11 The Hoin or Yamabushi was a Buddhist exorciser, usually a priest.
Strictly speaking, the Hoin was a Yamabushi of higher rank. The
Yamabushi used to practise divination as well as exorcism. They were
forbidden to exercise these professions by the present government; and
most of the little temples formerly occupied by them have disappeared or
fallen into ruin. But among the peasantry Buddhist exorcisers are still
called to attend cases of fox-possession, and while acting as exorcisers
are still spoken of as Yamabushi.
12 A most curious paper on the subject of Ten-gan, or Infinite
Vision--being the translation of a Buddhist sermon by the priest Sata
Kaiseki--appeared in vol. vii. of the Transactions of the Asiatic
Society of Japan, from the pen of Mr. J. M. James. It contains an
interesting consideration of the supernatural powers of the Fox.
13 All the portable lanterns used to light the way upon dark nights bear
a mon or crest of the owner.