A syncretic mountain
religion of Japan blending the Mikkyo teachings of esoteric Buddhism (Shingon and Tendai sects), Tibetan Mysticism, and indiginous Japanese Shinto and folk religions emphasizing
Nature worship. The
religion has its earliest inception in the 7th century by
En no Gyoja (En the Ascetic). Followers are called Shugenja and often synonymous with ascetic mountain warriors called yamabushi, "those who dwell in the mountains". As well, because of their garb and historically secretive lifestyle, they are frequently associated with the infamous
Ninja.
Shugenja and Yamabushi (often incorrectly translated as "mountain warriors") were frequently very adept fighters. The
history of Shugenja's and yamabushi's fighting ability and secretive lifestyle, as well as the
ninja's use of yamabushi religious garb to travel in disguise have blurred the lines between
ninja, yamabushi, and Shugenja.
Modern day Shugenja still exist in Japan and throughout the world. Pilgrimages involving mountain treks and performance of austere
faith-testing rituals such as walking across burning coals and prolonged cold water immersion while reciting Sutras and confessing sins and weaknesses are still performed.
Outside these rituals, Shugenja are in all walks of life and attempt to translate their tangible acts of courage from the mountain rituals into courage in daily life. The secrecy once mandated by the risk of persecution for openly practicing their beliefs has diminished in modern day practice however, as a matter of historical integrity and austere
faith, many Shugenja still choose to remain relatively anonymous in their daily life and strictly limit
access to their "selves" (the genjutsu tradition of hiding
one's body) foregoing photographs and biometric data collection as a modern day method of disguise. Many Shugendo rituals are, to this day, hidden behind the veil of secrecy (denju) and transmitted only orally from teacher to disciple.
