1.
mountain ascetic; practitioner of Shugendo
A practitioner of 修験道 (Shugendo) who undergoes ascetic training in the mountains to gain spiritual power. Recognizable by a distinctive robe, a small black cap, and a conch-shell horn.
山伏が山を歩いている。
A mountain ascetic is walking through the mountains.
山伏はほら貝を吹いて合図する。
The mountain ascetics signal by blowing a conch shell.
昔から山伏は、険しい山で厳しい修行を続けてきた。
Since ancient times, mountain ascetics have carried out severe training in the rugged mountains.
Literally "one who lies down in the mountains," from 山 (mountain) + 伏す (to lie down). A practitioner of 修験道, the Japanese tradition of mountain asceticism that blends Buddhism, Shinto, and folk belief.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 山伏の格好: yamabushi attire
- 山伏の修行: the training of a mountain ascetic
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
Yamabushi are associated with sacred mountains such as 出羽三山 and 大峰山. Their conch-shell horn (ほら貝) is used both for signaling and in rituals.