TENGU
The Slayer of Vanity

Origins: Hindu Karura Birdman + China + Shinto

Last Update: August 31, 2006
Added Douryou Daigongen 道了大権現
Added Sarutahiko 猿田彦, 猿田彦神


 Shrine in Yamanakako, Japan

(L) Karasu Tengu   (R) Yamabushi Tengu
 Laterns on Festival Float, Dontsuku Festival, Inatori City

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 (law).

The literal meaning of Tengu is "Heaven Dog." In Chinese mythology, there is a related creature named Tien Kou, 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 Sojobo, 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).

Tengu Origins
Below text courtesy of JAANUS (includes Japanese characters)
Japanese Architecture and Art Net Users System
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. 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>

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.

Karasu Tengu
2nd Panel in 3-Panel Print by Kuniyoshi
 http://www.ukiyo-ewoodblockprints.com/samuraiprints.htm

Tengu Parody
Print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, 1797-1861
 www.nbn.co.jp/ukiyoe/theme/t6html/t6-053E.html

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 throught swords and spears. 

1770 AD 妙覚 道了大権現 尊像 寅正月中浣 大仏師　田中主水彫造 <前住・大崇道豊代> Photo courtesy this J-site

道了大権現
Doryo (Douryou) Daigongen
In 2005, scholar Duncan Williams published "The Other Side of Zen: A Social History of Soto Zen Buddhism in Tokugawa Japan." Chapter Four of this book, entitled "The Cult of Doryo Daigongen: Daiyuzan and Soto Prayer Temples" forces us to overcome the traditional boundaries of Buddhist scholarship to examine the emergence of a popular cult and its links with the mountain ascetics and Shinto. The "great avatar Doryo (Douryou)" 道了大権現 had been a mountain ascetic before becoming a Soto Zen monk, and was eventually appointed as head cook and administrator. However, upon his death in 1411 AD, he vowed to become the guardian of the monastery and he is believed to have metamorphosed into a TENGU 天狗 (a goblin; this site page). According to legend, "his body was then engulfed in flames as he appeared transformed and stood on a white fox to promise a life free from illness and full of riches for those who sincerely worshipped him (p. 62)." Here, the legendary anecdote leads to a detailed analysis of how since the 17th century this became linked to the mass production and sale of the Doryo (Douryou) talisman. Another related phenomenon is that of pilgrimage to this sacred site (Daiyuzan Temple), highlighted through the concrete evidence provided by stone markers. It allows the author to determine that these pilgrimages "took off from the mid-1860s (p. 69). < Above review from the Japanese Journal of Religious Studies 33/1 (2006, pages 176, written by Michel Mohr, Doshisha University. Duncan Williams' book published by Princeton University Press, 2005. ISBN 0-691-11928-7. > 

1590 AD 秀吉公勧請の 道了大権現尊像 Photo Courtesy this J-site

道了大権現
MORE ON DOURYOU DAIGONGEN
TENGU WHO BECOMES A BOSATSU
Daiyuzan Saijoji (Soto Zen Temple)
forum.japanreference.com
Once I entered the monastery gates I was awestruck. What a magnificent place. I had a walkabout to see as much as I could before heading to the sign-in desk for the sesshin. This mountain that the monastery was built on was very famous, as I came to find out, for its Tengu (mountain spirit) named Doriyo (editor here: this is an incorrect English spelling). As the myth goes, a young monk came to settle upon this mountain many centuries ago, he was determined to build a temple there but soon found that he could not do it on his own. This is when he met the long nosed, winged, tengu named Doriyo. After receiving the teachings of the monk, Doriyo was so moved that he vowed to help build Saijoji Temple with his magical feats of strength and energy. Doriyo then lifted a huge boulder and threw it to the center of the clearing stating this will be the foundation. Today if you visit this monastery you will see the boulder wrapped in protective Shinto ropes sitting in the middle of the compound. Nearby there is a well, with water that is said to have miraculous healing powers. People come from all over Japan to fill their plastic jugs with this water, and take it home with them. At the top of the compound there is a shrine for Doriyo where it becomes clear that he has been elevated from Tengu status to that of Bodhisattva (Bosatsu) status. The monks referred to him as Doriyo Bosatsu. Giant Getta (wooden slippers) adorn the outside of the shrine. Some were as big as a golf cart.

SARUTAHIKO Modern Ceiling Painting Yasaki Inari Jinja (Tokyo) Same as Above Face of Sarutahiko on pillar of bridge over the Shimakigawa River, Takahashi City, Okayama. Similar mask used in Shinto "Kagura" plays. Courtesy Hiroaki Sasaki.

SARUTAHIKO
猿田彦, 猿田彦神
Also written SARUTABIKO, SARUTAHIKO-NO-KAMI, SARUDAHIKO. Commonly translated as "monkey man." The long-nosed Shinto deity of the crossroads who takes on the visage of a monkey; also considered by some to be the ancestor of the long-nosed Tengu mountain goblin.

The celestial Shinto goddess Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto (天宇受売命; the "terrible female of heaven") was the first to meet the earthly kami named Sarutahiko. She determines that he is not an enemy, after which he guides Ninigi 彦火瓊瓊杵尊 and other Shinto deities on their descent from heaven to earth. She is accorded honors by Ninigi for her encounter with Sarutahiko -- she becomes the founder and head of the Sarume Order of sacred Shinto dancers, for she and her lineage are henceforth christened Sarume-no-Kimi (猿女の君 monkey women). Writes W.G. Aston: "The Sarume were primarily women who performed comic dances (saru-mahi, 猿樂, monkey dances) in honor of the Shinto Gods. They are mentioned along with the Nakatomi and Imbe as taking part in the festival of first-fruits and other Shinto ceremonies. These dances were the origin of the Kagura 神楽 and the No performances" <end Aston quote> 

Sarutahiko and Sarume-no-Kimi are both personified in medieval kagura 神楽 dances and sarugaku 申楽 shows, and even today appear in popular forms of entertainment. Ame-no-Uzume, moreover, is the same Shinto goddess whose erotic and humorous dance prompted Amaterasu to come out from her cave to bring light back into the world. Click here (outside site) for more on Shinto mythology found in the Kojiki 古事記 (Japan's oldest surviving text; 712 AD) and the Nihongi 日本紀 (Chronicles of Japan; 797 AD). 

Sarutahiko Mask
Modern, Takachiho-cho, for Okagura Theater

First, Shaka (the Historical Buddha), while still living in the Tosotsu-ten (兜率天, Skt: Tusita; Buddhist heaven), creates the land in which he intends to propagate the Buddhist doctrine after his appearance in this world. Second, at the time of Ugaya Fukiaezu no Mikoto (鵜草葺不合尊; the father of Emperor Jinmu 神武), Shaka obtains the land at the foot of Mt. Hiei from an old fisherman at the intervention of Yakushi Nyorai. Shirahige (白髭), the old fisherman, the Shinto kami who has to yield his land to Shaka, is none other than Sarutahiko-no-kami (猿田彦神), who in the myths of the Kojiki 古事記 meets Hiko-ho-no-ninigi no Mikoto (彦火瓊瓊杵尊) then on his descent from the heavens) and pledges to guide him on his way. Third, around the year 800 AD, SANNOU is revealed to Saichou 最澄, the founder of the Tendai sect. <Above paragraph quoted from article entitled Saru no Soshi in the Japanese Journal of Religious Studies 1996 23/1-2. Story by Lone Takeuchi.>

Saru no Soshi (猿の草子 Scroll of the Monkey)
Late 16th Century, One Section of the Japanese Scroll
Photo courtesy of British Museum, where the scroll is kept.

For much more on monkey lore, click here.

TENGU -- Above two photos courtesy of:
www.geocities.jp/general_sasaki/shinwano_butai_eng.html
Over time, the Shinto deity Saruta-biko no Mikoto became the god for good journey and the ancestor of the super beings called " Tengu," who live deep in the mountains. The Tengu are considered as agile as "saru" (monkies). There are many legends that the great swordsmen of Japanese history learned their skills in the martial arts from Tengu tutors. Legend says that Minamoto-no-Yoshitsune, when a child, learned martial arts with the king of the Tengu at Mt. Kurama in Kyoto. 

LEARN MORE

• Tengu Zoshi and Its Critique of Late Kamakura Buddhism
  By Haruko Wakabayashi, Princeton University. Very interestly scholarly paper on the role of the Tengu in Buddhist mythology in the late Kamakura Period. Click above link to read this paper (this will open a pop-up window).
   
• Charles C. Goodin's Tengu Lore Page
  Charles C. Goodin is an instructor at the Aiea Matsubayashi Karate Dojo in Aiea, Hawaii. He is an attorney, writer, and the publisher of the Yoshitoshi Ukiyo-e Web Gallery and the Kuniyoshi Ukiyo-e Web Gallery.
   
• www.thetengu.com/tengu
  Interesting site with photos, stories, and chat board. Of special note are the many examples they give of Tengu-like crow-like creatures found in other countries.
   
• www.travellady.com
  Mount Kurama Village and Temple
  Home of the Legendary Tengu King, Sojobo  
   
• Other Tengu Terminology & Trivia
   
• Daitengu, or "Major Tengu." Typically appears as man with a very long nose and red face. They often wear a pair of geta (Japanese wooden sandals), and carry a magic fan made of bird feathers that can create a hellish tornade.
• Kurama Tengu, or "Tengu of Mt.Kurama"
• Karasu Tengu, "Kotengu" or "Minor Tengu.'' They serve the Daitengu. Another common type of tengu. A Karasu Tengu is rather small, with the head and wings of a black crow. Some say that Tengu don't want human society to become stable and powerful, so they intervene to provoke war and civil disorder. 

Copyright Mark Schumacher. Email Mark.
All stories and photos, unless specified otherwise, by Schumacher.
www.onmarkproductions.com