shugendō
, the ascetic mountain tradition of Japan, and ryubu Shinto
which is the result of blending Buddhist, and Shinto beliefs.
The kuji are first introduced in the Taoist text Baopuzi
(抱朴子) a poem written by Ge Hong
c.280-340 ADE). In it he introduces the kuji in chapter 17 titled DengShe/登涉 (Climbing [mountains] and crossing rivers) as a prayer to the six Jia (generals of yang), ancient Taoist gods. in Daoist Magic, the 6 Jia Spirit Generals are powerful celestial guardians and part of Zhenwu’s (The God of the North) Celestial Thunder Court. The Six Jia Spirits included six powerful generals each of whom has command over a massive army of spirit soldiers.
The kuji come from line 5 which reads,
Line 5:
抱朴子曰：“入名山，以甲子開除日，以五色繒各五寸，懸大石上，所求必得。又曰，入山宜知六甲秘祝。祝曰，臨兵斗者，皆陣列前行。凡九字，常當密祝之，無所不辟。要道不煩，此之謂也。”
Translation: (To enter a famous mountain, choose an opening day, which can be determined by its cyclical binary. Hang silk of the five colors, each piece five inches wide, from a large rock, so that you may be sure to succeed in your goal. Further, while entering the mountains you must know the Six-Chia secret prayer. It goes like: "May the presiders over warriors be my vanguard!" This nine word prayer must constantly recited in secret. It means, "May all evils flee me and the essential procedure present no trouble.") (James Write, 1966)
The Chinese ku-ji actually forms a grammatically functional sentence when translated. The kuji come from this section of the chapter and are written as 臨兵斗者，皆陣列前行 which can be roughly translated as "(Celestial) soldiers/fighters descend and arrange yourselves in front of me", or “May all those who preside over warriors be my vanguard!” Other translations are possible as well especially in Japanese esoteric Buddhism. According to the Baopuzi, the kuji is a prayer to avert difficulties and baleful influences and to ensure things proceed without difficulty. To this end it can be said that the primary purpose of ku-ji is shōkanjō (consecration
, abhiseka) and chōbuku (exorcism
). [Waterhouse 1996]
The Taoist ku-ji are next cited in a text called the Wuliangshou jing youpotishe yuansheng ji zhu (The commentary on the discourse about the Sutra on Immeasurable Life, and on the verses about the vow to be reborn [in the Pure Land]), or just Wangsheng lunzhu for short, by Taluan (467?-542ADE?). [Waterhouse 1996]
How the kuji arrived in Japan is still a matter that is debated. Current scholars seem to agree that the kuji arrived in Japan via China through Jodoshu (True Land Faith), and Shugendō
around perhaps the 8th century, if not much latter. As to what the kuji consisted of at this time is unknown. The mudra
s are found in Taoist material as well as Shugendō. Some have suggested it was Shugendō who added the mudras that are known today to be associated with the kuji. This would make sense as the vast majority of information that is known about the kuji comes from Shugendō literature.
The earliest known Japanese kuji comes from the Shingon monk Kakuban
(1095-1143ADE) who was an academic of Taluan’s writings and teachings. Kakuban introduces several kuji formulas dedicated to Amida
Nyôrai, in his text Gorin kuji myō himitsu shaku or Gorin kuji hishaku for short. The kuji formulas Kakuban introduces are commonly grouped under the title zokushu, and are completely unrelated to original Taoist kuji. Kakuban was followed by the monk Shinran (1173-1263ADE), founder of Jodo shinshu sect, who introduced several kuji formulas, also dedicated to Amida Nyôrai, Kakuban and Shinran
were followed by the monk Nichiei of the Nichiren
sect, in 1730ADE who introduced a kuji prayer from chapter 26 of the Lotus Sutra
where it is uttered by the King of the North, Tammon-Ten/Bishamon-Ten (Vaisravana
– Skt.). None of these Japanese kuji formulas/prayers are related to Taoist kuji in any way. It is important to note that the founder of Shingon, Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), nor the founder of Tendai
, Saicho
, never mentions the kuji is any of their writings. And it therefore can be safely assumed they either did not know of them, or if they did, they were considered only a minor teaching at best. [Waterhouse 1996]
The nine syllables of ku-ji have numerous correlations and associations with Japanese esoteric Buddhism. They are associated with the gorin
(five chakras), the godai (five elements
), certain directions of the compass, certain colors, and numerous Tantric and esoteric deities
There are numerous variations of the nine original Taoist kuji in Japanese Buddhism. Most of these variations occurred well after the introduction of the kuji into Japan. Some, however, are other Taoist formulas taken from Taoist writings and Buddhist sutras. The kuji that is most often seen in the context of budo, or martial arts, and also in general, consists of the nine original Taoist syllables: Lin Bing Dong ZheJie, Zhen Lie Qian Xing which was translated into Japanese as Rin Pyo To Sha Kai Chin Retsu Zai Zen ([Celestial] soldiers/fighters descend and arrange yourselves in front of me). The fact that the Taoist kuji are not seen in Japanese documents and writings until at least the 1500s, and then not extensively until around the Edo jidai (1603-1868ADE) and Meji jidai (1868 -1912ADE) indicates that they were either not extensively practiced, or taught as kuden (oral transmission). However, the fact that so many koryu list the kuji in their makimono indicates it must have been considered an essential teaching (goku-i). And the fact the ku-ji are listed in numerous kobudō makimono from the 1500s onward, is proof that the ku-ji were practiced by the bushi.
Why the number nine is used has also been of concern to some. The number nine is seen in Taoist divination as the perfect number for yang/yo, the “bright side” when determining the individual hexagram lines according to the I-ching (Book of Changes). Some have suggested that the number nine refers to the nine planets, that the Taoist believe directly influence human destiny, or to the seven stars of the Big Dipper (Northern Seven Stars) plus the two attendant/guardian stars which Taoist believe is the gateway to heaven, and which each star is a Taoist deity. (Waterhouse, 1996)
The Kuji-in (九字印), "Nine Hand Seals," refers to the mudra (hand seals/gestures) associated with the nine syllables themselves. Whereas, kuji-ho refers to the entire ritual of kuji and encompasses the mudra, mantra and meditation. Kuji-kan (nine syllable visualization), is a specialized form of Buddhist meditation. Most of the original ku-ji no in (mudras) ritual evokes and invokes the Hindu deity Indra
(Taishaku-ten –Jpn.; Zeus
– Greek, Jupiter
– Roman), King of the heavens, who holds vajras (thunderbolts) in his hands. Technically the word "Kuji no in" refers only to the hand postures (mudra
), whereas “kuji no shingon” refers to the related incantations (mantra
). It is important to note that there are literally hundreds of mudras in Shingon alone. Shugendō itself has hundreds of mudras, as does Taoism. Many of these mudras are shared, however, many are not. To further complicate this fact, there are also untold numbers of variations on a given mudra, and many mudras are associated with more than one deity or idea. Furthermore, a mudra may have more than one name, or one association depending on its purpose. Practitioners’ would be wise to keep this mind when practicing kuji ho.
The influence of Taoism is apparent all throughout the kuji. One of the most obvious influences is that of onmyōdō (the way of Yin and Yang). This is clearly seen in the mudra themselves. Especially in regards to the first and last mudras, the mudras associated with the syllables "to" and "sha", "kai" and "jin". These mudras are obvious yin and yang counterparts. This is significant in that the concept of yin and yang is seen as encompassing all the cosmic phenomena, all eternity between the two polar opposites. The mudra gejishi-in (gesture of the outer lion) and its immediate counterpart naijishi-in (gesture of the inner lion) clearly represent this yin/yang relation. In fact, not only do these two related mudras represent the alpha and omega by themselves, but the two lions associated with them take this association a step further. The two lions are commonly seen outside the doors of Buddhist temples, where they stand as guardians against evil and baleful influences. The first lion utters the sound “A” which symbolizes the alpha, that all reality and phenomena are, in the tradition of mikkyô, said to neither absolutely exist, nor non-exist - they arise in dependence on conditions, and cease when those conditions cease. Whereas, the second lion utters the sound “Un” (Hūm) which symbolizes the omega, the destruction of all evils; it summarizes the two basic false views of nihilism
and externalism
, and shows them to be false. The truth of things is that they are neither real nor unreal. This description also applies to the next two mudra, gebbaku-in (gesture of the outer bond) and its immediate counterpart neibbaku-in (gesture of the inner bound). The first (dokko-in, kongōshin-in) and last mudra (hobyo-in, ongyō-in), occupy the two most important positions, the beginning and the end, again with relation to the Taoist and mikkyô points of view of the alpha and omega.
In relation to yin and yang theory, the yang aspect is the light, masculine, positive, offensive, absolute, horizontal, left, forward, upward. While the yin aspect is the dark, feminine, negative, defensive, relative, vertical, right, backward, down. (Waterhouse, 1996)
Ku-ji ho as generally practiced in budo comes from text Sugen jinpi gyoho fuju shu or Fuju shu for short, a Shugendō document of the Tozan-ha lineage, edited between 1871-1934 by Nakuno Tatsue. The original compiler is unknown, but it appears to incorporate numerous Shugendō rituals from various Shingon sects such as Tachikawa-ryu
. The text compilation of texts appears to span a time period from the 1200s on up to 1500s and 1600s. The Fuju shu lists 400 rituals, 26 of them kuji-ho. (Waterhouse, 1996).
The two particular techniques of ku-ji that are most directly related to budo, and most widely known are kuji hon-i (Fuju Shu #199) and kuji no daiji (Fuju Shu #200). These two kuji rituals are centered the esoteric deities of Shingon mikkyo, the Shitenno (Four Heavenly Kings
) and Godai myo-o (Five Wisdom Kings). Other groupings of deities exist as well depending on the sect and purpose of the kuji.
The related practice of making nine cuts— five horizontal and four vertical, alternating — in the air or palm of a hand with the finger or on paper with a brush is known as kujikiri, nine syllable cuts. Kuji kiri is explained in Shugendo texts, quite correctly, as a preparatory ritual of protection, to cut off demonic influences and their inki (vital substance) (Waterhouse, 1996). In Japanese folk-magic and onmyodo
, the nine cuts are often made over writing or a picture, to gain control of the object named or pictured. Thus, a sailor wishing to be protected from drowning might write them over the kanji for "sea" or "water". The Fuju shu does not spell out every ritual in detail. However, in several of the kuji kiri rituals it is spelled out that the strokes are made alternately horizontal and then vertical: five horizontal and four vertical for men; and four horizontal and five vertical for woman.
Ku-ji itself is a very flexible practice that can be modified depending on the needs of the practitioner. The practice of ku-ji ho as found in Japanese esoteric Buddhism is a sanmitsu nenju (concentrated three mysteries practice), and as such, consists of several dependent, integrated practices. It can be practiced in the form of either of the two mandaras of esoteric Buddhism [mikkyo]. The Kongo-kai/金剛界 mandara (vajradhatu
; Diamond Universe Nine Assemblies mandala) of Shingon Buddhism, or the Taizo-kai/胎蔵界 mandara (garbhakosa-dhatu; Womb mandala). It is also used by other Buddhist sects, especially in Japan; some Taoists and practitioners of Shinto
and Chinese traditional religion; and in folk-magic throughout East Asia.
The Kuji-in practice symbolizes that all the forces of the universe are united against evil; because of this, it was often used by the common people for luck when traveling, especially in the mountains.
Rin (臨), Pyō (兵), Tō (闘), Sha (者), Kai (皆), Jin (陣), Retsu (列), Zai (在), Zen (前). If the nine cuts are then made, as is sometimes done, the syllable Kō (行) is sometimes spoken.
Note that the syllables are shortened forms, and there are also longer, Japanese mantra that go with the same mudra. As to why there appears to be no correlation between the mudra and mantra and the representative deities is unknown at this time.
The mudra [hand postures] are as follows:
臨 (Rin): Hands together, fingers interlocked. The index (sometimes middle) fingers are raised and pressed together.
Mudra is, dokko-in/kongoshin-in, "seal of the thunderbolt
."
Mantra is, On baishiramantaya sowaka. [All hail the Vajra
(diamond thunderbolt) of glory and sacrifice. Om!] [Eng.]
兵 (Pyō): Hands together, pinkies and ring fingers interlocked (often on the inside). Index finger and thumb raised and pressed together, middle fingers cross over index fingers and their tips curl back to touch the thumbs' tips, the middle-fingers' nails touching.
Mudra is, daikongorin-in, "seal of the great thunderbolt
."
Mantra is, On ishanaya intaraya sowaka. (All hail the instrument of divine righteousness Om)
闘 (Tō): Hands together, index fingers cross each other to touch opposite ring fingers, middle fingers crossed over them. Ring and pinky fingers are straight. Tips of ring fingers pressed together, tips of pinkies pressed together, but both sets of ring and pinky fingers are separated to form a V shape or bird beak
Mudra is, gejishi-in "seal of the outer lion."
Mantra is, On jiterashi itara jibaratanō sowaka. [All hail the exultant and glorious celestial jewel om]
者 (Sha): Hands together, ring fingers cross each other to touch opposite index fingers, middle fingers crossed over them. Index finger, pinky and thumb straight, like American Sign Language "I love you".
Mudra is, naijishi-in "seal of the inner lion."
mantra is, On haya baishiramantaya sowaka. (All hail the swift thunderbolt of exalted strength, virtue, and glory Om!)
皆 (Kai): Hands together, fingers interlocked.
Mudra is, gebaku-in "seal of the outer bonds."
Mantra is, On nōmaku sanmanda basaradan kan. [Om homage to all-pervading diamond thunderbolts. Utterly crush and devour!] [Eng.]
陣 (Jin): Hands together, fingers interlocked, with the fingertips inside.
Mudra is naibaku-in "seal of the inner bonds."
Mantra is, On aga naya in maya sowaka. [All hail the glory of Agni
(God of the Sacred Fire). Om!]
列 (Retsu): Left hand in an upward-pointing fist, index finger raised. Right hand grips index finger, and thumb is pressed onto left index's nail.
Mudra is, Chiken-in "seal of the wisdom fist," also known as "seal of the interpenetration of the two realms."
Mantra is, On irotahi chanoga jiba tai sowaka. [All hail the radiant divine all-illuminating light bursting and streaming forth in all directions Om]
在 (Zai): Hands spread out in front, with thumb and index finger touching.
Mudra is "seal of the ring of the sun."
Mantra is, On chirichi iba rotaya sowaka.
前 (Zen): Hands form a circle, thumbs on top and fingers on the bottom, right hand overlapping left up to the knuckles.
Mudra: hobyo-in/ongyo-in "seal of the hidden form, mudra which conceals its form"
mantra: On a ra ba sha nō sowaka [Om a ra pa ca na. All hail!] [Eng.]
The yin and yang theory of kuji also carries over to kuji kiri. In kuji kiri the vertical strokes/slashes represent the yin/in syllables, while the horizontal strokes/slashes represent the yang/yo syllables. Thus in kuji kiri the practitioner is fist making an aggressive horizontal slash representing the first syllable which is a yang/yo which represents the absolute aspect or offensive nature of the deity. The second stroke/slash is defensive and represents the second syllable or relative aspect or defensive nature of the deity. And so on...
Often a tenth syllable is added at the end. Generally it is the mata [syllable] for victory, or "to destroy".
Yang/Yô syllables [horizontal, absolute]
臨/Rin: come
闘/Tô: fight
皆/Kai: ready
列/Retsu: line-up
前/Zen: in front
Yin/In syllables [vertical, relative]
兵/Pyô: warriors
者/Shā: one
陣/Jin: formation
在/Sai: take position
Thus the essence of the meaning of the ku-ji can be roughly translated as,
Each of the nine syllables has a meaning that when integrated with the corresponding mudra, mantra, and visualization [corresponding deity] manifests sanmitsu kaji [grace, viture, merit of the Three mysteries]. In general it can be said that ku-ji is the harnessing and control of psychospiritual or psychophysical energies, and, or, of cosmic–universal spirits/deities/energies.
The deities most commonly called upon in mikkyo (esoteric Buddhism, Vajaryana-tantra) are deities of Hindu and Tantric origin, which are ultimately all emanations of Mahavairocana (Dainichi Nyorai). These deities are the Shitenno and the Godai myō-Ō, as well as Marishi-ten [Goddess of light], Nitten [Sun god], Bon-ten (Brahma
), Ichiji Kinrin Bochto (Ekaksa-rosnisa-cakra, or Ekasara-buddhosnisa-cakra), and so on.
With relation to Japanese esoteric Buddhism [mikkyo], the yang/yō-syllables represent the Shitenno (Four Heavenly Kings), with the exception of the “kai” syllable which represents Fudo-myô-o. The yin/in-syllables represents the Godai myô-o. A simple look at the ku-ji and their relation to the prescribed deities shows a very logical pattern. The ku-ji and associated deities form a simple mandara, with Fudō myō-Ō at his rightful and proper place in the center, surrounded by the other four Myō at their respective locations, which comprises the inner sanctum–hall of the mandara. The shidaitenno being of a lower rank–office than the Myō, occupy the outer sanctum/hall of the mandara at their respective positions.
臨/Rin: Tammon-ten/Bishamon-ten (Vaisravana
- Skt.)
闘/Tô: Jikoku-ten (Dhrtarastra
- Skt.)
皆/Kai: Fudo myô-o (Acalanatha -Skt.)
列/Restsu: Komoku-ten (Virupaksa - Skt.)
前/Zen: Zocho-ten (Virudhaka
-Skt.)
In/yin syllables
兵/Pyô: Gonzanze myô-o/Shozonzae myo-o (Trailokyavijaya -Skt.)
者/Shā: Kongō-yaksha myô-o (Vajrayaksa - Skt.)
陣/Jin: Gundari myô-o (Kundali
-Skt.)
在/Sai: Dai-itoku myô-o (Yamantaka -Skt.)
Yô/yang syllables
臨/Rin: Tammon-ten/Bishamon-ten (Vaisravana
- Skt.)
闘/Tô: Nyoirin
皆/Kai: Aizen Myo-O (Ragaraja)
列/Restsu: Amida Nyorai (Amitābha
)
前/Zen: Monju bosatsu (Mañjuśrī
)
In/yin syllables
兵/Pyô: Juichimen Kan'non (Ekadasa-mukha)
者/Shā: Fudosan (Ācalanātha)
陣/Jin: Sho Kan'non (Āryāvalokitesvara)
在/Sai: Miroku Bosatsu (Maitreya
)
Other groupings of the ku-ji include:
臨/Rin: Keitosei [descending lunar node], southwest, Jizo bosatsu
兵/Pyô: Nichiyōsei [sun], northeast, Sunday, Fudo myo-O
闘/Tô: Mokuyōsei [Jupiter], east, Thursday, Monju bosatsu
者/Shā: Kayōsei [Mars], south, Tuesday, Hachiman bosatsu
皆/Kai: Ragosei [ascending lunar node], southeast, Dainichi Nyorai
陣/Jin: Doyōsei [Saturn], center, Saturday, Kan'non bosatsu
列/Restsu: Getsuyōsei [moon], northwest, Monday, Fugen bosatsu
在/Sai: Kin-yōsei [Venus], west, Friday, Kokuzo bosatsu
前/Zen: Suiyōsei [Mercury], north, Wednesday, Seishi bosatsu
B] Kujihonji [Northern Seven Stars (Big Dipper
臨/Rin: Donrōshō/貪狼星; Nichirin Bosatsu; ; [Dubhe; Alpha Ursae Majoris (α UMa / α Ursae Majoris)]
兵/Pyô: Komoshō/巨門星; Gachirin Bosatsu; ; [Merak ; Beta Ursae Majoris (β UMa / β Ursae Majoris)]
闘/Tô: Rokuzonshō/禄存星; Kōmyōshō; [Phecda, Phekda or Phad; Gamma Ursae Majoris (γ UMa / γ Ursae Majoris)]
者/Shā: Monkokushō/文曲星; Zōchō Bosatsu; [Megrez; Delta Ursae Majoris (δ UMa / δ Ursae Majoris)]
皆/Kai: Renjōshō/簾貞星; Ekoshō Bosatsu; [Alioth; Epsilon Ursae Majoris (ε UMa / ε Ursae Majoris)]
陣/Jin: Mukokushō/武曲星; Jizō Bosatsu; [Mizar; (ζ UMa / ζ Ursae Majoris)]
列/Retsu: Hagunshō/破軍星; Kongōshu Bosatsu (Fugen bosatsu) (Samantabhadra
-Skt.); [Alkaid (or Elkeid) and Benetnash (Benetnasch); Eta Ursae Majoris (η UMa / η Ursae Majoris)]
在/Zai: Gatten; M101 [The Pin Wheel Galaxy] located to the north of Alkaid
前/Zen: Nitten; M51 [The Whirlpool Galaxy] located to the south of Alkaid
's formula, in which each of the kuji corresponds to a shuji/bonji/bija
. However, instead of the original nine Taoist syllables, Kakuban created a new set of nine syllables based on the mantra of Amida Nyorai. There are in fact several zokushu rituals that Kakuban designed. The ritual itself is based on the deities Avalokitesvara
[Kan'non bosatsu], and Amida buddha (Amitabha
) as well as the nine deities of the inner sanctum of the Taizo-kai mandara/胎蔵界曼荼羅 (Garbhadhatu). Zokushu is based on Jodoshu [Pure land sect] and therefore the primary deity of worship is Amida Nyorai.
Zokushu #5
Zokushu #5 gives lists the nine original Taoist syllables and gives a corresponding Japanese syllable. The shuji themselves when placed in order of their corresponding kuji form no logical sentence or statement, and may represent Sanskrit bija, and, or Tantric deities, or, it may be a prayer. Without further evidence, no other conclusions can be made.
臨/Rin: Ri
兵/Pyô: Na
闘/Tô: Tan
者/Shā: Sha
皆/Kai: Ku
陣/Jin: Chirin
列/Retsu: Raku
在/Zai: Rau
前/Zen: Ron
It is unclear how this set of kuji is related to the Sanskrit bija Kakuban gives for the primary zokushu kuji, which is the mantra of Amida buddha.
Um, a, mr, ta, te, je, ha, ra, hum
which compose the mantra,
Om amrta tese (teje) hara hum [Om to the elixir/nectar of immortality of most exalted virtues and noble strengths, to the heavenly queen Amida buddha, hum.] or [Om save us in the glory of the Deathless One hûm].
Another kuji formula is found in the writings of Jodo Shinshu
, founded by Shinran
, and is yet another mantra to Amida Nyorai which reads
Which spells the mantra, Namu fukashigi-ko Nyorai (Homage to the Tathāgata [buddha] of inconceivable light.)
A juji formula is then given with the syllables,
This spells the mantra, Kimyo jinjippō mugekō Nyorai (Homage to the Tathāgata [buddha] whose light shines without obstruction universally in the ten directions!)
It may be that this juji ritual is based on, or connected to an older Taoist juji formula,
Rather these kuji and juji originated strictly within Japanese Buddhism is unlikely as Jodo Shinshu is, like many things in Japanese theology, influenced by Taoism. And it is also safe to assume that both Kakuban and Shinran would have been familiar with the various Taoist kuji and juji formulas. Rather or not their kuji and juji formulas are Japanese versions of Taoist formulas may never be known. However, what is clear is that they represent the earliest known use of the kuji and juji in Japanese esoteric Buddism [mikkyo]. (Waterhouse, 1996)
Again, in the absences of further evidence no other conclusions can be made.
The same ritual goes on to give a list of related Taoist deities [Waterhouse, 1996]:
兵/Pyô: Suzaku
闘/Tô: Bunno
者/Shā: Genbu
皆/Kai: Santei
陣/Jin: Byakko
列/Restsu: Gyokujo
在/Sai: Kyuchin
前/Zen: Seiryu
臨/Rin: Tensho Kodaijingu/ Amaterasu Omikami
兵/Pyô: Sho Hachiman
Daijin
闘/Tô: Kasuga Daimyojin
者/Shā: Kamo Daimyojin
皆/Kai: Inari
Daimyojin
陣/Jin: Sumiyoshi Daimyojin
列/Retsu: Tanyu Daimyojin
在/Zai: Nittenshi
前/Zen: Marishi-Ten
(Marici
-Skt.)
E] Tammon-Ten’s kaji kuji (Vaisravana
Another kuji prayer is outlined by the monk Nichiei, and is found in the Lotus Sutra where it is uttered by the deva King of the North, Tammon-ten/Bishamon-ten (Vaisravana), and is said to guarantee protection to those who recite it.
Ryo-hyaku-yu-jun-nai-mu-sho-sui-gen [Cause all feeble sickness to be naught a distance of a hundred yojans (approximately 1,000 miles)]
As it should be apparent, the kuji are a very adaptable ritual which has, and will likely continue to be, adapted to the local needs of the individual or organization. In so long as the overall structure of esoteric practice is understood, that being the practice of sanmitsu, then the kuji can be adopted to fit almost any need.
.
Kuji-in is used as part of a ritual in Shinto, and is used to purify a person with a waterfall.
RIN
STRENGTH OF MIND AND BODY
At first this may appear to be physical strength and mental intellect but maybe we can think of this as being physically well and having a positive outlook.
Middle fingers extended, others interlocked.
PYO
DIRECTION OF ENERGY
To begin this may seem to refer to directing your energies into work but later it could be that you see it as a way of directing your internal energy to increase your inner power.
Index fingers and thumbs extended, middle fingers curled over index fingers. Others interlocked.
TOH
HARMONY WITH THE UNIVERSE
This can work on many levels from learning to live in peace with mankind and the animal kingdom to being at one with yourself.
Last two fingers extended to form a V (tips touching). Thumbs extended, others interlocked.
SHA
HEALING OF SELF AND OTHERS
The ability to heal is more powerful than the ability to kill. When you sense your inner power you will no longer succumb to viruses and other ailments. A word to those that would use their powers to harm others: "It is easy to kill a man, but could you watch one die?" Index fingers and thumbs extended, others interlocked.
KAI
PREMONITION OF DANGER
If this cut is fully achieved you may find that you can feel the emotions of others (even at a distance) which can aid in knowing how others will react in a given situation.
All fingers interlocked.
JIN
KNOWING THOUGHTS OF OTHERS
I believe that this cut increases your ability to "feel" the thoughts of others. When your are adept at this power you can hide your thoughts and feelings from others.
All fingers interlocked inwards.
RETSU
MASTERY OF SPACE AND TIME
Think of this... Have you ever noticed how the day has passed quickly for others but has taken an age for you?. Everybody has the ability to control their own "time". With this power one could use it to easily defeat an opponent.
Index finger of left hand pointing up with the fingers of the right hand curling round it. The thumb of the right hand should be pressed against the outside edge of the nail on the index finger of the left hand).
ZAI
CONTROL OF THE ELEMENTS OF NATURE
Can one truly control nature? Maybe the real answer is that a Ninja understands nature and works with it.
Fingers outspread, palms out. Index fingers and thumbs touching.
ZEN
ENLIGHTENMENT
Know yourself before you ask "Who are you?"
Right hand covering Left hand. Thumb tips touching.
.
There as many as 81 variations to the Kuji-in within certain sects of Buddhism in Japan, to say nothing of other mudra that are also used.
, the ninja traditions are steeped in esoteric Buddhist beliefs, especially Mikkyo
. The kuji-in are used in a number of their meditations, both those related simply to their religious practice and those dealing with their martial arts; in some ways, they are used similarly to the Taoist ideas in Chinese internal martial arts (some of the ideas of Chinese internal arts are, however, incorporated in many Japanese arts, including ninjutsu
and jujutsu
). In his book Ninja Vol. II: Warrior Ways of Enlightenment, Stephen K. Hayes
claims the following interpretations:
The kuji-in are a tool to be used in meditation, and are frequently over-simplified in popular culture as being a form of magic. This misrepresentation, along with the misuse of the mudra and mantra, has been further popularized by Dead or Alive
, Tekken, Tenchu
and certain neo-ninja.
Mantra
A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of "creating transformation"...
s that consist of nine syllables. The syllables used in kuji are numerous, especially within the realm of mikkyo
Mikkyo
Mikkyō is a Japanese term that refers to the esoteric Vajrayāna practices of the Shingon Buddhist school and the related practices that make up part of the Tendai school. There are also various Shingon- and Tendai-influenced practices of Shugendō...
(Japanese esoteric Buddhism). The kuji most often referred to is of Taoist origin, not Buddhist. There is no record of the kuji in any of the Shingon or Tendai records that were brought back from China
The use of kuji is largely a layman’s practice, and not seen in the orthodox Buddhist traditions. It is found extensively in Shugendō
Shugendo
is a highly syncretic Buddhic religion or sect and mystical-spiritual tradition which originated in pre-Feudal Japan, in which enlightenment is equated with attaining oneness with the . This perception of experiential "awakening" is obtained through the understanding of the relationship between...
, the ascetic mountain tradition of Japan, and ryubu Shinto
Shinto
or Shintoism, also kami-no-michi, is the indigenous spirituality of Japan and the Japanese people. It is a set of practices, to be carried out diligently, to establish a connection between present day Japan and its ancient past. Shinto practices were first recorded and codified in the written...
which is the result of blending Buddhist, and Shinto beliefs.
The kuji are first introduced in the Taoist text Baopuzi
Baopuzi
The Baopuzi , written by the Jin Dynasty scholar Ge Hong 葛洪 , is divided into esoteric Neipian 內篇 "Inner Chapters" and exoteric Waipian 外篇 "Outer Chapters". The Daoist Inner Chapters discuss topics such as techniques for xian 仙 "immortality; transcendence", Chinese alchemy, elixirs, and demonology...
(抱朴子) a poem written by Ge Hong
Ge Hong
Ge Hong , courtesy name Zhichuan , was a minor southern official during the Jìn Dynasty of China, best known for his interest in Daoism, alchemy, and techniques of longevity...
c.280-340 ADE). In it he introduces the kuji in chapter 17 titled DengShe/登涉 (Climbing [mountains] and crossing rivers) as a prayer to the six Jia (generals of yang), ancient Taoist gods. in Daoist Magic, the 6 Jia Spirit Generals are powerful celestial guardians and part of Zhenwu’s (The God of the North) Celestial Thunder Court. The Six Jia Spirits included six powerful generals each of whom has command over a massive army of spirit soldiers.
The kuji come from line 5 which reads,
Line 5:
抱朴子曰：“入名山，以甲子開除日，以五色繒各五寸，懸大石上，所求必得。又曰，入山宜知六甲秘祝。祝曰，臨兵斗者，皆陣列前行。凡九字，常當密祝之，無所不辟。要道不煩，此之謂也。”
Translation: (To enter a famous mountain, choose an opening day, which can be determined by its cyclical binary. Hang silk of the five colors, each piece five inches wide, from a large rock, so that you may be sure to succeed in your goal. Further, while entering the mountains you must know the Six-Chia secret prayer. It goes like: "May the presiders over warriors be my vanguard!" This nine word prayer must constantly recited in secret. It means, "May all evils flee me and the essential procedure present no trouble.") (James Write, 1966)
The Chinese ku-ji actually forms a grammatically functional sentence when translated. The kuji come from this section of the chapter and are written as 臨兵斗者，皆陣列前行 which can be roughly translated as "(Celestial) soldiers/fighters descend and arrange yourselves in front of me", or “May all those who preside over warriors be my vanguard!” Other translations are possible as well especially in Japanese esoteric Buddhism. According to the Baopuzi, the kuji is a prayer to avert difficulties and baleful influences and to ensure things proceed without difficulty. To this end it can be said that the primary purpose of ku-ji is shōkanjō (consecration
Consecration
Consecration is the solemn dedication to a special purpose or service, usually religious. The word "consecration" literally means "to associate with the sacred". Persons, places, or things can be consecrated, and the term is used in various ways by different groups...
, abhiseka) and chōbuku (exorcism
Exorcism
Exorcism is the religious practice of evicting demons or other spiritual entities from a person or place which they are believed to have possessed...
). [Waterhouse 1996]
The Taoist ku-ji are next cited in a text called the Wuliangshou jing youpotishe yuansheng ji zhu (The commentary on the discourse about the Sutra on Immeasurable Life, and on the verses about the vow to be reborn [in the Pure Land]), or just Wangsheng lunzhu for short, by Taluan (467?-542ADE?). [Waterhouse 1996]
How the kuji arrived in Japan is still a matter that is debated. Current scholars seem to agree that the kuji arrived in Japan via China through Jodoshu (True Land Faith), and Shugendō
Shugendo
is a highly syncretic Buddhic religion or sect and mystical-spiritual tradition which originated in pre-Feudal Japan, in which enlightenment is equated with attaining oneness with the . This perception of experiential "awakening" is obtained through the understanding of the relationship between...
around perhaps the 8th century, if not much latter. As to what the kuji consisted of at this time is unknown. The mudra
Mudra
A mudrā is a symbolic or ritual gesture in Hinduism and Buddhism. While some mudrās involve the entire body, most are performed with the hands and fingers...
s are found in Taoist material as well as Shugendō. Some have suggested it was Shugendō who added the mudras that are known today to be associated with the kuji. This would make sense as the vast majority of information that is known about the kuji comes from Shugendō literature.
The earliest known Japanese kuji comes from the Shingon monk Kakuban
Kakuban
Kakuban , known posthumously as Kōgyō-Daishi was a priest of the Shingon sect of Buddhism in Japan and credited as a reformer, though his efforts also led to a schism between and...
(1095-1143ADE) who was an academic of Taluan’s writings and teachings. Kakuban introduces several kuji formulas dedicated to Amida
Amida
Amida can mean:* Amitabha, an important Buddha in East Asian Buddhism* Amida , a beetle genus* Amida Buddha* Amidah, the central prayer of the Jewish services* Amidakuji, a way of drawing lots* Amitabh Bachchan, an actor...
Nyôrai, in his text Gorin kuji myō himitsu shaku or Gorin kuji hishaku for short. The kuji formulas Kakuban introduces are commonly grouped under the title zokushu, and are completely unrelated to original Taoist kuji. Kakuban was followed by the monk Shinran (1173-1263ADE), founder of Jodo shinshu sect, who introduced several kuji formulas, also dedicated to Amida Nyôrai, Kakuban and Shinran
Shinran
was a Japanese Buddhist monk, who was born in Hino at the turbulent close of the Heian Period and lived during the Kamakura Period...
were followed by the monk Nichiei of the Nichiren
Nichiren
Nichiren was a Buddhist monk who lived during the Kamakura period in Japan. Nichiren taught devotion to the Lotus Sutra, entitled Myōhō-Renge-Kyō in Japanese, as the exclusive means to attain enlightenment and the chanting of Nam-Myōhō-Renge-Kyō as the essential practice of the teaching...
sect, in 1730ADE who introduced a kuji prayer from chapter 26 of the Lotus Sutra
Lotus Sutra
The Lotus Sūtra is one of the most popular and influential Mahāyāna sūtras, and the basis on which the Tiantai and Nichiren sects of Buddhism were established.-Title:...
where it is uttered by the King of the North, Tammon-Ten/Bishamon-Ten (Vaisravana
Vaisravana
' or ' also known as Jambhala in Tibet and Bishamonten in Japan is the name of the chief of the Four Heavenly Kings and an important figure in Buddhist mythology.-Names:...
– Skt.). None of these Japanese kuji formulas/prayers are related to Taoist kuji in any way. It is important to note that the founder of Shingon, Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), nor the founder of Tendai
Tendai
is a Japanese school of Mahayana Buddhism, a descendant of the Chinese Tiantai or Lotus Sutra school.Chappell frames the relevance of Tendai for a universal Buddhism:- History :...
, Saicho
Saicho
was a Japanese Buddhist monk credited with founding the Tendai school in Japan, based around the Chinese Tiantai tradition he was exposed to during his trip to China beginning in 804. He founded the temple and headquarters of Tendai at Enryaku-ji on Mt. Hiei near Kyoto. He is also said to have...
, never mentions the kuji is any of their writings. And it therefore can be safely assumed they either did not know of them, or if they did, they were considered only a minor teaching at best. [Waterhouse 1996]
The nine syllables of ku-ji have numerous correlations and associations with Japanese esoteric Buddhism. They are associated with the gorin
Gorin
Gorin is an air base in Khabarovsk Krai, Russia located 75 km northwest of Komsomolsk-na-Amure. It contains a 1 km long remote tarmac on the north side. A noteworthy major, but remote airfield. It may have been intended for dispersion of intermediate-range bombers during a Sino-Soviet...
(five chakras), the godai (five elements
Five elements
Five elements may refer to: In philosophy: *Five elements *Mahabhuta*Pancha Tattva *Five elements In science:*Boron, element 5*Group 5 element*Period 5 element-See also:...
), certain directions of the compass, certain colors, and numerous Tantric and esoteric deities
There are numerous variations of the nine original Taoist kuji in Japanese Buddhism. Most of these variations occurred well after the introduction of the kuji into Japan. Some, however, are other Taoist formulas taken from Taoist writings and Buddhist sutras. The kuji that is most often seen in the context of budo, or martial arts, and also in general, consists of the nine original Taoist syllables: Lin Bing Dong ZheJie, Zhen Lie Qian Xing which was translated into Japanese as Rin Pyo To Sha Kai Chin Retsu Zai Zen ([Celestial] soldiers/fighters descend and arrange yourselves in front of me). The fact that the Taoist kuji are not seen in Japanese documents and writings until at least the 1500s, and then not extensively until around the Edo jidai (1603-1868ADE) and Meji jidai (1868 -1912ADE) indicates that they were either not extensively practiced, or taught as kuden (oral transmission). However, the fact that so many koryu list the kuji in their makimono indicates it must have been considered an essential teaching (goku-i). And the fact the ku-ji are listed in numerous kobudō makimono from the 1500s onward, is proof that the ku-ji were practiced by the bushi.
Why the number nine is used has also been of concern to some. The number nine is seen in Taoist divination as the perfect number for yang/yo, the “bright side” when determining the individual hexagram lines according to the I-ching (Book of Changes). Some have suggested that the number nine refers to the nine planets, that the Taoist believe directly influence human destiny, or to the seven stars of the Big Dipper (Northern Seven Stars) plus the two attendant/guardian stars which Taoist believe is the gateway to heaven, and which each star is a Taoist deity. (Waterhouse, 1996)
The Kuji-in (九字印), "Nine Hand Seals," refers to the mudra (hand seals/gestures) associated with the nine syllables themselves. Whereas, kuji-ho refers to the entire ritual of kuji and encompasses the mudra, mantra and meditation. Kuji-kan (nine syllable visualization), is a specialized form of Buddhist meditation. Most of the original ku-ji no in (mudras) ritual evokes and invokes the Hindu deity Indra
Indra
' or is the King of the demi-gods or Devas and Lord of Heaven or Svargaloka in Hindu mythology. He is also the God of War, Storms, and Rainfall.Indra is one of the chief deities in the Rigveda...
(Taishaku-ten –Jpn.; Zeus
Zeus
In the ancient Greek religion, Zeus was the "Father of Gods and men" who ruled the Olympians of Mount Olympus as a father ruled the family. He was the god of sky and thunder in Greek mythology. His Roman counterpart is Jupiter and his Etruscan counterpart is Tinia.Zeus was the child of Cronus...
– Greek, Jupiter
Jupiter (mythology)
In ancient Roman religion and myth, Jupiter or Jove is the king of the gods, and the god of the sky and thunder. He is the equivalent of Zeus in the Greek pantheon....
– Roman), King of the heavens, who holds vajras (thunderbolts) in his hands. Technically the word "Kuji no in" refers only to the hand postures (mudra
Mudra
A mudrā is a symbolic or ritual gesture in Hinduism and Buddhism. While some mudrās involve the entire body, most are performed with the hands and fingers...
), whereas “kuji no shingon” refers to the related incantations (mantra
Mantra
A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of "creating transformation"...
). It is important to note that there are literally hundreds of mudras in Shingon alone. Shugendō itself has hundreds of mudras, as does Taoism. Many of these mudras are shared, however, many are not. To further complicate this fact, there are also untold numbers of variations on a given mudra, and many mudras are associated with more than one deity or idea. Furthermore, a mudra may have more than one name, or one association depending on its purpose. Practitioners’ would be wise to keep this mind when practicing kuji ho.
The influence of Taoism is apparent all throughout the kuji. One of the most obvious influences is that of onmyōdō (the way of Yin and Yang). This is clearly seen in the mudra themselves. Especially in regards to the first and last mudras, the mudras associated with the syllables "to" and "sha", "kai" and "jin". These mudras are obvious yin and yang counterparts. This is significant in that the concept of yin and yang is seen as encompassing all the cosmic phenomena, all eternity between the two polar opposites. The mudra gejishi-in (gesture of the outer lion) and its immediate counterpart naijishi-in (gesture of the inner lion) clearly represent this yin/yang relation. In fact, not only do these two related mudras represent the alpha and omega by themselves, but the two lions associated with them take this association a step further. The two lions are commonly seen outside the doors of Buddhist temples, where they stand as guardians against evil and baleful influences. The first lion utters the sound “A” which symbolizes the alpha, that all reality and phenomena are, in the tradition of mikkyô, said to neither absolutely exist, nor non-exist - they arise in dependence on conditions, and cease when those conditions cease. Whereas, the second lion utters the sound “Un” (Hūm) which symbolizes the omega, the destruction of all evils; it summarizes the two basic false views of nihilism
Nihilism
Nihilism is the philosophical doctrine suggesting the negation of one or more putatively meaningful aspects of life. Most commonly, nihilism is presented in the form of existential nihilism which argues that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value...
and externalism
Externalism
Externalism is a group of positions in the philosophy of mind which hold that the mind is not only the result of what is going on inside the nervous system but also of what either occur or exist outside the subject. It is often contrasted with internalism which holds that the mind emerges out of...
, and shows them to be false. The truth of things is that they are neither real nor unreal. This description also applies to the next two mudra, gebbaku-in (gesture of the outer bond) and its immediate counterpart neibbaku-in (gesture of the inner bound). The first (dokko-in, kongōshin-in) and last mudra (hobyo-in, ongyō-in), occupy the two most important positions, the beginning and the end, again with relation to the Taoist and mikkyô points of view of the alpha and omega.
In relation to yin and yang theory, the yang aspect is the light, masculine, positive, offensive, absolute, horizontal, left, forward, upward. While the yin aspect is the dark, feminine, negative, defensive, relative, vertical, right, backward, down. (Waterhouse, 1996)
Ku-ji ho as generally practiced in budo comes from text Sugen jinpi gyoho fuju shu or Fuju shu for short, a Shugendō document of the Tozan-ha lineage, edited between 1871-1934 by Nakuno Tatsue. The original compiler is unknown, but it appears to incorporate numerous Shugendō rituals from various Shingon sects such as Tachikawa-ryu
Tachikawa-ryu
is a Japanese school of esoteric Buddhism of Shingonshu founded in 1114 by the monk Nin-kan in an attempt to create a Japanese tradition corresponding to Indian Tantra .- History :...
. The text compilation of texts appears to span a time period from the 1200s on up to 1500s and 1600s. The Fuju shu lists 400 rituals, 26 of them kuji-ho. (Waterhouse, 1996).
The two particular techniques of ku-ji that are most directly related to budo, and most widely known are kuji hon-i (Fuju Shu #199) and kuji no daiji (Fuju Shu #200). These two kuji rituals are centered the esoteric deities of Shingon mikkyo, the Shitenno (Four Heavenly Kings
Four Heavenly Kings
In the Buddhist faith, the Four Heavenly Kings are four gods, each of whom watches over one cardinal direction of the world.The Kings are collectively named as follows:...
) and Godai myo-o (Five Wisdom Kings). Other groupings of deities exist as well depending on the sect and purpose of the kuji.
The related practice of making nine cuts— five horizontal and four vertical, alternating — in the air or palm of a hand with the finger or on paper with a brush is known as kujikiri, nine syllable cuts. Kuji kiri is explained in Shugendo texts, quite correctly, as a preparatory ritual of protection, to cut off demonic influences and their inki (vital substance) (Waterhouse, 1996). In Japanese folk-magic and onmyodo
Onmyodo
is a traditional Japanese esoteric cosmology, a mixture of natural science and occultism. It is based on the Chinese philosophies of Wu Xing and Yin and yang, introduced into Japan at the turn of the 6th century, and accepted as a practical system of divination...
, the nine cuts are often made over writing or a picture, to gain control of the object named or pictured. Thus, a sailor wishing to be protected from drowning might write them over the kanji for "sea" or "water". The Fuju shu does not spell out every ritual in detail. However, in several of the kuji kiri rituals it is spelled out that the strokes are made alternately horizontal and then vertical: five horizontal and four vertical for men; and four horizontal and five vertical for woman.
Ku-ji itself is a very flexible practice that can be modified depending on the needs of the practitioner. The practice of ku-ji ho as found in Japanese esoteric Buddhism is a sanmitsu nenju (concentrated three mysteries practice), and as such, consists of several dependent, integrated practices. It can be practiced in the form of either of the two mandaras of esoteric Buddhism [mikkyo]. The Kongo-kai/金剛界 mandara (vajradhatu
Vajradhatu
Vajradhatu was the name of the umbrella organization of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, one of the first Tibetan Buddhist lamas to visit and teach in the West. It served as the vehicle for the promulgation of his Buddhist teachings, and was also the name by which his community was known from 1973 until...
; Diamond Universe Nine Assemblies mandala) of Shingon Buddhism, or the Taizo-kai/胎蔵界 mandara (garbhakosa-dhatu; Womb mandala). It is also used by other Buddhist sects, especially in Japan; some Taoists and practitioners of Shinto
Shinto
or Shintoism, also kami-no-michi, is the indigenous spirituality of Japan and the Japanese people. It is a set of practices, to be carried out diligently, to establish a connection between present day Japan and its ancient past. Shinto practices were first recorded and codified in the written...
and Chinese traditional religion; and in folk-magic throughout East Asia.
The Kuji-in practice symbolizes that all the forces of the universe are united against evil; because of this, it was often used by the common people for luck when traveling, especially in the mountains.
Mantra and mudra
In Japanese, the nine syllables are:Rin (臨), Pyō (兵), Tō (闘), Sha (者), Kai (皆), Jin (陣), Retsu (列), Zai (在), Zen (前). If the nine cuts are then made, as is sometimes done, the syllable Kō (行) is sometimes spoken.
Note that the syllables are shortened forms, and there are also longer, Japanese mantra that go with the same mudra. As to why there appears to be no correlation between the mudra and mantra and the representative deities is unknown at this time.
The mudra [hand postures] are as follows:
臨 (Rin): Hands together, fingers interlocked. The index (sometimes middle) fingers are raised and pressed together.
Mudra is, dokko-in/kongoshin-in, "seal of the thunderbolt
Vajra
Vajra is a Sanskrit word meaning both thunderbolt and diamond...
."
-
- Note: the mudra dokko-in is asscociated with Tammon-ten/Bishamon-ten. Whereas the mudra kongoshin-in is the mudra of Taishaku-ten (IndraIndra' or is the King of the demi-gods or Devas and Lord of Heaven or Svargaloka in Hindu mythology. He is also the God of War, Storms, and Rainfall.Indra is one of the chief deities in the Rigveda...
)
- Note: the mudra dokko-in is asscociated with Tammon-ten/Bishamon-ten. Whereas the mudra kongoshin-in is the mudra of Taishaku-ten (Indra
Mantra is, On baishiramantaya sowaka. [All hail the Vajra
Vajra
Vajra is a Sanskrit word meaning both thunderbolt and diamond...
(diamond thunderbolt) of glory and sacrifice. Om!] [Eng.]
- Note: this is the mantra of Tamon-ten/多聞天 (a.k.a. Bishamon-ten) (VaiśravaṇaVaisravana' or ' also known as Jambhala in Tibet and Bishamonten in Japan is the name of the chief of the Four Heavenly Kings and an important figure in Buddhist mythology.-Names:...
)
兵 (Pyō): Hands together, pinkies and ring fingers interlocked (often on the inside). Index finger and thumb raised and pressed together, middle fingers cross over index fingers and their tips curl back to touch the thumbs' tips, the middle-fingers' nails touching.
Mudra is, daikongorin-in, "seal of the great thunderbolt
Vajra
Vajra is a Sanskrit word meaning both thunderbolt and diamond...
."
Mantra is, On ishanaya intaraya sowaka. (All hail the instrument of divine righteousness Om)
闘 (Tō): Hands together, index fingers cross each other to touch opposite ring fingers, middle fingers crossed over them. Ring and pinky fingers are straight. Tips of ring fingers pressed together, tips of pinkies pressed together, but both sets of ring and pinky fingers are separated to form a V shape or bird beak
Mudra is, gejishi-in "seal of the outer lion."
- Note: this mudra is not found in Shingon. But is rather a ShugendoShugendois a highly syncretic Buddhic religion or sect and mystical-spiritual tradition which originated in pre-Feudal Japan, in which enlightenment is equated with attaining oneness with the . This perception of experiential "awakening" is obtained through the understanding of the relationship between...
mudra.
Mantra is, On jiterashi itara jibaratanō sowaka. [All hail the exultant and glorious celestial jewel om]
- Note: this mudra is associated with the pair of lions which stand guard over Buddhist temples, in particular the lion who utters the sound "a", the alpha.
者 (Sha): Hands together, ring fingers cross each other to touch opposite index fingers, middle fingers crossed over them. Index finger, pinky and thumb straight, like American Sign Language "I love you".
Mudra is, naijishi-in "seal of the inner lion."
- Note: this mudra is not found in Shingon. But is rather a Shugendo mudra.
mantra is, On haya baishiramantaya sowaka. (All hail the swift thunderbolt of exalted strength, virtue, and glory Om!)
- Note: this mudra is associated with the pair of lions which stand guard over Buddhist temples, in particular the lion who utters the sound "Om", the omega.
皆 (Kai): Hands together, fingers interlocked.
Mudra is, gebaku-in "seal of the outer bonds."
Mantra is, On nōmaku sanmanda basaradan kan. [Om homage to all-pervading diamond thunderbolts. Utterly crush and devour!] [Eng.]
- Note: this is the "One Word Mantra/不動一字呪 of Fudo myo-O (Acalanatha)
陣 (Jin): Hands together, fingers interlocked, with the fingertips inside.
Mudra is naibaku-in "seal of the inner bonds."
Mantra is, On aga naya in maya sowaka. [All hail the glory of Agni
Agni
Agni is a Hindu deity, one of the most important of the Vedic gods. He is the god of fire and the acceptor of sacrifices. The sacrifices made to Agni go to the deities because Agni is a messenger from and to the other gods...
(God of the Sacred Fire). Om!]
列 (Retsu): Left hand in an upward-pointing fist, index finger raised. Right hand grips index finger, and thumb is pressed onto left index's nail.
Mudra is, Chiken-in "seal of the wisdom fist," also known as "seal of the interpenetration of the two realms."
- Note: this is the primary mudra associated with Dainichi Nyorai (VairocanaVairocanaVairocana is a celestial Buddha who is often interpreted as the Bliss Body of the historical Gautama Buddha; he can also be referred to as the dharmakaya Buddha and the great solar Buddha. In Sino-Japanese Buddhism, Vairocana is also seen as the embodiment of the Buddhist concept of shunyata or...
)
Mantra is, On irotahi chanoga jiba tai sowaka. [All hail the radiant divine all-illuminating light bursting and streaming forth in all directions Om]
在 (Zai): Hands spread out in front, with thumb and index finger touching.
Mudra is "seal of the ring of the sun."
Mantra is, On chirichi iba rotaya sowaka.
前 (Zen): Hands form a circle, thumbs on top and fingers on the bottom, right hand overlapping left up to the knuckles.
Mudra: hobyo-in/ongyo-in "seal of the hidden form, mudra which conceals its form"
- Note: The mudra hobyo-in is associated with Fugen Bosatsu (SamantabhadraSamantabhadraSamantabhadra , is a bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism associated with Buddhist practice and meditation. Together with Shakyamuni Buddha and fellow bodhisattva Manjusri he forms the Shakyamuni trinity in Buddhism...
) in the Kongo-Kai mandara, as well as Ichiji Kinrin. Whereas the mudra ongyo-in is a mudra associated with Marishi-Ten.
mantra: On a ra ba sha nō sowaka [Om a ra pa ca na. All hail!] [Eng.]
- Note: this is mantra of Monju bosatsu (MañjusriManjusriMañjuśrī is a bodhisattva associated with transcendent wisdom in Mahāyāna Buddhism. In Esoteric Buddhism he is also taken as a meditational deity. The Sanskrit name Mañjuśrī can be translated as "Gentle Glory"...
Bodhisattva)
Meaning of ku-ji
The influence of Taoism is very apparent in the practice of ku-ji, in that there are yin/in and yang/yô aspects to ku-ji that must be taken into consideration by the practitioner. There are five yang/yô-syllables, and four yin/in-syllables. In onmyôdo [inyo goku] philosophy yin/in is related to relative, to benefit self, defensive; yang/yô is absolute, to use against others, offensive. Thus, when looking at the implied meaning of the syllables in ku-ji it is apparent that the in-syllables are used to defend the self, and the yô-syllables are used to attack outside influences.The yin and yang theory of kuji also carries over to kuji kiri. In kuji kiri the vertical strokes/slashes represent the yin/in syllables, while the horizontal strokes/slashes represent the yang/yo syllables. Thus in kuji kiri the practitioner is fist making an aggressive horizontal slash representing the first syllable which is a yang/yo which represents the absolute aspect or offensive nature of the deity. The second stroke/slash is defensive and represents the second syllable or relative aspect or defensive nature of the deity. And so on...
Often a tenth syllable is added at the end. Generally it is the mata [syllable] for victory, or "to destroy".
Yang/Yô syllables [horizontal, absolute]
臨/Rin: come
闘/Tô: fight
皆/Kai: ready
列/Retsu: line-up
前/Zen: in front
Yin/In syllables [vertical, relative]
兵/Pyô: warriors
者/Shā: one
陣/Jin: formation
在/Sai: take position
Thus the essence of the meaning of the ku-ji can be roughly translated as,
- Taoist: “May all those who preside over warriors be my vanguard.” [Waterhouse, 1996]
- Japanese: "Come warriors, fight as one, ready in formation, line up and take position in front. Destroy/victory!"
Each of the nine syllables has a meaning that when integrated with the corresponding mudra, mantra, and visualization [corresponding deity] manifests sanmitsu kaji [grace, viture, merit of the Three mysteries]. In general it can be said that ku-ji is the harnessing and control of psychospiritual or psychophysical energies, and, or, of cosmic–universal spirits/deities/energies.
The deities most commonly called upon in mikkyo (esoteric Buddhism, Vajaryana-tantra) are deities of Hindu and Tantric origin, which are ultimately all emanations of Mahavairocana (Dainichi Nyorai). These deities are the Shitenno and the Godai myō-Ō, as well as Marishi-ten [Goddess of light], Nitten [Sun god], Bon-ten (Brahma
Brahma
Brahma is the Hindu god of creation and one of the Trimurti, the others being Vishnu and Shiva. According to the Brahma Purana, he is the father of Mānu, and from Mānu all human beings are descended. In the Ramayana and the...
), Ichiji Kinrin Bochto (Ekaksa-rosnisa-cakra, or Ekasara-buddhosnisa-cakra), and so on.
With relation to Japanese esoteric Buddhism [mikkyo], the yang/yō-syllables represent the Shitenno (Four Heavenly Kings), with the exception of the “kai” syllable which represents Fudo-myô-o. The yin/in-syllables represents the Godai myô-o. A simple look at the ku-ji and their relation to the prescribed deities shows a very logical pattern. The ku-ji and associated deities form a simple mandara, with Fudō myō-Ō at his rightful and proper place in the center, surrounded by the other four Myō at their respective locations, which comprises the inner sanctum–hall of the mandara. The shidaitenno being of a lower rank–office than the Myō, occupy the outer sanctum/hall of the mandara at their respective positions.
Fuju shu #199, kuji hon-i
Yô/yang syllables臨/Rin: Tammon-ten/Bishamon-ten (Vaisravana
Vaisravana
' or ' also known as Jambhala in Tibet and Bishamonten in Japan is the name of the chief of the Four Heavenly Kings and an important figure in Buddhist mythology.-Names:...
- Skt.)
闘/Tô: Jikoku-ten (Dhrtarastra
Dhṛtarāṣṭra
Dhṛtarāṣṭra refers to an important figure in Buddhist mythology.In Buddhism, Dhṛtarāṣṭra is one of the Four Heavenly Kings and an important figure in Buddhist mythology...
- Skt.)
皆/Kai: Fudo myô-o (Acalanatha -Skt.)
列/Restsu: Komoku-ten (Virupaksa - Skt.)
前/Zen: Zocho-ten (Virudhaka
Virudhaka
Virudhaka was son of Raja Prasenjit and king of Kashi Kosala.Soon after usurping the prosperous kingdom built up by his father Bimbisara, the parricide Ajatashatru went to war with his aged uncle Prasenjit, and gained complete control of Kashi...
-Skt.)
In/yin syllables
兵/Pyô: Gonzanze myô-o/Shozonzae myo-o (Trailokyavijaya -Skt.)
者/Shā: Kongō-yaksha myô-o (Vajrayaksa - Skt.)
陣/Jin: Gundari myô-o (Kundali
Kundali
Kundali is an Indian-produced television soap opera that originally aired on Metro Gold under DD Metro in 2002. After the channel closed, the series was taken over by STAR Plus, and aired from the beginning...
-Skt.)
在/Sai: Dai-itoku myô-o (Yamantaka -Skt.)
Fuju shu #200, kuji no daiji
This is the other kuji ho that most directly deals with the martial arts, the most direct being the above kuji hon-i.Yô/yang syllables
臨/Rin: Tammon-ten/Bishamon-ten (Vaisravana
Vaisravana
' or ' also known as Jambhala in Tibet and Bishamonten in Japan is the name of the chief of the Four Heavenly Kings and an important figure in Buddhist mythology.-Names:...
- Skt.)
闘/Tô: Nyoirin
皆/Kai: Aizen Myo-O (Ragaraja)
列/Restsu: Amida Nyorai (Amitābha
Amitabha
Amitābha is a celestial buddha described in the scriptures of the Mahāyāna school of Buddhism...
)
前/Zen: Monju bosatsu (Mañjuśrī
Manjusri
Mañjuśrī is a bodhisattva associated with transcendent wisdom in Mahāyāna Buddhism. In Esoteric Buddhism he is also taken as a meditational deity. The Sanskrit name Mañjuśrī can be translated as "Gentle Glory"...
)
In/yin syllables
兵/Pyô: Juichimen Kan'non (Ekadasa-mukha)
者/Shā: Fudosan (Ācalanātha)
陣/Jin: Sho Kan'non (Āryāvalokitesvara)
在/Sai: Miroku Bosatsu (Maitreya
Maitreya
Maitreya , Metteyya , or Jampa , is foretold as a future Buddha of this world in Buddhist eschatology. In some Buddhist literature, such as the Amitabha Sutra and the Lotus Sutra, he or she is referred to as Ajita Bodhisattva.Maitreya is a bodhisattva who in the Buddhist tradition is to appear on...
)
Other groupings of the ku-ji include:
A] Kujisuijaku [Nine Planets][Fuju Shu no. 197]
In Fuju #197 and #198 which relates to the nine planets and Seven Northern Stars, the purpose of the kuji-ho is to obtain protection, as well as longevity; and the correlations with the nine planets and Seven Northern Stars. The idea was to perform the ritual to remove bad or baleful influences which a particular star or stars might in exerting over at that time over a person in a particular age group, by converting it into an auspicious star, planet, and influence. [Waterhouse, 1996]臨/Rin: Keitosei [descending lunar node], southwest, Jizo bosatsu
兵/Pyô: Nichiyōsei [sun], northeast, Sunday, Fudo myo-O
闘/Tô: Mokuyōsei [Jupiter], east, Thursday, Monju bosatsu
者/Shā: Kayōsei [Mars], south, Tuesday, Hachiman bosatsu
皆/Kai: Ragosei [ascending lunar node], southeast, Dainichi Nyorai
陣/Jin: Doyōsei [Saturn], center, Saturday, Kan'non bosatsu
列/Restsu: Getsuyōsei [moon], northwest, Monday, Fugen bosatsu
在/Sai: Kin-yōsei [Venus], west, Friday, Kokuzo bosatsu
前/Zen: Suiyōsei [Mercury], north, Wednesday, Seishi bosatsu
- Note: if Myoken bosatsu is included at the end, kujisuijaku becomes jujisuijaku or ten stars/十曜星. Myoken is the primary deity of worship of the shukuyoo/宿曜 or nine constellations/planets.
B] Kujihonji [Northern Seven Stars (Big DipperBig DipperThe Plough, also known as the Big Dipper or the Saptarishi , is an asterism of seven stars that has been recognized as a distinct grouping in many cultures from time immemorial...
Ursa MajorUrsa MajorUrsa Major , also known as the Great Bear, is a constellation visible throughout the year in most of the northern hemisphere. It can best be seen in April...
))] [Fuju Shu 198]
臨/Rin: Donrōshō/貪狼星; Nichirin Bosatsu; ; [Dubhe; Alpha Ursae Majoris (α UMa / α Ursae Majoris)]兵/Pyô: Komoshō/巨門星; Gachirin Bosatsu; ; [Merak ; Beta Ursae Majoris (β UMa / β Ursae Majoris)]
闘/Tô: Rokuzonshō/禄存星; Kōmyōshō; [Phecda, Phekda or Phad; Gamma Ursae Majoris (γ UMa / γ Ursae Majoris)]
者/Shā: Monkokushō/文曲星; Zōchō Bosatsu; [Megrez; Delta Ursae Majoris (δ UMa / δ Ursae Majoris)]
皆/Kai: Renjōshō/簾貞星; Ekoshō Bosatsu; [Alioth; Epsilon Ursae Majoris (ε UMa / ε Ursae Majoris)]
陣/Jin: Mukokushō/武曲星; Jizō Bosatsu; [Mizar; (ζ UMa / ζ Ursae Majoris)]
列/Retsu: Hagunshō/破軍星; Kongōshu Bosatsu (Fugen bosatsu) (Samantabhadra
Samantabhadra
Samantabhadra , is a bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism associated with Buddhist practice and meditation. Together with Shakyamuni Buddha and fellow bodhisattva Manjusri he forms the Shakyamuni trinity in Buddhism...
-Skt.); [Alkaid (or Elkeid) and Benetnash (Benetnasch); Eta Ursae Majoris (η UMa / η Ursae Majoris)]
- Two attendant stars
在/Zai: Gatten; M101 [The Pin Wheel Galaxy] located to the north of Alkaid
前/Zen: Nitten; M51 [The Whirlpool Galaxy] located to the south of Alkaid
C] Zokushu
Zokushu is the earliest known Buddhist adaptation of the kuji. It is a kuji ritual based on KakubanKakuban
Kakuban , known posthumously as Kōgyō-Daishi was a priest of the Shingon sect of Buddhism in Japan and credited as a reformer, though his efforts also led to a schism between and...
's formula, in which each of the kuji corresponds to a shuji/bonji/bija
Bija
In Hinduism and Buddhism, the Sanskrit term बीज bīja , literally seed, is used as a metaphor for the origin or cause of things and cognate with bindu....
. However, instead of the original nine Taoist syllables, Kakuban created a new set of nine syllables based on the mantra of Amida Nyorai. There are in fact several zokushu rituals that Kakuban designed. The ritual itself is based on the deities Avalokitesvara
Avalokitesvara
Avalokiteśvara is a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. He is one of the more widely revered bodhisattvas in mainstream Mahayana Buddhism....
[Kan'non bosatsu], and Amida buddha (Amitabha
Amitabha
Amitābha is a celestial buddha described in the scriptures of the Mahāyāna school of Buddhism...
) as well as the nine deities of the inner sanctum of the Taizo-kai mandara/胎蔵界曼荼羅 (Garbhadhatu). Zokushu is based on Jodoshu [Pure land sect] and therefore the primary deity of worship is Amida Nyorai.
Zokushu #5
Zokushu #5 gives lists the nine original Taoist syllables and gives a corresponding Japanese syllable. The shuji themselves when placed in order of their corresponding kuji form no logical sentence or statement, and may represent Sanskrit bija, and, or Tantric deities, or, it may be a prayer. Without further evidence, no other conclusions can be made.
臨/Rin: Ri
兵/Pyô: Na
闘/Tô: Tan
者/Shā: Sha
皆/Kai: Ku
陣/Jin: Chirin
列/Retsu: Raku
在/Zai: Rau
前/Zen: Ron
- Ri-na-tan-sha-ku-chirin-raku-rau-ron
It is unclear how this set of kuji is related to the Sanskrit bija Kakuban gives for the primary zokushu kuji, which is the mantra of Amida buddha.
Um, a, mr, ta, te, je, ha, ra, hum
which compose the mantra,
Om amrta tese (teje) hara hum [Om to the elixir/nectar of immortality of most exalted virtues and noble strengths, to the heavenly queen Amida buddha, hum.] or [Om save us in the glory of the Deathless One hûm].
Another kuji formula is found in the writings of Jodo Shinshu
Jodo Shinshu
, also known as Shin Buddhism, is a school of Pure Land Buddhism. It was founded by the former Tendai Japanese monk Shinran. Today, Shin Buddhism is considered the most widely practiced branch of Buddhism in Japan.-Shinran :...
, founded by Shinran
Shinran
was a Japanese Buddhist monk, who was born in Hino at the turbulent close of the Heian Period and lived during the Kamakura Period...
, and is yet another mantra to Amida Nyorai which reads
- Na, mu, fu, ka, shi, gi, ko, nyo, rai
Which spells the mantra, Namu fukashigi-ko Nyorai (Homage to the Tathāgata [buddha] of inconceivable light.)
A juji formula is then given with the syllables,
- Ki, myō, jin, jip, pō, mu, ge, kō, nyo, rai
This spells the mantra, Kimyo jinjippō mugekō Nyorai (Homage to the Tathāgata [buddha] whose light shines without obstruction universally in the ten directions!)
It may be that this juji ritual is based on, or connected to an older Taoist juji formula,
- Ten-ryū-ko-ō-shō-ze-myō-ki-sui-dai
Rather these kuji and juji originated strictly within Japanese Buddhism is unlikely as Jodo Shinshu is, like many things in Japanese theology, influenced by Taoism. And it is also safe to assume that both Kakuban and Shinran would have been familiar with the various Taoist kuji and juji formulas. Rather or not their kuji and juji formulas are Japanese versions of Taoist formulas may never be known. However, what is clear is that they represent the earliest known use of the kuji and juji in Japanese esoteric Buddism [mikkyo]. (Waterhouse, 1996)
Again, in the absences of further evidence no other conclusions can be made.
The same ritual goes on to give a list of related Taoist deities [Waterhouse, 1996]:
C.2]
臨/Rin: Taishi兵/Pyô: Suzaku
闘/Tô: Bunno
者/Shā: Genbu
皆/Kai: Santei
陣/Jin: Byakko
列/Restsu: Gyokujo
在/Sai: Kyuchin
前/Zen: Seiryu
D] Shinto deities related to kuji
Lastly, in the late Edo jidai the kuji were practiced by various Shinto schools. And therefore, a set of correlations was developed between the kuji and various Shinto schools and related deities. Below is one such list belonging to a Shinto school in the Yamato region [Waterhouse, 1996]臨/Rin: Tensho Kodaijingu/ Amaterasu Omikami
Amaterasu Omikami
, or is apart of the Japanese myth cycle and also a major deity of the Shinto religion. She is the goddess of the sun, but also of the universe. the name Amaterasu derived from Amateru meaning "shining in heaven." The meaning of her whole name, Amaterasu-ōmikami, is "the great August kami who...
兵/Pyô: Sho Hachiman
Hachiman
In Japanese mythology, is the Japanese syncretic god of archery and war, incorporating elements from both Shinto and Buddhism. Although often called the god of war, he is more correctly defined as the tutelary god of warriors. He is also divine protector of Japan and the Japanese people...
Daijin
闘/Tô: Kasuga Daimyojin
者/Shā: Kamo Daimyojin
皆/Kai: Inari
Inari
Inari may refer to:* Inari , a Shinto spirit** Mount Inari in Japan, site of Fushimi Inari-taisha, the main Shinto shrine to Inari** Inari Shrine, shrines to the Shinto god Inari* Inari Sami, one of the Sami languages...
Daimyojin
陣/Jin: Sumiyoshi Daimyojin
列/Retsu: Tanyu Daimyojin
在/Zai: Nittenshi
前/Zen: Marishi-Ten
Marishi-Ten
In Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, Marici is known as the goddess of the heavens, goddess of light, and a solar deity. Also known elsewhere as , Marisha-Ten , and Mólìzhītiān Púsà . She is believed to be one of the Twenty Heaven Celestials...
(Marici
Marici
Marici may refer to:*Marici , a Ligurian people of Gallia Transpadana*Sanskrit term for the solar deity known in Japanese as Marishi-Ten*Marichi, masculine Sanskrit term for one of the Saptarshis...
-Skt.)
E] Tammon-Ten’s kaji kuji (VaisravanaVaisravana' or ' also known as Jambhala in Tibet and Bishamonten in Japan is the name of the chief of the Four Heavenly Kings and an important figure in Buddhist mythology.-Names:...
’s nine syllable empowerment)
Another kuji prayer is outlined by the monk Nichiei, and is found in the Lotus Sutra where it is uttered by the deva King of the North, Tammon-ten/Bishamon-ten (Vaisravana), and is said to guarantee protection to those who recite it.Ryo-hyaku-yu-jun-nai-mu-sho-sui-gen [Cause all feeble sickness to be naught a distance of a hundred yojans (approximately 1,000 miles)]
As it should be apparent, the kuji are a very adaptable ritual which has, and will likely continue to be, adapted to the local needs of the individual or organization. In so long as the overall structure of esoteric practice is understood, that being the practice of sanmitsu, then the kuji can be adopted to fit almost any need.
Meanings in Shinto
Each word is translated to the following meaning for ShintoShinto
or Shintoism, also kami-no-michi, is the indigenous spirituality of Japan and the Japanese people. It is a set of practices, to be carried out diligently, to establish a connection between present day Japan and its ancient past. Shinto practices were first recorded and codified in the written...
.
- Rin: To face.
- kyō /Hyō/Hei: The soldier.
- Tōh: To fight.
- Sha: The man (or the people); a foe
- Kai: The all, or the whole effect, or whole effort.
- Jin: In Formation, or position in camp or to prepare.
- Retsu: To move in column or a row, in a line; or marching, or to focus.
- Zai: To appear, or to exist to make yourself known, or create existence.
- Zen: To be in front. or show up in front.
Kuji-in is used as part of a ritual in Shinto, and is used to purify a person with a waterfall.
RIN
STRENGTH OF MIND AND BODY
At first this may appear to be physical strength and mental intellect but maybe we can think of this as being physically well and having a positive outlook.
Middle fingers extended, others interlocked.
PYO
DIRECTION OF ENERGY
To begin this may seem to refer to directing your energies into work but later it could be that you see it as a way of directing your internal energy to increase your inner power.
Index fingers and thumbs extended, middle fingers curled over index fingers. Others interlocked.
TOH
HARMONY WITH THE UNIVERSE
This can work on many levels from learning to live in peace with mankind and the animal kingdom to being at one with yourself.
Last two fingers extended to form a V (tips touching). Thumbs extended, others interlocked.
SHA
HEALING OF SELF AND OTHERS
The ability to heal is more powerful than the ability to kill. When you sense your inner power you will no longer succumb to viruses and other ailments. A word to those that would use their powers to harm others: "It is easy to kill a man, but could you watch one die?" Index fingers and thumbs extended, others interlocked.
KAI
PREMONITION OF DANGER
If this cut is fully achieved you may find that you can feel the emotions of others (even at a distance) which can aid in knowing how others will react in a given situation.
All fingers interlocked.
JIN
KNOWING THOUGHTS OF OTHERS
I believe that this cut increases your ability to "feel" the thoughts of others. When your are adept at this power you can hide your thoughts and feelings from others.
All fingers interlocked inwards.
RETSU
MASTERY OF SPACE AND TIME
Think of this... Have you ever noticed how the day has passed quickly for others but has taken an age for you?. Everybody has the ability to control their own "time". With this power one could use it to easily defeat an opponent.
Index finger of left hand pointing up with the fingers of the right hand curling round it. The thumb of the right hand should be pressed against the outside edge of the nail on the index finger of the left hand).
ZAI
CONTROL OF THE ELEMENTS OF NATURE
Can one truly control nature? Maybe the real answer is that a Ninja understands nature and works with it.
Fingers outspread, palms out. Index fingers and thumbs touching.
ZEN
ENLIGHTENMENT
Know yourself before you ask "Who are you?"
Right hand covering Left hand. Thumb tips touching.
Meanings in Buddhism
Each word is translated to the following meaning in BuddhismBuddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
.
- Rin, to confront
- Pyō /Hyō/Hei to soldier on
- Tō, to Battle with
- Sha, Against One/Person
- Kai, With everyone/entire/group
- Jin, The formation
- Retsu, In a row
- Zai, To Presence
- Zen, To move Forward
There as many as 81 variations to the Kuji-in within certain sects of Buddhism in Japan, to say nothing of other mudra that are also used.
Meanings in Ninjutsu
While the kuji-in have no unique relation to ninjutsuNinjutsu
or may be:*the arts associated with espionage and assassination in feudal Japan, see Ninja*modern schools of martial arts claiming to be based in these traditions, see Modern Schools of Ninjutsu*fictional depictions, see Ninja in popular culture...
, the ninja traditions are steeped in esoteric Buddhist beliefs, especially Mikkyo
Mikkyo
Mikkyō is a Japanese term that refers to the esoteric Vajrayāna practices of the Shingon Buddhist school and the related practices that make up part of the Tendai school. There are also various Shingon- and Tendai-influenced practices of Shugendō...
. The kuji-in are used in a number of their meditations, both those related simply to their religious practice and those dealing with their martial arts; in some ways, they are used similarly to the Taoist ideas in Chinese internal martial arts (some of the ideas of Chinese internal arts are, however, incorporated in many Japanese arts, including ninjutsu
Ninjutsu
or may be:*the arts associated with espionage and assassination in feudal Japan, see Ninja*modern schools of martial arts claiming to be based in these traditions, see Modern Schools of Ninjutsu*fictional depictions, see Ninja in popular culture...
and jujutsu
Jujutsu
Jujutsu , also known as jujitsu, ju-jitsu, or Japanese jiu-jitsu, is a Japanese martial art and a method of close combat for defeating an armed and armored opponent in which one uses no weapon, or only a short weapon....
). In his book Ninja Vol. II: Warrior Ways of Enlightenment, Stephen K. Hayes
Stephen K. Hayes
Stephen K. Hayes is an American Bujinkan ninjutsu master, Buddhist priest and writer.-Life and martial arts:Stephen K. Hayes was born in Wilmington, Delaware and raised in Dayton, Ohio. He graduated from Fairmont West High School, Kettering, Ohio in 1967. He began formal training in the martial...
claims the following interpretations:
- Rin - Strength
- Pyō / Hyō - Channel
- Tō - Harmony
- Sha - Healing
- Kai - Sense of Danger
- Jin - Reading of thoughts.
- Retsu - Control space and time.
- Zai - sky or elements control.
- Zen - enlightenment.
The kuji-in are a tool to be used in meditation, and are frequently over-simplified in popular culture as being a form of magic. This misrepresentation, along with the misuse of the mudra and mantra, has been further popularized by Dead or Alive
Dead or Alive (video game series)
is a video game series that is primarily composed of fast-paced 3D fighting games for arcades and home systems. The series is produced by Tecmo and developed by Team Ninja. Its story and characters are the creation of Tomonobu Itagaki, who has since left the company and is no longer working on the...
, Tekken, Tenchu
Tenchu
Tenchu is the title of a stealth game series of video games originally developed by Acquire wherein the player assumes the role of a ninja....
and certain neo-ninja.
In popular culture
- In the animeAnimeis the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
Sailor MoonSailor MoonSailor Moon, known as , is a media franchise created by manga artist Naoko Takeuchi. Fred Patten credits Takeuchi with popularizing the concept of a team of magical girls, and Paul Gravett credits the series with "revitalizing" the magical-girl genre itself...
, ReiRei Hinois one of the central characters in the Sailor Moon metaseries. Her real name is , a Shinto priestess and schoolgirl who can transform into one of the series' specialized heroines, the Sailor Senshi....
used the Kuji-in front of a fire to see visions. She also used it to banish oni when used with an ofudaOfudaOfuda, is a gofu or a talisman issued by a Shinto shrine. It may also be called shinpu . It is made by inscribing the name of a kami and the name of the Shinto shrine or of a representative of the kami on a strip of paper, wood, cloth, or metal.It is to be renewed yearly, typically before the end...
, or anti-evil scroll. This was first seen in episode 10. - In the light novels and anime for Ghost HuntGhost Hunt, originally titled , is a light novel series written by Fuyumi Ono. It follows the adventures of the Shibuya Psychic Research Center as they investigate mysterious occurrences all over Japan with a team of other spiritualists and clever assistants. Although the last novel was published in 1994,...
, this is one of the first protection mantras that the miko Ayako Matsuzaki teaches to Mai Taniyama to help protect her during a case. She eventually uses the technique against a human and is harshly chided for this by the monk Takigawa Houshou. - In the anime Descendants of DarknessDescendants of Darknessis a fantasy manga series created by Yoko Matsushita. The story revolves around shinigami. These Guardians of Death work for Enma Daiō, the king of the dead, sorting out the expected and unexpected arrivals to the Underworld...
, it's used to break a curse. - In the anime Tactics, the main character Kantarou Ichinomiya uses the Kuji-in to control the spirits that he battles.
- In Tales of the World: Radiant MythologyTales of the World: Radiant Mythologyis a spin-off of the Tales action role-playing game series for the PlayStation Portable. Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology's characteristic genre name is . Like some of the previous games that bear Tales of the World in their title, this game is a crossover title featuring characters from...
, each of the Kuji-in appear in the Ninja's class's Mystic Arte, Fuuma Kuinken. - In Ninja Gaiden for the Xbox, Ninja Gaiden 2 for the Xbox 360 and Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword, Ryu Hayabusa uses the Kuji-In to increase his physical endurance.
- In Revenge of the NinjaRevenge of the NinjaRevenge of the Ninja is an action movie starring Shô Kosugi as a ninja. It is considered part of a ninja trilogy, starting with Enter the Ninja and ending with Ninja III: The Domination , but the stories are not directly related...
, both Braden and Cho do Kuji-in hand signals and before doing battle. - In Ninja AssassinNinja AssassinNinja Assassin is a 2009 American martial arts film directed by James McTeigue. The story was written by Matthew Sand, with a screenplay penned by J. Michael Straczynski of Babylon 5. The film stars South Korean pop musician Rain as a disillusioned assassin looking for retribution against his...
, Raizo uses the Kuji-in to heal his wound. - In Super Street Fighter IVSuper Street Fighter IVis a 2010 fighting game produced by Capcom. It is an updated version of Street Fighter IV and has been said to mark the definitive end of the Street Fighter IV series. Having been deemed as too large an update to be deployed as DLC, the game was made into a standalone title, but given a lower price...
, Guy uses the Kuji-in as his primary taunt, standing and performing the hand postures rapidly while muttering the chant. - In Soul Blade (a.k.a Soul Edge) it is used in one of the endings - it is used to kill a demon.
- In the My Date with a VampireMy Date with a VampireMy Date with a Vampire is a 1998 Hong Kong television series produced by ATV. It was followed by My Date with a Vampire II and My Date with a Vampire III . The drama starred Eric Wan and Joey Meng in the leading roles. The plot is based on future events of the story in Vampire Expert, a similar...
series, Joey Meng's character uses the mantra to summon the Ma Dragon. - In Scott Pilgrim vs. the WorldScott Pilgrim vs. the WorldScott Pilgrim vs. the World is a 2010 comedy film directed by Edgar Wright, based on the graphic novel series Scott Pilgrim by Bryan Lee O'Malley. The film is about Scott Pilgrim , a young Canadian musician, meeting the girl of his dreams, Ramona Flowers , an American delivery girl...
, the seventh Ex-boyfriend of Ramona, Gideon, makes a Kuji-in in order to summon his Pixel Katana. - In the historical fantasyHistorical fantasyHistorical fantasy is a sub-genre of fantasy and related to historical fiction, which makes use of specific elements of real world history. It is used as an umbrella term for the sword and sorcery genre and sometimes, if fantasy is involved, the sword-and-sandal genre too...
novel Teito MonogatariTeito Monogatariis a massive Japanese historical fantasy epic written by Hiroshi Aramata.-Overview:The story is a retelling of the history of Edo from an occultist perspective. The premise is based on the idea that the curse of Taira no Masakado greatly influenced the city's history from its inception to the...
by Hiroshi AramataHiroshi Aramatais a Japanese author, translator, and screenplay writer, as well as a specialist in natural history and cartography.His most popular novel was Teito Monogatari , which has sold over 3.5 million copies in Japan alone. He also wrote Alexander Senki, a novel which eventually evolved into the anime...
, the main character Yasunori KatoYasunori Katois a fictional character, the antagonist of the Japanese historical fantasy series Teito Monogatari, created by Hiroshi Aramata.Since his first cinematic appearance in 1988, Yasunori Kato has gone on to become a well known and well respected archetype in Japanese popular culture having inspired a...
constantly executes kuji-in before casting a spell. This is especially evident in the cinematic adaptations Tokyo: The Last MegalopolisTokyo: The Last Megalopolisis a tokusatsu historical fantasy film produced in 1987 by Exe and distributed in 1988 by Toho Studios. It is the first live-action adaptation of the Teito Monogatari series by Hiroshi Aramata.-Plot:...
and Doomed MegalopolisDoomed Megalopolisis an anime rendition of the Japanese historical fantasy epic Teito Monogatari . Like it's live-action predecessor, Tokyo: The Last Megalopolis, the anime is only an adaptation of the first 1/3rd of the original novel. It was released by Toei in 1991 as a 4-part OVA...
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