Meeting: #3 Subject: The Seven Gods of Luck Date: 7-7-97
Jurojin. He is the god of Longevity and is always shown in the company of a crane, tortoise, or stag -- each of which represent contented old age. He has a white beard and usually carries a shaku (a sacred staff or baton onto which a scroll containing the wisdom of the world if fastened). Jurojin also enjoys sake, but in moderation. He is never a drunkard.
Fukurokuju (Fukurokujin). He has a very long and narrow head which is often shown as being longer than his legs, which symbolizes longevity and wisdom. His body is exceedingly short. Fukurokuju did not originate in Japan, for in his earthly life he is said to have been a Chinese philosopher and prophet.
Bishamon. Sometimes regarded as the god of Wealth, but that is Chinese Buddhism, the Japanese have included him in the gods of Luck. He is always shown dressed in full armor, carrying a spear, but he is no Hachiman (god of War), because in his other hand he carries a typical Buddhist miniature pagoda. These items show that he represents missionary zeal and warrior attributes.
Daikoku. He is the god of Wealth, the guardian of farmers, and is a good-natured and cheerful god. He carries a mallet that can grant mortal's wishes and he sits on a couple of rice bales, with his non-vegetable treasure slung over his back in a sack. Rats are sometimes shown eating rice from the bottom of his bales, but Daikoku's good humor and wealth are such that he doesn't mind.
In an old legend, the Buddhist Gods became jealous of Daikoku. They got together and decided the too popular Daikoku, to whom the Japanese offered prayers and incense, had to go. Emma-O, Lord of the Dead, sent his most clever and cunning Oni, Shiro, to conquer the god of Wealth. Shiro discovered Daikoku in the storehouse of his castle. Daikoku called his Rat to find out who dared to disturb him. When the Rat saw Shiro he ran into the garden and brought back a branch of holly, with which he drove the Oni away, and Daikoku remains to this day one of the most popular of the Japanese gods. This incident is said to be the origin of the New Year's Eve charm, consisting of a holly leaf and a skewer, or a spring of holly fixed in the lintel of the door of a house to prevent the return of the Oni.
Ebisu. Yet another god of Luck, he is a hard worker, representing honest labor. He is the patron of tradesmen and fishermen, but he is only depicted carrying a fishing rod and a tai or sea bream (a type of fish).
Benten. She is the only goddess among the seven, and many legends surround her. She is associated with the sea, many of her shrines are either by the sea or on islands, and she is often depicted accompanied by a sea serpent or dragon. Benten is regarded as a giver of wealth and romantic happiness and also represents the arts and general feminine deportment, her favorite musical instrument being the biwa (a string instrument kind of like a mandolin), and she is connected with Lake Biwa as well (the lake resembles a biwa in outline). She is thought to be the daughter of the Dragon King, and according to the story of Kiyomori, Benten has 2 sisters. Sometimes she is depicted as having 8 arms, 2 of which are folded in prayer, the others holding a bow, arrow, wheel, sword, key, and magatama, and she resembles Kwannon, the goddess of Mercy.
There is a tale that before the island of Enoshima appeared, a dragon lived on the mainland near the strip of sand which now connects it at low tide to the island. The dragon used to eat children in the village of Koshigoe, very near Enoshima and Kamakura. In the sixth century, Benten was determined to put a stop to the monster's unseemly behavior, and having caused a great earthquake she hovered in the clouds over its cave. Benten then descended from the clouds, entered the cavern, and married the dragon, and was able, through her good influence, to end his appetite for small children. With her coming, the island of Enoshima arose from the sea. In another version, she married one of the dragon kings after his constant wooing -- he was exceedingly ugly and had the form of a serpent.
For more information, please check out the...