4 Let the reader consult Mitford's admirable Tales of Old Japan for the full meaning of the term 'Ronin.'
5 There is a delicious Japanese proverb, the full humour of which is only to be appreciated by one familiar with the artistic representations of the divinities referred to: Karutoki no Jizo-gao, Nasutoki no Emma-gao.
'Borrowing-time, the face of Jizo; Repaying-time, the face of Emma.'
6 This old legend has peculiar interest as an example of the efforts made by Buddhism to absorb the Shinto divinities, as it had already absorbed those of India and of China. These efforts were, to a great extent, successful prior to the disestablishment of Buddhism and the revival of Shinto as the State religion. But in Izumo, and other parts of western Japan, Shinto has always remained dominant, and has even appropriated and amalgamated much belonging to Buddhism.
7 In Sanscrit 'Hariti'—Karitei-Bo is the Japanese name for one form of Kishibojin.
Notes for Chapter Five
1 It is related in the same book that Ananda having asked the Buddha how came Mokenren's mother to suffer in the Gakido, the Teacher replied that in a previous incarnation she had refused, through cupidity, to feed certain visiting priests.
2 A deity of good fortune
Notes for Chapter Six
1 The period in which only deities existed.