1. The Origin of Onmyoji
What kind of person is Onmyoji? To put it simply, it can be said to be a fortune teller or an illusionist. They not only know how to observe the stars and read people's faces, but they can also measure directions, recognize disasters, draw talismans, recite incantations, and perform illusions. They also have a deep understanding of the invisible forces, such as fate, souls, and ghosts, and have the ability to control these things.
The organization formed by the gathering of Onmyoji is called "Onmyodo". Japan’s “Onmyodo” originated from the Yin-Yang and Five-Elements theories of China’s Contending Period. In the primitive scientific era, in order to avoid disasters, people always hoped to know the changes in the world in advance. The emergence of the "Yin Yang and Five Elements Theory" turned this wish into a reality. Its representative classic is the "Book of Changes" that has been handed down since the Zhou Dynasty!
In the sixth century AD, the Chinese Yin-Yang and Five Elements theories were introduced to Japan, mixing Taoist incantations and esoteric divination. After landing in Japan, some local culture was infiltrated, and a unique "Onmyodo" was formed. However, when this term officially appeared in Japanese historical materials, it was already in the tenth century. At this time, the Yin and Yang Tao was different from the early Chinese Yin and Yang thought. It had applications in divination, sacrifice, astronomy, calendars, etc., and could be used to explain everything from the fate of the country to the destiny of the emperor, to the affairs of the common people. Prince Shotoku of the Suigu Dynasty was a leader in applying this knowledge. A devout believer in Buddhism, he took into account the coordination of yin and yang and the five elements when formulating the "twelve ranks of crowns" and clothing colors, which had a great impact on Japanese society. From then on, onmyoji became a popular "profession" and entered a period of full prosperity.
2. The Heian Era - The Rise of the Onmyoji
The ten-mile avenue is covered with dry grass, covered in black mist, and the fishy wind and hot dust beat on the vermilion tower, making a rustling sound. Incense was smoked, cypress fans were waved, and the nobles tried their best to practice elegance. But the red plum blossom clothes and the bright brocade cannot hide the lament of the dry bones. Ghosts, demons, and resentful souls exist in the world and reside in everyone's heart...
In the Heian Era, a man who once lived with A time when the Tang Empire faced each other across the sea. It gave birth to an extremely gorgeous and splendid culture that will amaze future generations, but it also hides many unknown darknesses. Beginning with the relocation of Kyoto in Japan from Nagato to Heian in 794 AD, the Heian era of more than 400 years of rule over the world slowly began. But the safe capital of the capital is not a paradise. There are ghosts and ghosts everywhere. Demons and ghosts do not stay in distant forests or mountains, but live breathlessly with humans in the capital, even under the same roof. Heianjing was encroached by monsters and monsters, becoming a nest of demons and spies, and also a stage for Onmyoji to be active.
In order to eliminate the contradictions between heaven, earth, humans and ghosts, the "Onmyoji" masters showed their talents. They use all-encompassing divination and mysterious spells to exorcise evil spirits and kill monsters, becoming powerful protectors from the royal family to the common people! However, Onmyoji's job is not easy to win. To survive in the intrigues of the court, they must be familiar with all elegant things, including Japanese songs, Chinese poetry, pipa, flute, as well as incense ceremony or tea ceremony. They must be involved in everything. In addition, one must have the ability to see through people's minds and the professional ethics of not leaking secrets. Therefore, those who can become Onmyoji are all top-notch talents at that time.
During the Nara period, the emperor decided to use Onmyodo as one of the means to rule the people, incorporated its related technologies and talents into national management, and closely monitored its development. Ordinary people are strictly prohibited from owning special classics on Yin and Yang Dao such as "He Tu", "Luo Shu", and "Taiyi", and Yin and Yang Dao has become the exclusive tool of the state. Onmyoji began to appear as the country's exclusive fortune-telling masters, and throughout the Heian period, they reached the pinnacle of development.
During the period of Emperor Tenmu, the official organization "Onmyoji" affiliated with Onmyoji was formally established. The Yin-Yang Lao has one chief "Yin-Yang Head", one Doctor of Yin-Yang, one Doctor of Astronomy, one Doctor of Calendar, two Doctors of Lukeng and six Doctors of Onmyoji. Its main responsibilities are to formulate astronomy and calendars, determine auspiciousness and disasters, determine geomorphology, geomancy, and hold rituals. There are 89 people at its disposal.
Yin and Yang Dao has now become part of the legal system. Whoever controls the "Yin and Yang Liao" has the ability to interpret everything. Onmyodo became the emperor's royal teaching.
3. Terminator of the Eastern Devil - Abe Seimei
Although the Onmyojis do not have high official ranks, they are mostly relied on by powerful ministers and nobles, and their status is far higher than that of ordinary officials. and above the samurai. At that time, Kamo Tadayuki, who was the number one onmyoji master, even accepted a handsome young boy as his disciple under the surprised eyes of everyone. This handsome and intelligent young man was the later famous Onmyodo master - Abe Seimei.
Birth
Abe Seimei (921 AD - 1005 AD)