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Jammabos

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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a Shinto order of mountain priests of Japan, are a kind of wandering monks, dependent on the benevolence of the people for subsistence; and from the circumstance that they go armed with swords or scimitars, they are sometimes called mountain soldiers. Their founder lived about the 6th century. He wandered about in deserts, and climbed the steepest mountains, subjecting himself to the severest privations. His followers, on entering the order, made a solemn vow to renounce all temporal advantages for the prospect of eternal happiness. In course of time they became divided into two orders, called Tojunfa and Fonsaufa. The former are obliged to go on a pilgrimage once a year to the mountain of Fikoosan (q.v.). The other order of Jammabos are obliged annually to pay a visit to the sepulchre of their founder, which is also situated on the top of a high and almost inaccessible mountain. In preparation for this hazardous undertaking, they practice frequent ablutions and severe mortifications. During their pilgrimage they eat only herbs and roots. On their return they go to Miaco, and present a gift to the general of the religious order to which they belong, who, in turn, bestows some honorable title on the pilgrim. At their original institution the Jammabos were Shintoists, but they have blended that form of religion with the worship of strange gods. (See SHINTO).