Ki

Ki
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The Four Cardinal Animals

Ki is an underlying spiritual form of energy that is distributed across all life forms and entities within the Shinto pantheon. First derived from Indo-Chinese belief systems such as Hinduism and Buddhism, the principle definition of ki is closely tied to the Four Cardinal Animals that represent their own plethora of characteristics. It is believed that ki offers a multitude of different effects to those who manage to harness it, especially in passive and active situations. For instance, ki is often seen as a major supplement to those who must train for Kenshō. Considering both function as spiritual mediums, it is easy to understand that ki is best described as an underlying foundation for any advances in ***Zanshin***. Without proper control of ki, it would be difficult to proceed any further in one's mastery of Kenshō and beyond.

The Four Cardinal Animals are a Chinese-originated ring of mythical beasts that act as guardians of the four primary directions: the **Azure Dragon of the East**, the **Vermillion Bird of the South**, the **White Tiger of the West**, and the **Black Tortoise of the North**. Each of these creatures represent distinct aspects on matters of emotion, virtue, spiritual meaning, and philosophy. Because of their immense importance, the Four Guardians are a relevant presence in many East Asian cultures. These animals directly influence ki because of how many practitioners are forced to reflect on their spiritual selves before they could hope to correspond to one of the Guardians. Because of this difficulty, the vast majority (95%) of the Battotai and arguably the Tengoku themselves, are often unable to fully master ki control nor identify their own corresponding Guardian. In Shintoism, although ki was introduced as a Buddhist addition, it is not vital for Tengoku when using their own abilities. Instead, it is a supplementary form of spiritual discipline that could enhance one's actions; but beyond that, leaves little else to be desired. For those who may seek ki mastery as a weapon, they would be sorely disappointed.

As mentioned previously, ki was introduced by Chinese Buddhist sects that largely based themselves in areas such as modern-day **Shikoku**. The first Tengoku to be introduced to this foreign concept were the **Tengoku of Suratahiko**, the formidable mountain god that would later become strongly associated with the Buddhist ideologies of mainland China. Despite this cultural diffusion, the clans of Shikoku would harness this spiritual energy to deepen their self-reflection, and open the gates to expanding their capacities for ***Zanshin*** and ***Mushin**.* In the centuries following the Heian period, the Buddhist-Shinto sects of the Sōhei would expand their reach across Japan and with them - their knowledge of ki manipulation. Many other Tengoku clans such as that of **Takemikazuchi**, **Hachiman**, and **Inari** would become the next successors of understanding ki. Since then, it has predominantly been warriors of the Sōhei, Shikoku, or Kansai Battotai who have cultivated this knowledge. For warriors of other regions, they have always learned how to harness ki from these lands.

## Primary Features & Properties

Ki is best described as "spiritual essence" which flows within all sentient beings and nature. With it, it is a pivotal connection between one's conscience and the surrounding world. Through intense meditation, emotional maturity, spiritual reflection, and martial discipline — one can begin to slowly unlock access to ki. Though the majority of harnessing ki is for passive reasons, warriors of strong conviction and incredible mental fortitude are able to weaponize it through imbuing their weapons or even producing crude constructs such as armor, beasts, or projectiles. The most basic uses of ki control — though it is no easy feat by any means — would be the coating of one's weapons with ki for additional durability and power.

On the other hand, ki is also a reservoir of one's deeper virtues and emotions. For some when they are emotional or enraged, they may naturally extrude ki from their bodies and weapons. Tengoku who may have intense flares of strong emotion can also project these uncontrollable bursts of ki. However, one should not mistake this to be "control" by any means. In addition, there is also a correlation between one's ki and the Guardian they may correspond with — should they prove worthy and disciplined enough to hone their ki to such a level. Such trials are known to be extremely personal and unique to each Tengoku that may hope to understand their spiritual selves — but once they succeed, it is said that their potential for ***Zanshin*** is no longer limited. Thus, some experienced scholars may consider ki to be a necessary prerequisite for those who seek to become warriors of legendary skill and power.

## The Four Cardinal Guardians

The Four Cardinal Guardians are major representatives of Japanese ki, being seen as emotional and powerful pillars that correspond to a person's ki. It is widely believed a person's ki can be associated with one of the Four Guardians, imbuing them with specific powers in different circumstances. These Four Guardian spirits are believed to defend Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. In the days since the Meiji Revolution, the Kansai Battotai have given titles of each Guardian to any worthy warrior that embodies their spiritual guardian's values. Such titles are said to be given by the spiritual guardians themselves. Despite this tradition, it does not mean that such titles are exclusive to the Kansai Battotai. These guardian spirits can also anoint other worthy warriors.

### The Black Tortoise (North)

Known as the **Black Tortoise** (and even as the Black Warrior in alternate translations), the Tortoise represents the northern cardinal direction and the season of winter. In Japanese, the Tortoise is referred to as "**Genbu**", protecting the northern perimeter of Kyoto from the Kenkun Shrine. The Black Tortoise is associated with ki practitioners who are unwilling to break from their convictions, believing in loyalty and intense discipline as overarching principles. In battle, these warriors are seen as being unbreakable bastions who can stem any tide, and are shown to be combatants who are willing to stand against any overwhelming force if it meant the protection of all others. True sacrifice is an important underlying aspect of the Tortoise, and it is a trait that is not easily found. In terms of battle, these are often warriors who are found to be protecting their allies, being willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, and facing insurmountable challenges with graceful discipline. Despite these qualities, these practitioners struggle in understanding limitations, boundaries, analysis, and idleness. As a result, these are their worst obstacles.

### The Vermilion Bird (South)

Known as the **Vermilion Bird**, the Bird represents the southern cardinal direction and the season of summer. In Japanese, the Bird is referred to as "**Suzaku**", protecting the southern perimeter of Kyoto from the Central Shrine. The Vermilion Bird is associated with ki practitioners who are patient, analytical, and are able to apply their observations to action with efficiency and precision. Simultaneously, they believe in detachment and adequate preparation so as to make the most objective decisions in moral dilemmas; even with their humanity, they must also make the decision for the greater good of their community and Japan itself. In battle, these warriors are seen as being sometimes docile and unsuspecting skirmishers who await an advantageous opportunity before inflicting a decisive strike. Pragmatism and service are important underlying aspects to the Bird, and these combined traits are not easily distinguishable. Despite these qualities, these practitioners struggle in understanding needless sacrifice, concepts relating to absolutes, and communal pandering. As a result, these are their worst obstacles.

### The Azure Dragon (East)

Known as the **Azure Dragon**, the Dragon represents the eastern cardinal direction and the season of spring. In Japanese, the Dragon is referred to as "**Seiryū**", protecting the eastern perimeter of Kyoto from the Kiyomizu Temple. The Azure Dragon is associated with ki practitioners who are (of the four Guardians) susceptible to emotional decisions for the sake of their allies. However, these qualities range from integrity, commitment, reverence, and charismatic purpose. In other words, those associated with the Dragon are frequently reliable and effective leaders. In battle, these warriors are seen as being on the constant offensive, never willing to offer their opponent mercy so long as all previous avenues had been exhausted. Though they believe in concepts of honor and discipline, they rely moreso on temperament and commitment to impose their will in battle. Integrity and authenticity are important underlying aspects to the Dragon, and these combined traits are almost never found.

### The White Tiger (West)

Known as the **White Tiger**, the Tiger represents the western cardinal direction and the season of autumn. In Japanese, the Tiger is referred to as "**Byakko**", protecting the western perimeter of Kyoto from the Western Temple. The White Tiger is associated with ki practitioners who are flexible, tenacious, and though idealistic, confident. In other words, those associated with the Tiger are frequently reliable and formidable warriors, opportunistic if it means springing a trap - and if it means adjusting to how conditions may change like the fleeting season of fall. In doing so, these warriors are frequently shown as cautious and psychological masters, constantly confusing their opponents before inflicting a series of crippling blows to fell their enemy. Tenacity and adaptability are important underlying aspects to the Tiger, and these combined traits are not easily distinguished. Despite these qualities, these practitioners struggle in understanding outright honesty, the chain-of-command, and blatant expressions of temper.

## Trivia

* In terms of known "Guardians", Misao Yamada (the current Kansai Shugo) was anointed as the Azure Dragon in her time as the Kyoto Jito. In addition, there is also Okubo Sōjirō; the current White Tiger and Kyoto Jito in the modern day.
* It is known through specific historical texts that Reiji Imagawa, a member of the Shodai and a Tengoku of Takemikazuchi, also fulfilled the position of Azure Dragon.
* Despite these modern examples, there have historically been more anointed guardians & ki users in the **Shikoku** region than any other region in Japan.
* Although the four Guardian titles for Tengoku are traditionally seen as honorary, it is believed there are potential rewards for those who manage to be personally anointed by one of the Guardians to take up their mantle. On the other hand, this *is not* the same as identifying which Cardinal Beast is associated with a human.