“A posthumous title?” Standing before the \u795e\u5909\u5927\u83e9\u85a9 Stele one might wonder about such things. It is a title granted after death. This stele marks the honor bestowed upon En no Ozuno. He was the founder of Shugendo.
En no Ozuno also known as En no Gyoja lived from 634 to 706. Legend surrounds him. He is revered as the father of Shugendo. This is a Japanese practice of asceticism and shamanism in mountain locations.
The story of \u795e\u5909\u5927\u83e9\u85a9 begins long ago. In 1799 Emperor Kokaku sent an envoy to Shogo-in Temple. This was to honor En no Gyoja. It was the 1100th anniversary of his death. The Emperor bestowed upon him the title of Jinben-daibosatsu. This translates to \u795e\u5909\u5927\u83e9\u85a9.
So who was this man worthy of such a title? En no Ozuno was a holy man. He lived during the Asuka and Nara periods. He resided in the Katsuragi Mountains. People knew him for his magical abilities.
Legend says En no Ozuno could command Kijin. These are fierce gods. He used them for labor. He even bound them when they disobeyed.
The \u795e\u5909\u5927\u83e9\u85a9 Stele is more than just a marker. It represents a man of great power. He had spiritual significance.
En no Ozuno’s life is full of myth. One tale speaks of building a bridge. It was to span Mount Katsuragi and Kongo-san Mountain. He enlisted gods from various regions. However the god Hitokoto nushi refused to show his ugly form. He only worked at night. En no Ozuno tortured and accused him. Offended Hitokoto nushi slandered En no Ozuno. He told the Emperor that En no Ozuno was planning a rebellion. As a result En no Ozuno was captured. His mother was taken hostage. He was exiled to Izu-oshima Island. The bridge project was abandoned.
Even in exile En no Ozuno continued his practices. It is said he walked on the sea every night. He climbed Mount Fuji.
The title \u795e\u5909\u5927\u83e9\u85a9 is significant. It acknowledges En no Ozuno’s virtue. It recognizes his impact.
Standing here consider the weight of history. Feel the presence of a figure. En no Ozuno who bridged the mortal and divine. He left behind a legacy.
The \u795e\u5909\u5927\u83e9\u85a9 Stele is a reminder. It is a testament to a life of spiritual devotion. It is a mark of imperial recognition. It is the enduring power of belief.