Popular legends tell of Ajari Joan being a Buddhist priest on Hakkotsu-San, or Skeleton Mountain. While there, he fell in love with a girl, a violation of his oath of celibacy. Because of his sins he became an okuma, or devil, and destroyed his temple. Much later he came to his senses and devoted himself to prayer. He continued to pray—even after his death—and was transformed into a praying skeleton. The story can be interpreted as a metaphor: no matter
how great your sin, it is possible to repent.
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SOURCE:
Japanese Mythology A-Z – Second Edition – Written by Jeremy Roberts – Copyright © 2010 by Jim DeFelice – Publisher : Chelsea House Publishers