[Buddha-l] Query--forest tradition monks in Japan today?

[Kate Marshall]

> Most likely "he who quells the mountains".

Thanks!

I came across an entry (shown below) at
http://www.docoja.com/cgi-bin/keywordj?histg+ninja+dico/hisgifg that
translates "yamabushi" as "those who sleep in mountains".  Does anyone agree
with this translation?

Yamabushi

alternative words: Yama-bushi, Yama bushi
keywords: ninja, religion
related topics: Shugendo, Heian period, Ninja
explanation: Literally those who sleep in mountains, they belong to Shugendo
order which consists to practice austerities in mountains in order to get
magic power. They are easily recognizable by their dress: a small black cap
(tokin), a checkered kimono (suzukake), a Buddhist rosary (nenju), a
conch-shell trumpet (horagai), a staff with rings (shakujo). During middle
ages, Yamabushi became one of ninja's preferred disguise methods because it
allowed them to move freely without provoking any suspicion.

Also came across http://www.skydancers.com/japan/27yoshino6.html which shows
photos of a yamabushi ceremony.

Regards
Kate


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