Bujinkan Santa Monica

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Bujinkan Santa Monica

Train smart. Live better.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Secrets of 三つ鱗 Mitsu Uroko

三つ鱗 Mitsu Uroko photo by Michael Glenn

Since I am a ninja, I am part of a secret society. Secret societies are fun to learn about. One
of the most obvious ways into a secret society is through its symbols. I recently stumbled
三 鱗
across one mysterious symbol called つ Mitsu Uroko in a place I didn't expect to find it.

You have probably seen this symbol. For Legend of Zelda fans it is known as the Triforce.
But you may not know that the creator of this game, Miyamoto Shigeru, took much of his
inspiration from the mountains and temples of Kyoto. And if you travel around Japan, you
will encounter this symbol yourself.

What does it mean? And why should anyone in the Bujinkan care? Let me explain.

The origin story of this symbol is tied with one of the most powerful Shogun and clans in
Japanese history.

As told in the Taiheiki太平記 , Hojo Tokimasa went on a pilgrimage of fasting and prayer to
the island of Enoshima. While he was in one of the Iwaya Caves, the Goddess Benzaiten
appeared to him. She said that since he had been a priest in a previous life, he and his
family would prosper and rule over Japan.

After her blessing, Benzaiten returned to the sea. As she slipped beneath the waves,
Tokimasa caught a glimpse of a dragon's tail sliding across the sand from beneath her
robes. This vision caused him to investigate her tracks in the sand and he found three
dragon scales that had flaked off.

These three dragon scales became

their紋 mon (family crest) as the
Hōjō clan rose to prominence during
the Kamakura period in Japanese
history. They changed history by
facing off with invading Mongols,
spreading Zen Buddhism, and the
foundation of Bushido. But they also
had secret police and had very
secretive meetings at private
locations to control Japanese society.

Sometimes when you find this symbol

in Japan it is part of an antique
shrine. But sometimes it is in places
that could represent a secret meeting
Benzaiten Appears to Hôjô Tokimasa (notice she holds 3 scales) spot. Does the secret cult of Uga-jin
宇賀神 still have power?

Could there be secret meetings still happening to this day? Nahhh…

Michael Glenn at 12:55 AM

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Michael Glenn
Michael Glenn
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I began Bujinkan training in 1988. I haven't stopped. I might never.

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