Japanese Art and the Warrior Monk: Benkei, Buddhism and Power of the Shinto Faith

MODERN TOKYO TIMES
By Lee Jay Walker

This ukiyo-e imags come from the toshidama (Toshidama Gallery)

JAPAN---Benkei is a natural hero therefore many stories within Japanese folklore are related to his prowess and binding loyalty. Benkei naturally fitted in well with the lifestyle of the Yamabushi (mountain warrior monks) because he often visited Buddhist monasteries. The allure of Benkei is that he also obtained great knowledge from the many Buddhist monasteries that he visited therefore he fused many powerful realities together. Buddhism was a very powerful theme within the lifestyle of Benkei but the old ways of Shintoism also impacted on him greatly. After all, the indigenous Shinto faith altered many dynamics related to Buddhism once this philosophical way of life reached the shores of Japan. Indeed, the Yamabushi fused many areas of faith and traditions together with the upshot being new powerful concepts and a natural balance within the fabric of society. [link]