TENGU
The legendary bird like Tengu are known in Japan to be supernatural creatures with both Shinto and Buddhist attributes who roam the wilderness, mountain and forest realms - rather like the Griffins of ancient Celtic Lore in Britain. Their legends and abilities are numerous inluding: shapeshifting from human to animal form and back again, the ability to travel great distances in the blink of an eye and the ability to appear in dreams.
The Tengu are the mystical guardians of Budo and the martial arts. The Tengu are skilled warriors and mischief makers who are known to punish vain and arrogant Buddhist priests and warriors who willfully misuse their knowledge, power and authority in order to gain riches, fame or position. Tengu are known to play tricks and punish vain and arrogant bushi. The Tengu are the upholders of the dharma (law) and will willfully punish those who seek to corrupt the law.
Sojobo, King of the Tengu
It has been recorded in the works of the philosopher Hayashi Razan that one the three most powerful of the Daitengu (Kings of the Tengu) was none other than Sojobo of Mount Kurama. Mount Kurama is home to many of the mykkyo traditions including that of the healing and empowerment art of Reiki. Mount Kurama is known for its annual fire festival known as Kurama no Hi Matsuri. It was on Mount Kurama where Dr Usui Sensei recieved his enlightenment and attunement to the great healing force of Reiki. Sojobo, King of the Tengu, was known to have taught the many secrets and principles of Kenjutsu to the bushi Minamoto no Yoshitsune.
On bai shira man to ya so wa ka