The Legend of an Outsider

 

The rich mythology of Japan is full of gems – stories that can be drawn from it – borrowed and used for inspiration in our own lives. On the other hand, the colorful and diverse contemporary pop culture of Japan is also studded with references to these more and less known intricacies of Shinto mythology, and to fully understand and appreciate it, it's worth exploring successive stories from the shadows of ancient history. This will enrich both the feelings and reflections that a given game, anime, or Japanese film evokes in us, as well as it may inspire directly in life.

 

And so, we regularly offer you, dear Readers, further installments of Shinto mythology – either in the form of an analysis of influences in a given work of pop culture, or in the form of a cross-sectional description of a particular youkai, or kami, or in the form of retelling an interesting Japanese legend. Today, let's meet Sugawara no Michizane – a scholar and politician who transformed into the god of knowledge and enlightenment, incidentally taking revenge by decimating half of the Heian period Japanese emperor's court.

 

The story will not be difficult for us to understand. There was Sugawara no Michizane – a very talented young man who, thanks to his knowledge and skills, went far and, at a young age, sat at an important, high-ranking position. Unfortunately, he was a man from outside the system (all the important seats at that time were held by the Fujiwaras). This ended tragically for our hero. False accusations, persecution, and finally, an unfair verdict and a ruined life. Indeed, despite the distance of contemporary Poland from these events by 9,000 km and 1,200 years, it is easy for us to grasp such a plot?

 

Fortunately, it's a legend, not life. Thus, justice triumphed (though only after our hero's death) thanks to supernatural threads (Michizane, after death, ensured that the Fujiwaras encountered many macabre misfortunes). Once Michizane had finished with those who had ruined his life, he became a god (kami), known as Tenjin, and is worshiped to this day in many contemporary Japanese temples. Especially by students.

 

The Tenjin-shinko cult, still alive in Japan, i.e., the faith in Tenjin, goes beyond simple worship. It constitutes a complex relationship between history, religion, and everyday educational practices, symbolizing not only respect for the past but also a continuous search for knowledge and enlightenment. Tenjin, as the patron of pupils and students, is present in the lives of many Japanese, who turn to him with prayers for success in learning and on academic tests.

Today's article will take us on a journey through the life of Sugawara no Michizane, from his beginnings as an outstanding scholar, through the dramatic events leading to his exile, to the extraordinary circumstances that, by making him a kami god, enabled revenge.

 

 

 

Life of Sugawara no Michizane

 

Early life

 

In the distant history of Japan, during the Heian period (794-1185), a time when culture and art reached unparalleled refinement, a figure was born whose legacy has survived the ages. Sugawara no Michizane (菅原 道真), born in 845, signaled his extraordinary literary talent from the earliest years.

 

Michizane was born in Heian-kyō (modern-day Kyoto) into a family with rich academic traditions. His father, Sugawara no Kiyotomo, was a respected scholar, which provided young Michizane access to the highest level of education. Even as a child, he showed an unusual ability to learn and create poetry.

 

His talent did not go unnoticed by the imperial court. Sugawara quickly gained recognition as one of the most promising scholars of his time. His literary skills and proficiency in Chinese classics opened the way for a career in state administration. At the mere age of 25, in 870, Michizane was appointed professor, and his career at the imperial court gained momentum.

 

Cooperation with Emperor Uda and his trust made Michizane one of the key advisors. His influence and position grew, along with them, envy and hostility among the members of the Fujiwara clan, dominant in the politics of Japan at the time. It was a time when ambitions and intrigues spared no one who dared to stand out and aroused jealousy.

 

In 899, when Sugawara no Michizane reached the peak of his career, becoming the Minister of the Right (右大臣, Udaishin), his professional life seemed to fulfill all ambitions. This position, one of the highest offices in the empire, was the culmination of his scholarly and political achievements. It was a time of recognition of his talent, knowledge, and dedication to the state. However, this period of triumph quickly turned into tragedy. A conspiracy, orchestrated by influential members of the Fujiwara clan who envied his influence and achievements, soon turned his life into a nightmare.

 

 

Conspiracy

 

The greatest rival of Michizane was Fujiwara no Tokihira, a member of the powerful Fujiwara clan, which had long held a near-monopoly on the highest positions in the empire. When Michizane, a man unaffiliated with the dominant political factions, was appointed Minister of the Right, Tokihira saw this as a direct threat to his position and influence. In response, Tokihira and his supporters began to devise a plan, the goal of which was not only to remove Michizane from power but to completely destroy him.

 

The conspiracy began with spreading rumors and false accusations, suggesting that Michizane was planning a rebellion against the emperor. Manipulated "evidence" and fabricated "testimonies" were presented at court as incontrovertible proof of treason. Malicious insinuations, supported by influential figures in the empire, quickly gained credibility, and Michizane, deprived of the opportunity to defend himself against such a massive attack, became a victim of political intrigue.

 

At the climax of the intrigue, Emperor Daigo, convinced of Michizane's guilt and desiring to avoid the alleged threat to the stability of the empire, decided on the most drastic form of punishment for such a case – exile. This decision, taken under the influence of false accusations and manipulation, sent Michizane to a remote and isolated post in Dazaifu, condemning him to a lifetime of loneliness and isolation from his family and friends, whom he was never to see again.

 

 

Exile

 

Falsely accused of conspiring against the emperor, Michizane was brutally torn from the life he knew and loved. In 901, his fate changed irreversibly - he was exiled to Dazaifu on the distant island of Kyushu. This exile was not just a physical separation from the capital and the court, which were the center of his life. It was also a symbolic isolation from the world and the culture he was passionate about, and the people he respected. Distanced from his loved ones and the intellectual ferment of Kyoto, Michizane found himself in deep loneliness, which became his daily reality. This alienation was deepened by his sense of injustice that had befallen him.

Loneliness, longing for home and his native city, and a sense of injury due to unfair accusations, became constant companions in the last years of Michizane's life. His suffering was a reflection not only of his personal drama but also of a larger, universal story of fighting injustice. In Dazaifu, far from his beloved Kyoto, Michizane continued to create poetry, expressing his feelings - sadness, longing, and thoughts on the transience of life. His words, steeped in deep melancholy and reflection on the fate of man, became an immortal testament to his spiritual struggle with longing and melancholy.

 

Sugawara no Michizane died in Dazaifu in 903, leaving behind a legacy not only as an outstanding scholar but as a figure soon to be transformed into a legend.

 

 

"Under the rainy sky,

no one escapes, so,

innocent, I wear my wet clothes

with no way to dry them."

 

あめの下のがるゝ人のなければや着てし濡れ衣干るよしもなき

 - Sugawara no Michizane

 

 

 

Revenge from Beyond the Grave

 

When Sugawara no Michizane crossed the threshold of his new home in exile in Dazaifu, he was surrounded not only by the shadows of Kyushu's dense forests but also by a mist of uncertainty that would henceforth shroud his days. Although the nature surrounding him was lush and the landscapes breathtaking, for the heart of a scholar and poet like Michizane, these beautiful sights could not fill the void left by the lost world. With each passing day, his loneliness became more palpable, and his texts and poetry became his only companions, witnesses to the deep suffering of a soul stripped of dreams and ambitions.

 

When the spirit of Sugawara no Michizane crossed the thresholds of immortality, opening the doors between worlds that should always remain separate, a series of events began that shook the foundations of the empire. It was not ordinary fate; it was revenge, merciless and relentless, that began to fill the air of Japan with a dense scent of blood.

 

First to die was Fujiwara no Tokihira, the architect of the conspiracy against Michizane. His death, sudden and without warning, was like a thunderbolt from a clear sky for all those involved in the intrigue. Then, one by one, those who had agitated against Michizane began to leave this world under mysterious circumstances - some due to tragic accidents, others due to unknown diseases that rapidly and mercilessly ravaged their bodies.

 

In the capital, a series of extraordinary storms occurred, the strength and ferocity of which had no equal in history. Lightning struck from the sky with unprecedented fury, igniting the roofs of palaces and burning down the houses of the aristocracy to their foundations. Some sources reported that during one such storm, lightning struck directly at the imperial palace, which was interpreted as a direct attack of Michizane's wrath on the head of the state.

 

Eventually, death came for the successors to the throne. One by one, they were swallowed up under mysterious and tragic circumstances, and the imperial court was paralyzed with fear. People began to whisper that it was the spirit of Michizane wandering the earth, demanding justice for the wrongs done to him. These whispers turned into screams when the belief that the misfortunes befalling the country were the direct result of his cursed wrath began to dominate among the population.

 

 

 

Rehabilitation

 

Faced with these terrifying events, the emperor and the imperial court realized that they had to quell the wrath of Sugawara no Michizane to restore peace to the country. In an act of desperation and deep humility, Michizane was rehabilitated, and all false accusations against him were officially withdrawn. However, what went down in history as the most significant was the deification of Michizane as Tenjin, the kami of wisdom and literature. This act was not just an attempt to appease his wrath; it was a recognition of his spirit and wisdom, which transcended the boundaries of death, giving rise to a cult that has survived the ages and continues to influence to this day.

 

Throughout the archipelago, Tenjin temples began to be erected to worship the newly recognized deity. Dazaifu, once a place of exile, became a sacred land where Dazaifu Tenmangu, one of the most important temples dedicated to Michizane, was built. Where once there was loneliness and despair, now pilgrims from all over Japan seek comfort, wisdom, and blessings in learning.

 

Thus, the legend of Sugawara no Michizane, through suffering and tragedy, transformed into a tale of the immortality of the spirit, whose desire for justice and knowledge transcended the boundaries of mortal existence. In the hearts of people, Michizane is no longer just a historical figure; he has become a symbol, a kami, who continues to inspire and lead as the eternal guardian of those seeking truth and enlightenment.

 

 

Tenjin Beliefs in Modern Japan

 

 

Practices and Rituals Associated with Tenjin Worship

 

The cult of Tenjin in Japan encompasses many practices and rituals that reflect reverence for the wisdom and knowledge of this kami. One of the most widespread customs is the practice of writing "ema" (絵馬) - small wooden plaques on which the faithful inscribe their prayers and wishes. Students and pupils often place ema in Tenjin temples, asking for success in exams and the acquisition of knowledge. Another important event is "Tenjin matsuri", a festival held annually, especially at Dazaifu Tenmangu, where devotees participate in ceremonies, processions, and offering of gifts to honor Tenjin and ask for his blessing.

 

 

Key Tenjin Temples and Festivals in Japan

 

Dazaifu Tenmangu in Fukuoka Prefecture and Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto are considered the two most important temples dedicated to Tenjin in Japan. Dazaifu Tenmangu, the burial place of Michizane, attracts millions of pilgrims every year, especially during the school and university exam periods. Kitano Tenmangu, founded in 947, is famous for its beautiful plum gardens that bloom in early spring. Both temples are central venues for the "Tenjin matsuri" celebrations, held on February 25th (the anniversary of Michizane's death) and July 25th, gathering devotees from all over Japan.

 

 

Tenjin as the Patron of Education: Customs Related to Exams and Learning

 

Modern Japan regards Tenjin as the patron of education, as reflected in numerous customs and practices. Before entrance exams for schools and universities, students visit Tenjin temples to make offerings and pray for good results. A typical sight at these places are groups of young people, often accompanied by their parents, placing ema with wishes for success in learning. Additionally, many students carry "omamori" - amulets purchased in Tenjin temples, which are supposed to bring them luck and protection during exams.

 

Special days related to Tenjin, such as "Kanko-sai" at Kitano Tenmangu, are also celebrated in Japan, where poetry reading ceremonies are held, highlighting the deity's connection with literature and the art of calligraphy. These practices and customs show how contemporary Japanese still draw inspiration from Tenjin's spiritual heritage, not only as a historical figure but as a living presence that influences their daily life and educational aspirations.

 

 

 

Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami: "Sugawara's Secrets of Calligraphy Mastery"

 

"Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami" (菅原伝授手習鑑) is a complex and multi-layered work of Japanese theatre, one of the most valued and frequently performed pieces in the Kabuki repertoire, and also present in the Nō theatre tradition. First presented to the public in 1746, this work is the result of the collaboration of three authors: Takeda Izumo II, Miyoshi Shōraku, and Namiki Senryū. It not only tells the life story and legend of Sugawara no Michizane but also serves as a moral play, emphasizing values such as loyalty, honor, and education.

 

The story focuses on the life of our protagonist - Sugawara no Michizane. "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami" is a rich and complicated tale full of tension, intrigue, and deep moral messages.

 

The play is divided into five acts, each exploring different aspects of Sugawara no Michizane's life and legacy:

 

Political Action – The first acts focus on Michizane's political downfall, centering on the intrigues and conspiracies that lead to his unjust exile.

 

Family Values and Loyalty – The narrative intertwines the fates of three brothers, symbolizing loyalty to Sugawara and his ideals. Their fates are a test of virtue and honor in the face of adversity.

 

Supernatural Elements – The play also includes supernatural elements, including divine interventions, meant to show the power and influence Sugawara (as Tenjin) holds over the world of the living and the dead.

 

In the Kabuki tradition, "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami" is performed with rich scenography, spectacular costumes, and characteristic acting, emphasizing the emotional and symbolic aspects of the story. Music and dance are also integral parts of the production, adding an aesthetic layer to the performance. In Nō theatre, the story is presented in a more subdued and symbolic manner, focusing on the emotional and spiritual depth.

 

"Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami" remains an important work in Japanese culture, not only as a theatrical piece but also as a medium conveying values and ideas associated with Sugawara no Michizane. Through its content and form, the play continues the tradition of honoring his memory as a kami of wisdom, education, and literature, reminding of the importance of these values in everyday life and culture.

 

 

Tenjin – The Kami of Wisdom and Education

 

The story of Sugawara no Michizane, filled with drama and final transformation, serves as a reminder of the spirit's strength. Simultaneously, especially for us Europeans trying to delve into elements of Japanese culture, it is a reminder of how different our cultures are and to always keep an open mind, not to try to explain Japanese culture with our standards, because something might not align. Just as the combination of the deity of knowledge and education with bloody revenge might seem strange at first.

 

Tenjin is not just a story from 1200 years ago. He is still an icon and symbol in contemporary Japan. Dazaifu Tenmangu, one of the most important temples dedicated to Tenjin, is located near the Kyushu National Museum and several other educational institutions, making this place not only a spiritual center but also a hub of knowledge and learning. This symbolic location underscores Tenjin's role as the guardian of education and wisdom. Moreover, exam preparation schools have also developed in the immediate vicinity of this temple, further confirming how deeply the Tenjin cult is intertwined with education in Japan.

 

Finally, a fun fact for those carefully watching anime. Notice that often along with the theme of Tenjin, plum flowers and trees appear. This is no coincidence. Sugawara no Michizane was known for his love of plums and often mentioned them in his poems. Many Tenjin temples, including Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto, are known for their beautiful plum gardens, which bloom in early spring. Legend has it that one of the plum trees, which Michizane especially loved in Kyoto, moved to Dazaifu Tenmangu overnight to be with him after his death. This miraculous act of the plant's loyalty to its guardian is celebrated every year during the plum festival, highlighting the deep bonds between Tenjin and this fruit.

 

Over the centuries, the figure of Tenjin has inspired not only believers and students but also artists, writers, and culture creators. His legacy, still alive in the hearts and minds of the Japanese, serves as an unchanging bridge between the past and the future, reminding of values that remain constant despite the passage of time.

 

 

When the east wind blows, spreading the scent,

Plum flowers, do not forget spring

Even if your master is far away.

 

春な忘れそ

 - Sugawara no Michizane

 

 

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