Calling All Ninjas

[Basho]

Of those that have had any experience with kiji-in, What exactly are they and what are they used for? I think they're also sometimes referred to as the nine cutting fingers or nine levels of power.

[Galaktia]

Well Kuji-in are the Nine Articles of Seal, or the Nine Syllables of Seal.

Within Buddism and Shintoism they are a form of meditation to gain control of ones self. In ninjitsu I beleve they take a similar place.


If you are refering to the Nine Cuts or Slices of Seal (Kuji-Kiri) or (Kuji-Kirohi), which are the nine movements, 5 across, 4 up/down, that certain groups believed would give them power over other things, and often used with a brush and ink, over a peice of parchment carrying a feared symbol.

[Shinobi_Kokujin]

Galaktia is right on. Kuji-in is a part of Buddhism, Shinto, and Mikkyo.

and maybe a part of ninjutsu along with qi gong. for the most part its an aid to help concentrate or like tools to help one sharpen and develop thier will power.

the kuji-in u may see on tv and movies is an exaggerated form that makes it out to be some sort of mystical magicky stuff.

[Suspected_Psycho]

sannin227 wrote a good guide Here - I'll quote the bit that was relivent.. I suggest you check out the full story though, good read!

"Kuji-in-
"Kuji-in is the spiritual and mental strength the ninja possessed in the form of hand signs. These hand signs were believed to be able to channel energy. The hand signs were taken from the practices of the early Buddhists.

The Kuji-in was used to build confidence and strength in the ninja. It was also believed to enhance the senses of danger and foresee death for the ninja.

In Kuji-in the thumb represents the source of power (Ku), and the fingers represent the four elemental manifestations. They are Chi (earth - solids), Sui (water - liquids), Ka (fire - combustion) and Fu (wind - gases).

There are 81 hand symbols, total, but there are 9 primary ones: Rin, Hei, Toh, Sha, Kai, Jin, Retsu, Zai, and Zen. Each symbol invokes different strengths and abilities in a trained ninja. Rin brings strength to the mind and body; Hei generates psychic power in order to mask one's presence; Toh enables the ninja to reach a balance between the solid and liquid states of the body, which leads to a greater harmony with the universe; Sha is used to heal oneself or another; Kai gives complete control over the body's functions, enabling one to slow the heart rate, endure extreme heat and cold, etc. Jin increases the mind's telepathic powers, giving a highly trained Ninja the ability to read the character of another; Retsu gives telekinetic powers, enabling a ninja to stun an opponent with a shout or touch. Zai extends the harmony gained by merging with the universe. Zen brings enlightenment and understanding. These symbols take an entire lifetime to truly master."