Yamabushi
Yamabushi : A holy person or hermit who dwells in the mountains and has special powers. In some Japanese legends they associate with tengu, spirits…
Month: November 2020
Yakushi
Yakushi (Yakushi-Nyorai) The Buddha of healing, or “master of remedies,” Yakushi brings cures for diseases to mankind. As a bosatsu or “future Buddha,” he dedicated…
Yofune-Nushi
Yofune-Nushi According to ancient Japanese myths, a large sea serpent that demanded a maiden to be sacrificed to it every year on June 13. YofuneNushi…
Yomi
Yomi (Yomi-no-Kuni, Yomi-Tsu-Kuni) The netherworld, or land of the dead, in Shinto myths. The word is translated in different ways in English: “night heart” or…
Yoshitsune
Yoshitsune (Yorimitsu, Yorisune, Ushiwaka) (1159–1189) Also known as Raiko in the legends that followed his death, Yorisune was a real member of the Minamoto clan…
Zōchō-Ten
Zōchō-Ten (Zocho, Zōjōten) One of the four heavenly kings or Shi Tennō. Zōchō-Ten guards the south. SOURCE: Japanese Mythology A-Z – Second Edition – Written…
Zenkō-Ji
Zenkō-Ji An important Japanese Buddhist temple in Nagano. According to ancient belief, touching a key in a special passage below the temple will lead to…
Zen Buddhism
Of the many forms of Buddhism practiced around the world, Zen Buddhism is probably the form most often identified with Japan in the West. While…
Zaō
Zaō A bosatsu (future Buddha) associated with Mount Mitake. According to legend, Zaō helped the holy man E no Uasoku as he subdued demons in…
Moribondo
Moribondo Pronunciation: (More-uh-BON-do) From the Brittany region of France, ancient Celtic lore tells of the moribondo vampire. It feeds strictly on the blood of cattle,…