Mystical And Mythical Connotations

# **Mystical And Mythical Connotations by XMezumiiru**

Cultural and historical themes run through YST that the Japanese would know, but most foreigners do not. They run so deep that their hint within the show was enough to convey the meaning without explanation. Below are some of those connotations to help make sense of unusual elements within the show and give deeper meaning to various aspects.

## Three Sacred Treasures

The sacred mirror Yata no Kagami that sees anything in the world, the sacred sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi that is indestructible fire, and the sacred jewel Yasakani no Magatama that protects the soul are the three treasures used to lure Amaterasu, goddess of the Sun, from her cave so that light may once again shine upon the earth. The artifacts were gifted to mortals to help conquer Japan. They were then used as divine-right artifacts for the emperor.

Most recently, the "Kenji to Shokei no Gi" ceremony was held in conjunction with Crown Prince Akihito's ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne following the death of the Emperor Showa on Jan 7, 1989 bringing the Kusanagi no Tsurugi and Yasakani no Magatama to the imperial palace. However, their storage locations and the resting place of the Yata no Kagami remain unknown to the general public. As a result, some speculate that nothing was actually presented and the actual artifacts are fakes or imaginary.

The three sacred treasures are seen in the show: the mirror used by Arago, the swords granted from Kenbokyo to Ryo, and the Inochi no Matagama used by Nasutei and Jun.

The Japanese know that possessing all three gives divine right to rule over the earth, so it was so crucial for Arago to possess. It's also why Kenbukyo so possessively protected the swords and was portrayed as a 'good' youkai – the swords supposedly could only be used for benevolent purposes.

## Shajuko

The shajuko is a typical Buddhist staff, known originally as khakkhara in Sanskrit. It is a noisemaker to announce a monk's presence and frighten away animals and insects. It is used as a rhythmic instrument during chanting and sutra recitation and as a weapon by traveling monks. It has multiple configurations but always has six rings – three on each side – and a topper. Often, the topper was a tiny statue of the Buddha that was encased in metal or wrapped in cloth. (Beer, Robert (2003). The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols. Chicago: Serindia. p. 184. ISBN 1932476032.) Warrior monks often made this topper very small and affixed a blade to the end, then wrapped it in cloth for use as a weapon. The Yamabushi are the best-known warrior monks who carry the shajuko.

In Chinese literature, the staff represents filial piety (Anubisu's virtue) because only monks who were pious to their parents/behaved responsibly could wield such as a weapon. Otherwise, it would cause pain and connotate that their parents fell into the hell realms because of the wielder's action.

Jun and Nasutei both embody the filial piety virtue well within the series – Nasutei honoring her grandfather's legacy and Jun fighting to save his parents. Although we don't know very little about Shuten or Kayura's past, that they can wield the shajuko means their life path should have been very different than serving Arago.

It also implies that Kaosu was Buddhist, hinting that he was the incarnation of Kobo-dashi, founder of Shingon Buddhism (late c.800s ). He was deeply educated in Taoism, Confucianism, and Shintoism. Myth states he never died but is awaiting the awaking of Maitreya.

Kobo-dashi created and spread the use of the Kongo-kai and the Taizo-kai mandalas. The Kongo-kai is the Diamond realm of the Five Tatagata. The Taizo-kai is metaphysical space inhabited by the Five Compassion Buddha, however it is structured to have four halls surrounding the Yakushi Nyorai (the great cosmic Buddha).

## 5 versus 4 (And Other Numerology)

In the language, the words take on multiple meanings:

### Five (5) (五) – go

Go can be translated as heroic, life/masculine, understand, enlighten, language, pleasure, protect, mutual, honorary prefix

### Four (4) (四)– shi

Shi can be translated as death, come to a stop, happiness, female, conduct, serve (part of other combinations), next, appearance, resources, advice

### Three (3)(三) – san

San is a holy number spanning life and death with many, many different definitions

One interesting aspect of 'shi' is that the on reading of the kanji for one of the readings of Samurai (士) is this sound, as well. Belief is that Samurai were already half dead when they take up the sword. This is the same kanji, kun reading, as 'sei' in Seiji.

In the show, when the Troopers are together, they are always aligned in groups of 3, 5, or 8. This is most evident in the early episodes where they must recover their lost companions. Nasutei, Jun, and Byakuen find Ryo - Ryo and Jun find Shin (3) – Seiji and Nasutei find Shuu (3). Then, they all join to form a group of five (Ryo and Byakuen are always together, forming one unit). In the second season, we see Seiji, Shuu, and Shin as a trio that was captured. Ryo, Touma, and Byakuen (acting more independently) form the second trio, while Nasutei, Jun, and Shuten for the third trio – or a trio of trios.

When looking at them as a group, they often pair up to form a unit of five points. In their armor, they have repetitions of 3 and 5 lines, spikes on the armor, or armor plates. Their attacks come in groups of five before the next scene. Nasutei's home shows 5 rooms – 3 bedrooms, 1 office, 1 great room.

The Masho are different. They are seen in groups of four, with 4 or 6 being repeated in their armor:

* Rajura has a 6-sided scythe/katana
* Naaza has 6 swords, 4 at his hips
* Anubisu has four spikes on his armor
* Shuten has four yellow stripes on his armor, although he has three horns on his helmet

The four-unit is repeated throughout the Youjakai:

* Four gates
* Four candle holders in the throne room
* Four spikes on the castle/four wings as seen in the second season (normal castles have a fifth building to avoid the four connotations)

## Samurai versus Ronin

Even though the show is called Samurai Troopers, the Troopers were perfect Ronin. Likewise, the Masho were perfect Samurai.

Originally, Samurai was a derogatory term meant as one step up from slave. The entomology of the kanji 㣥 means 'one who serves.' However, many of the realities of a Samurai have been romanticized over time and no longer have the true behavior known.

Samurai emerged during the Kamakura shogunate, c1185–1333. Moving through the Sengoku Warring State Period, c1400s-1500s, they began to gain lands and holdings, carrying out the will of the daimyo and being richly rewarded. Finally, in the peaceful Edo era, c1603 to 1868), they gained true power and took on the cruel overlord pathology covered by the veneer of culture and arts. They were formally abolished in 1876, although traditional families still practice the idealized principles.

To the Samurai, their lord was the author of right and wrong, the holder of life, and the only one who mattered. Death in the service of their lord was the highest form of perfection a Samurai could reach. The Bushidō exemplifies death in the service of their lord as the highest honor, translating down generations.

This may go back to the Buddhist Zen belief that this life is one of countless ones. To be born a Samurai is the lowest human birth, and therefore to cling to this life is to cling to avarice, greed, and delusion.

On the other hand, Ronin, 浪人, drifter or wanderer, were masterless Samurai. During the Sengoku period, Ronin were created frequently. Although, according to the Bushidō they were supposed to commit ritual suicide, seppuku, most did not. Instead, most joined together, forming roving bands of mercenaries and gangs set on particular tasks. Often, they were hired to destroy rival daimyo.

## Seasons and Elements

The Japanese have five elements, but they differ from Western elements. The five elements make up all physical objects in the world. The pentagram-type drawing is the Godai or five elements and their interactions with each other. They have a creative, destructive, overacting, and insulting method of interactions. Based on Chinese philosophy, they are:

* Fire
* Earth
* Metal
* Water
* Wood

But, they also have a very Buddhist influence on more familiar elements:

* Earth
* Water
* Fire
* Air
* Void/Spirit

The other image is the Gorinto 五輪塔 or 5 element stupa. It's typically a funerary item, but also represents the Godai nyorai. Each piece in the stupa corresponds to one of five elements. The bottom story is square and corresponds to the earth ring (Chirin 地輪). Next is the spherical water ring (Suirin 水輪), surmounted by the triangular ring of fire (Karin 火輪). Above this is a reclining half-moon shape (Fūrin 風輪), representing the wind, and topmost is the gem-shaped ring of space (Kūrin 空輪).  To link it to other parts of the cultural info, it was believed to be created by either Kobo Daishi or Konpon Daishi (founder of Tendai). The two intermingle without conflict.

This plays out in the show in very interesting ways.

Shin and Shuu become good friends and are often partnered together. Earth and Water have a destructive and insulting relationship except when balanced. The show taps into that when they work together, they help provide power and focus to each other. Touma and Seiji have a similar relationship.

Seiji and Shuu are the same, as well as Shin and Ryo. However, when Rajura tricks them in season 1, their powers are very destructive to each other.

In Kikoutei, the overacting cycle plays out when Shin is upset over fighting and Touma pushes him. Water tries to overwhelm metal, similar to how Water makes metal rust.

The creation cycle shows Seiji helping Ryo, helping to create him as the leader. Ryo directs Shuu's power. Shuu challenges Touma to come up with plans. Touma gains calm and focus from Shin. And Shin provides connection for Seiji.

The flow of elements mirrors the Troopers' personalities from the Buddhist side. The Earth is stability, strength, and grounding force. Water is flowing, receptive, and devastating when aroused. Fire is piercing and direct. Wind is flowing, never in the way, yet able to direct. And void is everything and nothing as needed, yet will take on the spirit of whatever is around.

The seasons are a little more nebulous. While it is known now what makes the seasons, before Western interpretations, the seasons were otherworldly and related to the spiritual realm. Technically, there are five recognized seasons in Japan: Spring, Rainy season, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.

The rainy season is about two weeks near the end of July when travel becomes very difficult and can move depending on Tsunami and what happened the previous winter. So, not including it may make more sense than trying to get it to fit in.

The seasons have their mythical origins and associated connotations, as well:

### Oni

Spring - Birth - Orchid/Thoughtfulness - Piercing - Azure Dragon - East - Rulership - Mental Body- Shitenno Jikokuten 持國天

These are all fast-growing, thoughtful symbols of ascension and understanding

### Gen

Summer - Young Adult - Bamboo/Flexibility - Expanding - Breaking Down - Vermilion Bird - South - Governance - Emotional/Psychic Body - Shitenno Zōchōten 增長天

These are all things that remain/endure

### Doku

Autumn - Middle Age - Chrysanthemum/Stateliness – Contracting - White Tiger - West - Military and Protection - Physical Body - Shitteno Kōmokuten 廣目天

These are all symbols of change, aggression, and following the will of the higher powers/obedience

### Yami

Winter - Death - Plum/Rebirth - Stillness - Black Tortoise - North - Death/Rebirth - No Body (Death) - Shitenno Tamonten 多聞天

These are all symbols of drawing in coming together, which death was the biggest celebration, where all family came together to think about death and the afterlife and honoring dead ancestors was massive show of filial piety

## Ningenkai versus Youjakai

Typically, the translations for this are:

* Ningenkai – Person/Human Realm
* Youjakai – Demon Realm/Netherworld

The human realm makes sense, it's where people are. But, the Youjakai may not be quite correct.

In Shinto, there is the realm of the people and living and the realm of the spirits and dead. This spirit realm is where the ancestors are and tentatively connected to the human realm. It is a place of waiting for rebirth, a place to rectify negative actions, and holder of memories.

In Buddhism, the only perfect birth is the human realm and the other five planes of rebirth are unfortunate. Some sects believe the realms are completely separate and the Buddha and Bodisattva can travel between them. Others believe there is only the human realm and all six forms of rebirth are found in the human realm.

A possible link here is that the castle is in the City of Desire, the realm of hungry ghosts. Dala had an army and perpetual fighting, or the realm of torture/hell. Kenbukyo was in a peaceful forest, the realm of luxury and gods.

It's possible the Youjakai was renamed so to be more sinister by Arago when it's supposed to be a general spirit world. Arago seems to indicate it, and there's iconography within the show that hints at this.

The tori gates are symbols of entering another realm or holy place. The size and complexity of the gates indicate the importance and power behind them. One aspect of Shinto and Buddhist funerary services is to help the recently deceased 'pass through the gates of death.'

The waters surrounding the city of desire are filled with Lotus. These are seen as holy and symbols of rebirth. In Chinese mythology, lotus ponds are filled with ever-blooming in the realms of heavenly rebirth.

Anubisu refers to himself several times as a bringer of death and dresses as Yama, the god of the dead, to fight Seiji in the Youjakai.

A statue of Enma-o or Yama is a massive temple under the castle where Naaza fights Ryo and Shin.

Arago refers to the Masho once early in the show as Shitenno, the Four Heavenly Kings. The Buddhist Shitenno are almost always depicted wearing armor and holding weapons and are sometimes referred to as Generals. They will sometimes be found in the four corners of a temple's main altar. The Shitenno are usually depicted stepping on small demon-like creatures. This represents their suppression of evil and protection of people from evil.

## The Connection Between The Armors and The Realms

Looking at the various connections, it's quite possible the Troopers' armor is rooted in the physical, mortal, human world. The Masho armors are rooted in the spiritual/dead world. Each are guardians of their realms.

We see this played out in Message, as the Troopers start to understand this role.

Possibly, the Masho begin to realize their role after they went to the Youjakai and began rebuilding.

Given the iconography, the Masho should be guardians of the spirits passing from one life to the next, maintaining the peace of the spirit realm. The repeated references to the Shitenno and their iconography suggest the Masho are either vassals or reincarnation of the Heavenly Kings.  The Masho armors are supposed to be in that realm and the Trooper's armors are supposed to be in the mortal realm.

Playing on the Shitenno reference, Tamonten, also known as the Black Warrior, (Anubisu) is the most powerful and skill of the Tamonten, Zochoten (Rajura) brings spiritual and mental growth, Jikokuten, Keeper of the Kingdom, the Upholder of the Country, the Protector of the World, (Shuten) is the guardian of guardians, and Komokuten is sees through evil and punishes evil, and is attended by the Naga.

There could be a good argument that the Masho aren't human at all anymore, and possibly even the Troopers. Looking at the iconography and the mythical references, they are embodiment of the bosatsu, or enlightened spirits that forgo their own enlightenment and rebirth to help others. It could explain why they lived so long unchanged and why they survived being consumed by Arago without apparent harm.

Another hint of becoming more is found in the true nature of the Masho armor:

* Yami - Shikoku 漆黒 - Jet Black (a lacquer used on precious and funerary objects)
* Doku - Yakushi 薬師 - Buddha of Medicine/Doctor
* Gen - Mugen 夢幻 – Infinity/Dreams
* Oni - Riki 貴力 - Noble Power

## Conclusion

Much of these links are never explained in the show because they are deeply cultural and understood by the Japanese. They would know at a glance what most of the iconography was without any context. Fortunately, we are learning more about the Japanese culture and can see how in-depth this show truly is.

## Sources

1. ↑ Aston, William George (1896). "Book I & II" . Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A.D. 697. Kegan Paul, Trench, Trübner & Co., Roberts, Jeremy (2010). Japanese mythology A to Z (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Chelsea House Publishers. ISBN 9781438128023. OCLC 540954273.
2. ↑ The Mainichi. News Navigator: What are the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan? Published March 31, 2018.
3. ↑ Mol, Serge (2003). Classical Weaponry of Japan: Special Weapons and Tactics of the Martial Arts. Kodansha International. p. 197. ISBN 978-4-7700-2941-6.
4. ↑ Beer, Robert (2003). The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols. Chicago: Serindia. p. 184. ISBN 1932476032.
5. ↑ "延光寺". 四国88ヶ所出会い旅. 四国霊場会本部. Retrieved 2019-11-13.
6. ↑ Ryūichi Abe (2000). The Weaving of Mantra: Kūkai and the Construction of Esoteric Buddhist Discourse. Columbia University Press. pp. 3, 113–4, 391–3. ISBN 978-0-231-11287-1.
7. ↑ https://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/number-five.html
8. ↑ Turnbull, Stephen. Samurai The Story of Japan's Great Warriors. London. Prc Publishing Ltd, 2004.
9. ↑ Hubbard, Ben (2014-06-02). Samurai: Swords, Shoguns and Seppuku. The History Press. ISBN 978-0-7509-5725-0.
10. ↑ https://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/shitenno.shtml