En no Gyōja

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En no Gy%C5%8Dja, Kamakura period, polychromed wood

En no Gyōja (役行者), also known as En no Ozunu, is a semi-legendary figure in Japanese mythology and Shugendō, a Japanese mountain ascetic practice of spiritual and physical endurance. Traditionally believed to have lived during the late 7th to early 8th century, En no Gyōja is revered as the founder of Shugendō, a syncretic religion that blends Buddhism, Shinto, and Taoism, focusing on the quest for spiritual power through ascetic practices in the mountains.

Biography

Little is known about the historical figure of En no Gyōja, and much of his life is shrouded in legend. According to traditional accounts, he was born in the Katsuragi region, near present-day Nara Prefecture. He is said to have possessed supernatural powers from a young age, which he used to help the people and to teach the dharma. En no Gyōja spent much of his life in the mountains, practicing asceticism and developing the spiritual and physical disciplines that would become the foundation of Shugendō.

Legends and Teachings

En no Gyōja is often depicted in Japanese art and literature as a powerful yogi with the ability to command spirits and natural forces. One of the most famous legends about him involves his ability to fly and to walk across impassable mountain ranges. He is also said to have had the power to summon and control oni (demons) and other supernatural beings to aid him in his spiritual quest.

His teachings emphasize the importance of physical endurance, meditation, and rituals as means to attain enlightenment and spiritual power. En no Gyōja's practices were deeply influenced by Buddhism, particularly Esoteric Buddhism, which was gaining popularity in Japan during his lifetime. However, his teachings also incorporated elements of Shinto and Taoism, reflecting the syncretic nature of Shugendō.

Persecution and Legacy

Despite his contributions to Japanese spiritual practices, En no Gyōja faced persecution from the authorities. According to some accounts, he was exiled to Izu Oshima Island due to accusations of using his supernatural powers to deceive the people. However, his followers continued to venerate him, and his teachings became the cornerstone of Shugendō.

Today, En no Gyōja is considered a saint in Shugendō, and many pilgrimages and rituals are conducted in his honor. His legacy is most visible in the sacred mountains of Japan, such as Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono, where Shugendō practitioners, known as yamabushi, continue to follow the ascetic practices he established.

In Popular Culture

En no Gyōja has also left a significant imprint on Japanese culture and is a popular figure in folklore, literature, and media. He is often portrayed as a wise and powerful sage with deep knowledge of the natural world and the spiritual realm.

See Also

• Shugendō
• Yamabushi
• Japanese mythology
• Esoteric Buddhism