Tenjin faith
The Tenjin cult is the Japanese belief in Tenjin (god of thunder). In particular, it refers to the Shinto belief that Sugawara no Michizane, a 9th century scholar and monk, is highly respected for his knowledge and wisdom.
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Originally, Tenjin referred to the gods of heaven and not a specific deity, but after Sugawara no Michizane was referred to as the god of thunder and lightning and given the title of "Tenman Dai-zizai-tenjin", the belief in his spirit came to be commonly known as "Tenjin-shinkō".[1]
After Sugawara no Michizane's death in exile in Dazaifu as a result of political strife, a series of natural disasters such as thunderstorms, earthquakes, comets, drought, floods, and epidemics occurred in Kyoto, causing people to become anxious. In 930, during a meeting to pray for rain in the Imperial palace, a sudden thunderstorm caused the death of Fujiwara no Kiyotsugu and injured his son, causing rumors that Sugawara no Michizane's vengeful spirit was behind these events.[1]
The belief that Sugawara no Michizane's wrath manifested in thunderstorms was seen as a source of fear and reverence among the nobles of Kyoto, but among farmers, he was seen as a god of thunder and rain who brought water to their fields and bountiful harvests, and was widely revered across Japan.[1]
As time passed, Sugawara no Michizane's great achievements in scholarship and his personal character led to him being revered as the ancestor of the literary arts, the god of literature, poetry, calligraphy and the arts, or a compassionate god. Today, Tenjin-shinkō is still practiced and many temples dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane are found throughout Japan.[1]
Exam season
During the examination season, many temples across Japan, particularly Tō-ji Temple, are bustling with students preparing for their exams. Additionally, the plum blossoms are also in full bloom.[2]
One of the most revered gods in these temples is Sugawara no Michizane (also known as "Kōbō-Daishi"), a 9th century scholar and monk who is highly respected for his knowledge and wisdom. Despite achieving the rank of Minister of the Right, Sugawara no Michizane was eventually exiled to Dazaifu in Kyushu, where he passed away.[2]
Every year on February 25th, which is Sugawara no Michizane's memorial day, ceremonies are held at temples across Japan where the plum blossoms are in full bloom. This time is especially significant for students preparing for their exams, as it is believed that Sugawara no Michizane is watching over and supporting their efforts.[2]
Though the exam season may be challenging, it is important to remember that after the exams, students should take time to reflect, express gratitude, and visit the temples to thank Sugawara no Michizane for his guidance and support.[2]
However, when referring to the shrines as the "Three Great Tenjin Shrines", there are cases where Dazaifu Tenmangu is left out and Kitano Tenmangu is left in.[3][4][5]。
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "天神信仰". www.yushimatenjin.or.jp. Retrieved 2023-01-18.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "archive.ph". archive.ph. Retrieved 2023-01-18.
- ↑ とっさの日本語便利帳 2003, p. 259.
- ↑ "(株)朝日新聞出版発行「とっさの日本語便利帳」". Nihon jinmei daijiten+Plus (in 日本語). Kōdansha.
- ↑ 曽根田天満宮境内説明板。
References
- Satoru Ito (2012). What is Shinto. Chuokoron Shinsha. ISBN 978-4-12-102158-8. Search this book on
- Satoru Ito (2012). What is Shinto. Chukon Shinsha. Chuokoron Shinsha. ISBN 978-4-12-102158-8. Search this book on
- Minoru Shibata et al.} (2007). Goryo faith (On-demand ed.). Yusankaku Shuppan. ISBN 978-4-639-10054-6. Search this book on
- Soji Okada (2010). History of Japanese Shintoism. Yoshikawa Kobunkan. ISBN 978-4-642-08038-5. Search this book on
See Also
External links
- 天神さま - 神社本庁 Archived 2015-11-25 at Archive.today
- 板橋区 徳丸 北野神社
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