| M |
|
| Manji |
(in Sanscrit: svastika) Manji represents the harmonious
interplay of the many opposites in life - heaven and earth,
day and night, etc.
The horizontal line unites light and darkness, while the perpendicular
line symbolically connects heaven and earth; and these two
combined, form a cross representing the universe in harmony
beyond the limits of time and space. From this harmony comes
the power that creates and nurtures all things. The 'trailing'
lines at the ends of the cross represent the truth that the
universe and all things in it are in a perpetual state of
flux.
There are two types of Manji - one a mirror image of the other.
The 'clockwise' Manji with the 'trailing lines' running from
the ends of the central cross to the right (sometimes called
'Ura' ) represents intellect and strength - the clarity of
the 'Diamond Realm', while the 'anticlockwise' Manji with
the 'trailing lines' running from the ends of the central
cross to the left (sometimes called 'Omote') represents infinite
mercy, or the love of Dharma which permeates the universe
and nurtures all things. |
|
Mikkyo
|
'Hidden
[or Secret] Teachings' - an umbrella-term for Esoteric Japanese
Buddhism |
| Miko |
a
Shinto Priestess |
| Mitsu-in |
Esoteric
Sign |
| Mitsu
Tomoe |
a
'mon' or crest comprised of three 'teardrop' or 'comma' shapes
- symbolising 'In' (Japanese equivalent of the Chinese 'Yin'),
'Yo' (Yang) & 'Mu' (No-thing-ness). Also representing,
among other things, the interrelationship between Heaven,
Earth & Man(kind) |
| N |
|
Nenju
also: Juzu |
A
Japanese Buddhist Rosary - in Tenchi Seiki Te-Ate, a nenju
of 27 beads (& 1 larger 'master' bead) is used in
meditation practice. |
|
Nenriki
|
'Mindful
Power' - concentration - visualisation - by extension, a symbolic
device - a Yantra or Mandala |
| Nenshin |
mindful
concentration, mindfulness |
|
Nyorai
|
Term
used for a Buddha in Mikkyo sects. In Shingon, 'Nyorai'
is frequently used on its wn to refer specifically to Dainichi
Nyorai, the central Shingon deity. |
| Nyorai
kaji riki |
The
Grace or responsive power of of Nyorai |
| O |
|
| Obake |
a 'transforming thing'. A ghost which manifests itself physically
by possessing a common everyday object.
Generally obake are quite dangerous, feasting on human blood
and organs; however some are benign, and are said to like
the smell of incense or tea. |
| Obosan |
a
priest (Jodo shu) |
| Odaimoku |
Variant
of the term Daimoku: The Mantra of the Lotus Sutra |
| Ojin |
[skt.
nirmanakaya] the 'Manifested Body' |
| Omamori |
'to guard & protect' - an amulet |
| Oni |
Devils
with shaggy hair, horns and fangs who wield huge gnarled clubs.
Oni usually guard the gates of the various Buddhist hells
and perform tortures on condemned souls. |
| Oni-bi
|
Demon fires. Floating balls of fire of supernatural origin
that herald demonic or ghostly activity |
| O-sho |
O-sho
is an ancient Japanese term that, in a Buddhist context, is
essentially reverential in as much as a monk might use it
for his master, indicating the masters enlightened nature
[Great Expanded-Consciousness]
It can also be conceptually translated something along the
lines of "Spiritual Friend"
Sometimes used to refer to a Buddhist Priest |
| R |
|
| Rei |
To
Bow - as in: Kamiza ni Rei [bow to the Altar], Otagai ni Rei
[bow to fellow students], Sensei (Gata) ni Rei [bow to ones
teacher(s)], Shinzen ni Rei [bow to a shrine.], Ritsu (or
Tachi) Rei [standing bow], Za Rei [kneeling bow]
By bowing you are expressing respect, courtesy, and gratitude
to your art, your sensei, dojo (training establishment), other
students, and yourself
{This 'rei' is not written in the same kanji as the
'rei' in 'Reiki'] |
| Reiho |
Etiquette;
a method of bowing |
| Reiho |
'Spiritual
Method' [although the transliteration is the same, the original
kanji-pair differs from that indicating Etiquette] |
|
Reiju
|
to confer or receive a Spiritual Gift - Spiritual (Rei) Gift
(Ju) |
| Reijutsu
|
A Shinto-related spiritual movement - one of aims of which
was the improvement of health. Reijutsu makes use of a variety
of healing methods including Reiki-like 'laying-on-of-hands'
and healing through religious rituals.
The Reijutsu movement became quite prominent in the early
20th Century, and practitioners even travelled to Mongolia
and gave lectures on their techniques to Chinese. (As a result,
it is said, elements of Reijutsu found their way into Chinese
Qi Gung practices.) |
| Reiki
Jutsu |
Translates
as 'Art of Reiki', however Reiki Jutsu is actually the name
of a martial art (developed by Andy Wright) which combines
elements of Reiki and Shotokan Karate! |
| Reiryoku |
Spiritual
Power; Soul Power |
| 'Reiryoku
no Michi' |
'The
Way of Spiritual Power' - a specific way of perceiving, understanding
and working with Spiritual, Therapeutic & Transformational
'energy-radiance' |
| Ryoho |
'Healing
Method; Medical Treatment' |
| Ryu |
'Dragon' |
| Ryu |
'School'
- a specific style. [although the transliteration is the same,
the original kanji differs from that indicating 'ryu':
Dragon] |
