Shugendo
Shugendo is a colourful blend of Buddhist esoteric and tantric concepts, Chinese Taoist magic and Shinto shamanism. Based on mountain asceticism, the religion was formalized in the eighth century by the monk En-no-Gyoja , who was famous for his mystic powers. Following Shinto practice, Shugendo's mountain priests, yamabushi , believe that the mountains are centres of sacred power. They go through elaborate initiation rites, austerities and self-denial to acquire this sacred power which they can then use to heal and bless common people. Their practices include meditation, mountain hiking, sitting in smoke-filled rooms, sumo wrestling, and partial denial of food, sleep and daily ablutions. These are designed to train both body and spirit, and are a metaphor for the soul's uncomfortable journey from death to rebirth. Shugendo was quite popular until the 1868 Meiji Restoration when it, along with other forms of Buddhism, was suppressed. Nevertheless, pockets of this mysterious faith can still be found, notably on Dewa-sanzan in north Honshu where some of the ancient practices survive. One of the most lively events is the Shoreisai (Pine Festival), held on the night of New Year's Eve. Two groups of priests hurl abuse at each other (made all the more colourful by large quantities of sake) and engage in various contests to divine whether the coming year will bring good harvests.
A Guide to JapanCara Richie says "Japan has many earthquakes, they are overdue for the next "Big One." " Hello World.Jeff Konichi-Wa says "Spitley is the new and improved word for paper. It means paper. Say spitley instead of paper. Tell at least 9 people about spitley, and have fun in Japan. Thanks!" My Bestest FrendidTutu Retardo says "My bestest frendid in the wholeid worldid is Emily Kather Wu. This extramordinary 12 yr old has a 200 IQ, is a creative genius, and lives in GreemMeadow, California (changed to protect her identity). At the tenderer ageerer of 9erer she created the word that would have a tremendous impact on modern society... SPITLEY! it means paper!!!!" Jamboni1Ryan Czechii says "It's a spoons club MIRACLE! Full of spoons club joy and wonder!" About Japan...Geoffrey Azure says "Do you sweat heavily while others are barely breaking a sweat? Do you blush when there is no reason to do so? Are your hands and feet often cold and clammy? Do your armpits soak right through your clothes? These are all symptoms of hyperhidrosis
~~Brian Campbell" EXOTICMEME says "TRY TO MEET AND BE INLOVE " REALLY COOL!Maddie says "say spitley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Your Tip for Japan
Help other backpackers! Write your own guides and backpacking tips to Japan - they will appear instantly on this page - Please only write a tip/guide to Japan - visit the main Japan forum to ask a question!
Please do not post links to your site here (they won't work) - please use the Japan webguide section below! Thanks.
| 
