2025.04.04

The Legend and Influence of Shugendo's Founder, Yakukosumi

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Ennozunu is an important figure in the history and religion of Japan whose name is unknown. As the founder of Shugendo, a unique religious system based on mountain worship, he had a great influence on future generations. He was born in 634 in the village of Kayahara in the Katsuragi region of Yamato Province, in present-day Gosho City, Nara Prefecture, and until his end in 701, his footprints are deeply engraved in the spiritual culture of Japan. During this period, Japan was in a turbulent period from the Asuka period to the Nara period, and while the acceptance of Buddhism was progressing, the worship of nature from ancient times remained deeply rooted. He fused both of these currents to create his own religious outlook.

Article Contents

The Legend and Profound Influence of the Founder of Shugendo, Yakukosumi

The Legend and Profound Influence of the Founder of Shugendo, Yakukosumi

From childhood to the path of training, the birth of a child prodigy

As a child, Yakosumi was hailed as a "child prodigy" for his extraordinary talent. His innate spirituality, and his keen intellect that seemed to confirm it, amazed those around him.

As a teenager, he begins to embark on the path of training and hone his outstanding abilities. At the age of 17, he entered the Motokoji Temple in Nara, where he studied the mysteries of esoteric Buddhism, the Peacock Myō Dharma. This Peacock Ming King Law became the basis of the subsequent religious activities of the Yakusoku and became a source of magical power and spiritual revelation.

Kazuhisa Fukutomi

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However, he did not stop at training in the temple and sought rigorous training in nature. He stayed on spiritual peaks such as Mt. Katsuragi and Mt. Omine, and trained rigorously day and night.

Mountain training was a way to train the mind and purify the body in the harshness of nature, and at the same time, to directly feel the spiritual power of nature and turn it into one's own strength. In this way, he fused mountain worship with esoteric magic and established his own Shugendō.

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Establishment of Shugendō and the fusion of nature and man, spirit and body

Shugendō is more than just a branch of Buddhism. It is a religious system unique to Japan that is intricately intertwined with various religions and philosophies, such as Japan's ancient nature worship, Buddhism, Taoism, and the Yin-Yang Way.

The ascetics regarded the mountains as sacred sites and sought to achieve physical and mental purification and gain supernatural powers by practicing in their harsh environments. He played the most important role as the person who laid the foundation for Shugendo.

Akane

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He traveled to spiritual peaks all over Japan and opened sacred sites there. In doing so, I was not only involved in training, but also deeply involved in the nature, beliefs, and traditions of the land. The harshness of the forests, the majesty of nature, and the vitality of the animals and plants that inhabit them were all places of training for ascetics and a guidepost to enlightenment.

In particular, strict eating habits, such as eating only pine needles and grass butterflies, abstained from physical desires and pursued spiritual purity.

Naomi

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Shugendo, which was established by Yakosumi, emphasized not only the practice of staying in the mountains, but also the role in society.

It is said that he used his spiritual power to save people, heal diseases, and exorcise calamities. Shugendō was a comprehensive religious system that not only promoted personal spiritual growth through rigorous practice, but also aimed to contribute to society

Cathy

Communion with demons: The legend of the former and later demons

In telling the story of Yakusumi's life, it is his relationship with demons that is indispensable. One of the most famous episodes is probably the episode with the couple's demon gods, "Mae Oni" and "Later Oni". These two were once demons that brought disaster to people, but they were converted by Yakozumi and became his disciples. This story has been passed down not only as a legend, but also as an important element of the teachings of Shugendo.

The former demon is depicted in the form of a red demon with an iron axe in his hand and a being who carves out a new path. It can be said that this symbolizes the ascetic's ability to carve out and move forward in the mountains, and at the same time, it also represents the power to cut off one's inner hesitations and desires.
The latter demon is a blue oni, carrying a water jar and is depicted as a symbol of pure spiritual water. Water is the source of life and represents purity, and it is believed that the Go-Oni plays a role in purifying and purifying the minds of ascetics.
The former and second demons had five children, each of whom is said to have played a role in opening the Shugendō monasteries. They were called the "Five Demons" and played an important role in the Shugendō faith. The story of the former demon and the latter demon can be interpreted as suggesting the spiritual power of the demon to convert the demon, and at the same time, expressing both the good and the evil that lurks in humans.
It can be said that it represents the tolerant spirit of Shugendo, which accepts and harmonizes even hostile beings. The area where they opened is still alive and well and is an important pilgrimage site in Shugendo.

Exile and Return: Relationship and Trials with Emperor Bunmu

However, Yakusumi's life has not always been smooth sailing. His spiritual power and overwhelming support from the people sometimes posed a threat to the imperial court, which was the power of the time.

As a result, he was exiled by order of Emperor Bunmu and sent to Izu Oshima in 699. It is believed that this was due to the intentions of the imperial court, who feared that his outstanding abilities could shake the existing power structure and social order.

Akane

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However, this exile has resulted in the further strengthening of the power of the role Xiaokaku. It is said that even on Izu Oshima, he did not neglect his practice and continued to increase his spiritual power.

Two years later, in 701, a general amnesty was granted, and he was able to return home. This story of exile and return was a symbolic event that showed that he was not just an ascetic, but a special being, and further emphasized his supernatural powers.

Naomi

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His return from exile was a major factor in deepening his faith, showing that he had overcome trials and ascended to a higher level.

Honoring him as a Divine Transformation Bodhisattva and Respecting Posterity

After the death of Yakusoku, his fame did not diminish, but rather continued to grow. In the Heian period, he was known as "Yakusha" and came to be revered by many people as the founder of Shugendo.

And in the Edo period, the title of "Divine Transformation Great Bodhisattva" is conferred by Emperor Kōkaku. The title was an official recognition of his great achievements, his extraordinary spiritual powers, and his far-reaching religious influence.

Akane

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The title of "Divine Transformation Great Bodhisattva" means that he is not just a human being, but a being close to a god.

His superhuman strength and the way he gives salvation to people have become the object of faith of many people, and to this day, he is deeply revered as a central figure in Shugendo. There are many shrines and temples dedicated to him, and many people visit them at any given time, come into contact with his teachings, and follow in his footsteps.

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The Historical Influence of Yakosumi and the Spirit of the Present

The Shugendō bequeathed by Yakosumi is deeply rooted in modern Japan culture and beliefs. Religious practices set in the mountains played a very important role in shaping Japan's religious identity.

In particular, the strong influence of Shugendo in the Yoshino and Kumano regions remains strong even today, and has had a great influence on many sacred place beliefs.

Akane

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In addition, the disciples of Yakozumi and related beings such as the former and later demons have become important symbols in local culture and folklore. These stories are passed down through festivals and traditional performing arts and play an important role in shaping the identity of the people of the region.

In addition, the form of belief based on the practice and legend of Yakosumi has influenced many literary and artistic works, and continues to be loved by people throughout the ages.

Naomi

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For example, the Shugendo-style pilgrimage to Mt. Yoshino in Nara Prefecture and Kumano Taisha Shrine in Wakayama Prefecture is known as a place where you can directly feel the footprints of Yakukosumi.

These places are visited by many people, not just as tourist destinations, but also as objects of faith. The Shugendo pilgrimage is an experience that cleanses the mind and body and promotes spiritual growth by walking on a harsh mountain path and becoming one with nature.

Cathy

Inspiration for the present and harmony with nature

As of 2024, the belief in Shugendō is still continuing throughout the country, and many people visit the many sacred sites and temples related to Yakukosumi every day.

In recent years, the teachings of Shugen, which seeks to be in harmony with nature, have been re-evaluated, providing new inspiration for those who value environmental issues and inner growth. Shugendō has the potential to provide a solution to the various problems faced by modern society or a new perspective.

The footprints of Yakukosumi are not only a religious heritage of Japan, but also have a wide influence on the psyche of modern people.

His life and teachings teach us universal values that encompass nature, spirituality, and diverse religious views. It can be a guideline for reaffirming the connection between humans and nature, which is being lost in modern society, and for restoring peace of mind.

Throughout his life, he sought to fuse and reconcile various opposing concepts, such as nature and man, spirit and body, good and evil, and life and death.

His way of life, his teachings, still teach us a lot today. Its presence continues to inspire us deeply, throughout the ages.

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