Shugendo at Mt. Shigi

Shugendo is a uniquely Japanese spiritual discipline born from the fusion of Japan's ancient mountain worship and Buddhist teachings. Practitioners enter the mountains and undergo rigorous ascetic training in nature, striving to temper body and mind and to attain the wisdom of the Buddha.

Shugendo practitioners are known as "yamabushi" (mountain ascetics). Yamabushi traverse mountain paths, stand beneath waterfalls, burn sacred goma fires, and chant sutras — all while confronting the self amidst the grandeur of nature. Through the spiritual power gained from such practices, they attend to the sorrows and sufferings of the people, offering salvation through prayer and spiritual empowerment. This is the essential mission of Shugendo.

The founder of Shugendo is traditionally identified as En no Gyoja (also known as En no Ozunu), an ascetic of the Asuka period. For more than thirteen hundred years since his time, the practices of Shugendo have been faithfully transmitted at sacred mountains throughout Japan.

Mt. Shigi is a mountain of profound spiritual power, its origins traced to the occasion when Prince Shotoku received a divine revelation of Bishamonten, the Heavenly King. Since ancient times, countless ascetics have entered this mountain to undertake the practices of Shugendo.

Of particular note is the Venerable Myoren, the founder of Senjuin, who is said to have acquired extraordinary spiritual abilities through many years of rigorous training at Mt. Shigi. The National Treasure "Shigisan Engi Emaki" (Illustrated Legends of Mt. Shigi) depicts the remarkable tale of Myoren using his supernaturally endowed powers to send a begging bowl flying through the air and to transport an entire rice storehouse aloft.

Distinctive Characteristics of Shugendo at Mt. Shigi

The defining characteristic of Shugendo at Mt. Shigi lies in its deep connection with the worship of Bishamonten. Bishamonten is a guardian deity of the Buddhist Law and the god of victory and good fortune. The ascetics of Mt. Shigi have continued their training under the protection of Bishamonten, dedicating the merit of their practice to the benefit of all people.

Furthermore, Mt. Shigi occupies a strategically significant position on the border between the provinces of Yamato and Kawachi, and has long attracted the devotion of military commanders. Records attest that warriors such as Kusunoki Masashige visited Mt. Shigi to pray for victory in battle.

Goma Fire Ritual

The goma fire ritual is one of the central rites of Shugendo. Firewood is placed upon the goma altar, and various offerings are cast into the flames as prayers are offered to the Buddha. At Senjuin, the goma fire has been kindled without interruption for more than eleven hundred years, continuing to this very day.

Mountain Ascetic Training

Practitioners walk through the mountain terrain of Mt. Shigi, undertaking their training amidst nature. The act of walking itself constitutes a form of practice, with prayer imbued in every step. Within the severity and beauty of nature, it is a precious time for confronting oneself.

Daily Devotional Services

The daily devotional services involve chanting sutras and offering prayers to the Buddha at fixed times each day. From morning devotions through the goma fire ritual to evening services, practitioners engage with the Buddha multiple times throughout the day.