De AMC FAC ORSAY.

Sommaire 1 Esprit 2 Historique 2.1 The Slayer of Vanity 2.1.1 Historical Notes 2.1.2 Tengu Origins 2.1.3 NOTES ON ORIGIN OF TENGU 2.2 TYPES OF TENGU 2.2.1 Daitengu (Major Tengu or Yamabushi Tengu) 2.2.2 Kurama Tengu (Tengu of Mt. Kurama) 2.2.3 Tengu Evolution 2.2.4 Karasu Tengu (“Crow” Tengu) 2.2.5 Yamabushi Tengu (Mountain Monk) 2.2.6 SOJOBO, TENGU KING 2.3 What is a Tengu 2.3.1 Varieties of Tengu 2.3.2 Sojobo 2.3.3 Tengu Powers And Legend 2.4 Bird Spirits and Crow in Other Cultures 2.4.1 Tien'Kou or Celestial/Heavenly Dog 2.4.2 Garuda 2.4.3 Egypt 2.4.4 Native American Spirituality 3 Axes 4 Programme

Esprit

Style de l'intention, du comportement ... (cf. R.Habersetzer ...)

Historique

The Slayer of Vanity

http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/tengu.shtml

Tengu are mountain and forest goblins with both Shinto and Buddhist attributes. Their supernatural powers include shape-shifting into human or animal forms, the ability to speak to humans without moving their mouth, the magic of moving instantly from place to place without using their wings, and the sorcery to appear uninvited in the dreams of the living.

The patron of martial arts, the bird-like Tengu is a skilled warrior and mischief maker, especially prone to playing tricks on arrogant and vainglorious Buddhist priests, and to punishing those who willfully misuse knowledge and authority to gain fame or position. In bygone days, they also inflicted their punishments on vain and arrogant samurai warriors. They dislike braggarts, and those who corrupt the Dharma (Buddhist Law).

The literal meaning of Tengu is "Heaven” and “Dog." In Chinese mythology, there is a related creature named Tien Kou (Tiangou), or "celestial hound." The name is misleading, however, as the crow-like Tengu looks nothing like a dog. One plausible theory is that the Chinese Tien Kou derived its name from a destructive meteor that hit China sometime in the 6th century BC. The tail of the falling body resembled that of a dog, hence the name and its initial association with destructive powers.

Historical Notes

Tengu mythology was probably introduced to Japan in the 6th or 7th century AD, in conjunction with the arrival of Buddhism from Korea and China. These goblins thereafter appear in Japan’s ancient documents (e.g., from around 720 AD), and are closely associated with Mount Kurama in Japan (near Kibune), the abode of the legendary white-haired Sōjōbō (Sojobo) 僧正坊, King of Tengu. In Myths and Legends of Japan (1913; by F. Hadland Davis), the Tengu are said to emanate from the primordial Japanese god Susano-o. Tengu lore can be found not just in Buddhist circles, but also among Shinto, Budo, and Ninpo groups. As late as 1860, the Edo Government was posting official notices to the Tengu, asking the goblins to temporarily vacate a certain mountain during a scheduled visit by the Shogun (see Japan and China, by Captain Brinkley).

In paintings and woodblock prints, the boar often appears as the steed of the tengu or of their king, Sōjōbō 僧正坊. Sōjōbō is closely linked to famed warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune 源義経 (1159-1189), one of Japan's most revered samurai. In a well-known legend, Yoshitsune lived among the tengu in his youth and received training in the arts of war from Sōjōbō himself. <Note: The Buddhist martial deity Marishiten is also often shown riding atop a boar.> Another possible interpretation of the above image relates to the following Zen story: “One day a hunter was in the mountains when he happened to see a snake killing a bird. Suddenly a boar appeared and began to devour the snake. The hunter thought he should kill the boar, but changed his mind because he did not want to be a link in such a chain, and cause his own death by the next predator to come along. On his way home he heard a voice call to him from the top of a tree. It was the voice of a tengu. It told him how lucky he was, for had he killed the boar, the tengu would have killed him. The man subsequently moved into a cave and never killed another animal.” <Sources: A Field Guide to Demons, Fairies, Fallen Angels, and Other Subversive Spirits (by Carol Mack, Dinah Mack) and Animal Motifs in Asian Art: An Illustrated Guide to Their Meanings and Aesthetics (by Katherine M. Ball).>

Tengu Origins

http://www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/t/tengu.htm Literally celestial dog. A bird-like goblin frequently encountered in Japanese folk-beliefs, literature and their pictorial depictions. The Japanese demons derive the name from the Chinese mountain god Tiangou 天狗, but also are related to the winged Buddhist deity Garuda (Jp. = Karura). Furthermore, tengu are seen as transformations (Jp : keshin 化身) of Shinto deities, yama no kami 山の神, mountain guardians often associated with tall trees. Tengu are of two physical types: karasu tengu 烏天狗 identified by a bird's head and beak; and konoha tengu 木の葉天狗 distinguished by a human physique but with wings and a long nose (also called yamabushi tengu). This type of tengu often carries a feather fan in one hand. Because of its long nose, tengu are associated with the Shinto deity Sarudahiko (Sarutahiko) 猿田彦 who takes on the visage of a monkey, and tengu masks play a prominent role in some religious festivals. Early Japanese popular tales such as those in the KONJAKU MONOGATARI 今昔物語 (early 12c) portray tengu as enemies of Buddhism, setting fires at temples or tricking priests. Priests who attain special powers through religious discipline, but use these powers for their own ends were thought to enter in the next life the transmigratory realm of tengudou 天狗道. The earliest representations of tengu are in Kamakura-period emaki 絵巻, such as the "Tengu zoushi emaki 天狗草紙絵巻" of 1296 (Nezu 根津 Museum), which criticize arrogant priests who end up becoming tengu. According to legend, as a boy the famous warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune 源義経 (1159-89) trained in magical swordsmanship with the tengu king Soujoubou 僧正坊 near Kuramadera 鞍馬寺 in the mountains north of Kyoto (see photo below). Tengu frequently are shown in pictures concerning the life of Yoshitsune, including both the Hogen-Heiji 保元平治 battle screens (Metropolitan Museum) and depictions of "Hashi Benkei 橋弁慶" or “Benkei at the Bridge" theme. The Momoyama-period daimyo 大名 Kobayakawa Takakage 小早川隆景 (1532-90) supposedly held dialogues with the tengu king Buzenbou 豊前坊 on Mt. Hiko 彦 (see photo below).

The character of tengu gradually changed over the centuries. For instance, tengu were long thought to abduct children, but by the Edo period they often were enlisted to aid in the search for missing children. Similarly, tengu became temple guardians and sculpted images of them were placed on or around temple buildings. Tengu also are associated with yamabushi 山伏 or "mountain ascetics," whose form they often assumed. Tengu often are depicted wearing the yamabushi's distinctive cap and robe. Illustration of tengu increased in popularity and variety during the Edo period, usually reflecting the more positive and even light-hearted conception of the once-ferocious demon. In particular, the long nose of the tengu carried both comic and sexual meaning in ukiyo-e 浮世絵 prints. <end quote by JAANUS>

NOTES ON ORIGIN OF TENGU

Says F. Hadland Davis in his 1913 book Myths and Legends of Japan: There are other confusing traditions in regard to the word Tengu, for it is said that the Emperor Jomei gave the name to a certain meteor ”which whirled from east to west with a loud detonation.” Then, again, a still more ancient belief informs us that the Tengu were emanations from Susaono-o, the Impetuous Male, and again, that they were female demons with heads of beasts and great ears and noses of such enourmous length that they could carry men on them and fly with their suspended burden for thousands of miles without fatigue, and in addition their teeth were so strong and so sharp that these female demons could bite through swords and spears.

TYPES OF TENGU

Daitengu (Major Tengu or Yamabushi Tengu)

Symbol of fallen monks or warriors, whose arrogance and pretentiousness angered the Tengu. Portrayed as a tall man with long nose, red face, wearing garb of hermit or priest, with small hat that serves as a drinking cup; with or without wings, but always able to fly; sometimes wearing geta (wooden sandals), holding a magic fan made of bird feathers (when used, can make hellish winds), carrying a staff (bo/jo) or small mallet.

Kurama Tengu (Tengu of Mt. Kurama)

Home of the white-haired and ancient Sōjōbō 僧正坊, King of the Tengu. Mt. Kurama is located north of Kyoto.

Tengu Evolution

The Tengu has evolved in both appearance and purpose over the centuries. Originally portrayed as an evil crow-like creature with a man’s body, a beaked face, a small compact head, feathered wings, and heavy claws, the Tengu has since evolved into a protective bird-like man-goblin with an uncommonly long nose, wearing a small monk hat, and oft-times sporting a red face. Patrons of the martial arts, Tengu are credited with exraordinary skills in sword fighting and weapon smithing. They sometimes serve as mentors in the art of war and strategy to humans they find worthy. Tengu live in colonies under the leadership of a single Tengu, who is served by messenger Tengu (usually Karasu). More mischievous than evil, the Tengu are hatched from eggs like birds.

Karasu Tengu (“Crow” Tengu)

The ancient form of the Tengu was the “karasu” or “crow” Tengu. Portrayed as an evil crow-like creature with the body of a man, it was capable of kidnapping adults and children, starting fires, and ripping apart those who willfully damaged the forest, for the Tengu live in trees. Sometimes, too, the Tengu would abduct human beings, only to release them later, but the “lucky” survivor would return home in a state of dementia (called “Tengu Kakushi, meaning “hidden by a Tengu”).

Yamabushi Tengu (Mountain Monk)

Over the centuries, the Tengu becomes more human in appearance and takes on a protective role in the affairs of men. The Tengu can transform itself into a man, woman, or child, but its prefered disquise is to appear as a barefooted, wandering, elderly mountain hermit or monk (yamabushi) with an extremely long nose. Both the magical tanuki (badger) and oinari (fox) can also change to human form, and in some Japanese traditions these two creatures are actually considered to be animal manifestations of Tengu.

The Yamabushi Tengu comes in two flavors -- the long-nosed goblin with human face or the beak-nosed goblin with human face.

The Buddhist Connection. Why the Long Nose? Tengu are always portrayed as having a mischievous sense of humor, for they love playing tricks on those they encounter, especially on pretentious and arrogant Buddhist priests and samurai. Indeed, by the late Kamakura Period, the Tengu become a major literary vehicle for criticising both established and nascent Buddhist sects (see RESOURCES below for more).

The long nose relates to the Tengu’s hatred of arrogance and prejudice. Priests with no true knowledge, prideful individuals, those attached to fame, and those who willfully mislead or misuse the Buddhist cannons are turned into the long-nosed Yamabushi Tengu (or sent to Tengudo, the realm of the Tengu) after their deaths. Corrupt Buddhist monks and corrupt Buddhist monestaries were in fact a major concern throughout Japan’s middle ages. Tengu are thus seen as protectors of the Dharma (Buddhist law), and punish those who mislead the people. Over time, the folklore of tengu and yamabushi become intertwined, and even the crow tengu (karasu tengu) begin wearing the robes and caps of priests.

SOJOBO, TENGU KING

In a well-known legend, the hero of medieval Japan, Minamoto Yoshitsue, is trained in sword fighting by white-haired Sōjōbō, the Tengu King of Mt. Kurama, who befriends him. Yoshitsune later becomes the great warrior of lore, helping his brother Yoritomo defeat the Taira Clan to establish the Kamakura Shogunate.

What is a Tengu

http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/thetengu-com-popup.html

Tengu, crow-spirits, have been surrounded by an aura of mystery and magic for centuries; they are connected with many circles of influence, including Budo, Ninpo, Buddhism, Shintoism, natural magic and chaos. It is important to note that while Tengu love to cause mischief and confusion, they are never evil. They are connected to the Japanese god of the sea and storms, Susanowo. He was the son of Izanagi and Izanami, and the brother of the sun goddess Amaterasu, who became his consort.

Varieties of Tengu

Tengu are generally described or envisioned as a bird-like entity, taking on one form of several varieties. First there is the Karasu Tengu, a winged bird-man who can harness the powers of nature These types of tengu usually have a beak and seem more bird-like than man-like, and they wear a cap on their head, and carry a sword or jo staff. The mask to the left is an example of this sort of Tengu.

Then there is the Tengu variety with a human face and a beak-like nose. These Tengu are the ones stereotyped by Buddhism as being pride-fallen priests or warriors. They usually have a red face with a very prominent nose which ranges in appearance from rediculous to beak-like. They have, more often than not, a pair of wings and sometimes wear the garb of a priest or samurai. The black and white image to the right is this type of Tengu.

Lastly there is the Yamabushi Tengu, pictured with Yoshitsune to the left, a Tengu disguised as a human mountain hermit or priest, or possibly a great hermit sage who has become a Tengu through meditation and exercises. This type of Tengu is the most potentially dangerous, but also can be the most helpful. Tengu have been known to impart valuable information about the martial arts among other things, when they take this form.

All of the Tengu listed above may carry a special feather fan that they use to stir up storms of any sort, as well as some buddhist implements, like a staff with rings atop it, though Tengu existed long before Buddhism ever reached the shores of Japan, and that is a long time! Tengu have been known to cause trouble when their special place in Shintoism as minor deities is threatened. Stories have been told of them tormenting Buddhist priests (all in good fun) kidnapping children, and generally causing alot of mischief. Tengu are known to be anthropomorphic, meaning, they can change their shape at will. In some traditions, the Kitsune (fox-spirit of Japan) is the same as a Tengu, in different shape. While Tengu are usually male, Kitsune are usually female, but it is not the rule. Perhaps the females prefer the fox shape, and the males the crow shape. Tanuki (badger spirits) are also said to be a Tengu form. Japanese culture was not always male-dominated. In the early formative years of Nippon, the people were lead by tribal medicine women.

Sojobo

Sojobo is the king of Tengu, and is usually depicted as a yamabushi with long white hair. He is said to have taught swordsmanship to many of the clans in Japan, and lives in the high mountains, especially Mt Kurama.

Tengu Powers And Legend

The most interesting aspect of Tengu today is how their reputation as martial artists and master swordsmen attracts the interest of martial artists even today! It is thought that if you gain the favor of a Tengu, they will grant you arcane knowledge of combat skills. A paragraph from a very old document concerning Buddhist philosophy, I believe from the very earliest times of Buddhism in Japan reads:

"In addition to this, there are other stories such as Tenguyurashi, which tells of mountain huts shaking in the middle of the night, and Tenguwarai, which tells of people hearing sudden loud laughter during the night." This would all seem to point to the conclusion that Tengu are nocturnal. It continues: "In the mountains, there are trees where Tengu live. These trees are called Tengu no tomarigi and we must not cut them down. Tengu's treasures ----- a magic cloak, a sedge hat, a small mallet Other names for Tengu -----Guhin, Yamabito, Yamanokami"

Tengu communicate via telepathy, and can also teleport to wherever they like in the blink of an eye. They can move unseen and unheard, and are also connected in myth to the ninja rebels of feudal japan. It is said that the Tengu gave the secret to fighting the shogunate to a man who started the first peasant uprising that gave birth to the ninja, meaning, 'enduring man'.

Reportedly in 1860, to prepare the way for the Shogun's visit to a sacred mausoleum, local authorities posted notices in all seriousness ordering the Tengu of the district to relocate to a specified mountain haunt until the Shogun had left.

Tengu are very curious and all Tengu are very knowledgeable about almost everything.

Bird Spirits and Crow in Other Cultures

Tien'Kou or Celestial/Heavenly Dog

It has been mentioned time and again in other guides to Tengu, that the chinese Tien'kou, or "celestial dog" is perhaps the same as Tengu. I don't think they are the same exactly, but perhaps they serve the same purpose. In his yang form, Tien'Kou helps the god Erh-lang drive off evil spirits, however, during the night, he is yin, and his energy is destructive and catastrophic. He was the meteor demon, causing comets, eclipsing the sun by eating it, and also caused meteor showers. The first appearance of Tien'kou was in the sixth century BCE, he came to earth in comet with a long tail of fire. It poisoned all the crops and water where it fell. It is said there is more than one Tien'kou, but only one appears at a time. The Tien'kou appeared again in the second century, in the shape of a shooting star. He is always accompanied by thunder. Tien'Kou can be driven away with a bow made of mulberry wood, and an amulet of dog hair.

Some of these descriptions of the Tien'Kou have prompted some good people to conclude that the events are in fact alien visitations, and Tengu are alien as well. Some of the attributes of Tengu and Tien'kou do seem alien-like, such as the telepathic communication and the loud thunder that accompanies the visitations of the celestial dog. I myself believe that there are aliens, but I don't think Tengu are from another planet.

Garuda

Garuda is the favored servant of Lord Vishnu, one of the trinity of high-powered gods in Hindu theology. His brave efforts and valor in rescuing his mother earned him immortality gifted by Lord Vishnu.

He is identical in appearance to the Karasu type of Tengu, and is depicted with a serpent or two in his claws, which he protects against.

A tibetan form of Garuda is known of, but information on him is obscure, however, I do have an amulet that depicts him looking just like a tengu, but holding the serpents. The serpents may represent the Kundalini, and the burning bite repercussions you can suffer from awakening it prematurely.

The picture to the right is of Garuda. Notice the Indian nose which is prominent and could possibly be mistaken for a Tengu nose.

Garuda is also shown in full bird form, as a parrot, swan or crow.

Indians also once revered the crow as an animal who was close to god, and they were often given food by people seeking help or favor of the divine. Such customs have been largely forgotten today.

Egypt

Pre-dating Japanese culture by more than 5,000 years, the egyptian gods have many attributes similar to Tengu, such as long beaks (Tehuti, god of knowledge, wisdom and logic) feathery wings, and feather patterns on their robes (Ptah,Aset,Sekhmet) Even some of the gods, especially Ptah, have very chinese features. Even the pharoahic beard resembles a tengu nose! This could be a red herring who knows, but there are some interesting clues to be found within the egyptian mythology and artwork. It awaits further exploration.

Native American Spirituality

Kwekwaxa'we (or kwakiutl, pictured at right) is the raven entity honored by the Northwestern tribes of America. It was this raven spirit who freed the sun and the moon for all to enjoy, and in other tribes, raven is the gatekeeper to the realm of magic, and a powerful sorcerer. I must reiterate his magical abilities are extremely great, and he is one of the most important figures to the northwest coast indians.

The Navajo, Hopi and Zuni tribes honor the spirits of nature in the form of Kachinas, manifested in the form of small cottonwood dolls, or as a dancer in the appropriate mask. There are almost a thousand recognized Kachinas.

There are several crow kachinas, the most important to us in this subject is Angwusi, the crow, who is a whipping kachina, or a law keeper. In the clown dances he watches the heyokahs or clowns as they try their best to get a laugh out of everyone, and as their behavior gets more and more outrageous the Angwusi will descend upon them and beat them soundly for being so ridiculous. Together with owl and lizard he performs this task.

Also of note are Angwusnasomtaqa (pictured above, right) and Crow Bride kachinas, who are benevolent and do not behave in the same manner as Angwusi, however Angwusnasomtaqa is the mother of all the whipping kachinas.

At left is an example of an Angwusi Kachina, and a particularily fine one at that, carved in the Hopi tradition out of one piece of cottonwood. The markings are quite distinct , the four crosses on the hem of his blanket, the winged bird face and the yucca canes held in a threatening manner.

Axes

• 5 éléments ...
• da, ti, na, shuai
• int (nei), ext (wai), nrj
• mains nues, mains armées
• nord, sud
• yin, yang ...

Programme

cf. programme R.H. ...