An Analysis of Shugendō of Bujutsu―Based on Ten-ryu―

Abstract

This research considers the influence of the Shugendō in Bujutsu practice focusing on Ten-ryu. The purpose of this study is to analyze the technique and thought found in The Ten-ryu Shomokuroku and The Kandatsu Family Collection. The Ten-ryu Shomokuroku is said to be a book of secrets from the beginning days of Ten-ryu. The Kandatsu Family Collection mostly contains information regarding magical practices.

In the Ten-ryu Shomokuroku, combination of technology and mystic words (chanting) was obtained and the importance of mystic words was checked in technical motion of Ten-ryu. The contents of the mystic words (chanting) aimed for unification of the chanter with a Tengu.

On the other hand, the Kandatsu Family collection, aims at the unification between the self, nature, and the Shinto and Buddhist deities.

The processes to begin unification with nature are as below.

(1) Nature (the cosmos) is felt within the body.

(2) A natural integration of one's body with the environment it exists in.

(3) Confidence that Shinto and Buddhist deities exists in all the places of the body.

(4) Becomes the transcendence existence that conforms to the Chinese five elements theory.

Being united with the Shinto and Buddhist deities means forming esoteric Buddhism's outlook of the cosmos in the body. It became the backing of the technique.