Kuji-in

Ku-ji simply means “nine syllables”, and refers to a variety of mantras that consist of nine syllables. The syllables used in kuji are numerous, especially within the realm of mikkyo (Japanese esoteric Buddhism). The kuji most often referred to is of Taoist origin, not Buddhist. There is no record of the kuji in any of the Shingon or Tendai records that were brought back from China. The use of kuji is largely a layman’s practice, and not seen in the orthodox Buddhist traditions. It is found extensively in Shugendō, the ascetic mountain tradition of Japan, and ryobu Shinto which is the result of blending Buddhist, and Shinto beliefs.

History

The kuji are first introduced in the Taoist text Baopuzi (抱朴子) a poem written by Ge Hong c.280-340 ADE). In it he introduces the kuji in chapter 17 titled DengShe/登涉 (Climbing [mountains] and crossing rivers) as a prayer to the six Jia (generals of yang), ancient Taoist gods. in Daoist Magic, the Chia Spirit Generals are powerful celestial guardians and part of Tammon-Ten's (Vaiśravaṇa), The God of the North, Celestial Thunder Court.

Kuji, Iwate

Kuji (久慈市, Kuji-shi) is a city located in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. As of September 2015, the city had an estimated population of 35,141 and a population density of 56.4 persons per km². The total area was `623.50 square kilometres (240.73 sq mi).

Geography

Kuji is located in far north-eastern Iwate Prefecture, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Kitakami Mountains to the west. The Kuji River, with a length of 27 miles (43 km) flows through the city from its source at Mount Myōjin.

Neighboring municipalities

Climate

History

The area of present-day Kuji was part of ancient Mutsu Province, and has been settled since at least the Jomon period. Amber for the area has been found at archaeological sites dating from the Nara period at the site of Heijo-kyo and Fujiwara-kyo. During the Sengoku period, the area was dominated by various samurai clans before coming under the control of the Nambu clan during the Edo period, who ruled Hachinohe Domain under the Tokugawa shogunate. The area was noted for its production of ironsand, essential in the production of Japanese swords. These deposits were exploited commercially from the Meiji period, but were exhausted by the 1960s.