Buddhist Stick Thing- What is it called?

[josephcswartz]

Konban wa,

So I have this buddhist ..stick thingy. I know the general purpose of it but I have no idea what it is called and its obsure so if you can put a name to it I'd appreciate it.

Anyway you guys know the SKH book (I Think, but am not sure) it's the green one of his volumes volume 3? in his five book series. Or it may not even be that but I defiently remember it like on a cover of one of the books his did.

So the picture was in the Lower right hand corner of the book, (I think) and it was like a Pool, with the Japanese guy in it, doing shugyo (like yama go mori etc., going to the mountain, spiritual quest) in the picture. So in the picture the guy has the no clothses on because he's in an onsen or pond or something and it looks cold. So he's there praying to the various kami and eyes are closed he's holding up his right hand .

And in his right hand is ... the item I have no name for.

Now I am NOT talking about Shakujo, the thing with the rings on it. (which might be what he is holding, a short version)

But as far as I know the PURPOSE is the same.

Now this buddhist stick thing was from a Shingon Temple originally a long time ago. It has a Fudo Myoo Boin on it (symbol) with a square -to-triangle point at the top. I know it's defiently a mikkyo buddhist thing.

I think theres an assoicated movement with it. Like hold in your right hand, and then move your arm like you were hitting someone on the head with a stick. While you should say the (okkyo or kind of make demons go away/call kami)

If anyone has any idea at all, what I'm talking about please tell me. what is this stick thing?

Arigato
Joseph Swartz

[Joseph Svinth]

What people will won't to have a woodie in their hand while taking a cold shower. Gads. :p

***

In all seriousness, I haven't a clue. A couple possibilities come to mind.

1. Write Hayes and ask. This is the kind of question he should have no trouble answering.
2. Read Marishiten: Buddhist Influences on Combative Behavior by David Hall in Koryu Bujutsu by the Skosses. If that doesn't work, then track down a copy of Hall's Ph.D. dissertation.
3. Take a look at Lagerwey, John. Taoist Ritual in Chinese Society and History (New York: Macmillan, 1987). There is a section that talks about Buddhist exorcisms, and this may be related.

[Chuck.Gordon]

Is it a kongo? I think it's related to the vajra, a short, intricately carved prayer stick often with clawed or pointed ends ...

Of course, my sieve-like brain could be retreiving snippets of some damn anime, too ...

Chuck

[Yamantaka]

Originally posted by josephcswartz
Konban wa,
So I have this buddhist ..stick thingy. I know the general purpose of it but I have no idea what it is called and its obsure so if you can put a name to it I'd appreciate it.
So he's there praying to the various kami and eyes are closed he's holding up his right hand .
And in his right hand is ... the item I have no name for.
Now I am NOT talking about Shakujo, the thing with the rings on it. (which might be what he is holding, a short version)
But as far as I know the PURPOSE is the same.
If anyone has any idea at all, what I'm talking about please tell me. what is this stick thing?
Arigato
Joseph Swartz

YAMANTAKA : You mean something like that (Vajra or Kongo Scepter in the right hand of the god, left lower part of the picture) :

http://www.martinj.dircon.co.uk/ze31.jpg

Best :smilejapa

[Chuck.Gordon]

Originally posted by John Lindsey
I think the name is Shakajo.

Shakujo is the ringy thingie, I think ...

cg

[John Lindsey]

I think the small hand held version is also a shakujo.

[Chuck.Gordon]

Originally posted by John Lindsey
I think the small hand held version is also a shakujo.

Yep. You're right. I was thinking of the 'thunderbolt of Indra' ... something like the ones found on this page:

http://drilbudorje.tripod.com/_Dorje.htm

Chuck

[John Lindsey]

Is this the pic from the Hayes book? If so, its a shakujo.

[josephcswartz]

Yeah thats the picture john. Darn it's a shakujo. Like a shakugo without the rings. mmm kongo I don't think so kongo =dorji=vajra ne?
mm I will send a picture. good idea...here we go.

[Joseph Svinth]

Okay, with a name, websites appear.

Shakujo are associated with Buddhist preventative exorcisms. http://www.metropolis.co.jp/tokyoculturearchive249/240/tokyocultureinc.htm .

Shakubo boshi are "ruler stars," such as Orion's Belt. http://www2.gol.com/users/stever/orion.htm .

Finally, Marishiten is the goddess of the North Star. http://www.koryubooks.com/library/mskoss2.html

Now, traditional kata generally follow astrologically significant patterns. (One has to do kata correctly, otherwise the magic doesn't work.) Some invocations appear here. http://www2s.biglobe.ne.jp/~ytnhp/kuji/kujie.htm

Consequently, Lagerwey's book is still worth reading. (If anyone knows a comparable English-language text describing the role of astrology in Japanese society, please let me know.)

[josephcswartz]

Konban wa,

yeah I found in my notes this reference I think this is it.

GOHEI - SACRED WAND USED BY MOUNTAIN PRIESTS.

or something similar, anyway I's callin it a Gohei. ;)

Joseph Swartz

[Soulend]

A gohei is normally a thin wand with strips of paper (and very occasionally metal or cloth) folded in zigzag fashion (same as you see hanging from shimenawa), that stands at the central chamber of a Shinto shrine. It is supposed to indicate the presence of a kami in the sanctuary. Is there another type of gohei?