On Feb 17, 2007, at 10:09 AM, DAFtie wrote:
>
> I am about to start a new Bushido campaign and as it is a new start I
> have decided to change some of the profession names:
>
> Shugenja -> Onmyoji
> Buddhist Priest -> Busso
> Shinto Priest -> Kannushi
>
> Have I made a mistake with these names?
>

Yes.

Shugenja are not onmyoji. Shugenja practise shugendo, a syncretistic
combination of Buddhism and Shinto. Onmyoji practise onmyodo, which
is yin-yang divination and more Taoist in roots.

As for Buddhist priest and Shinto priest... well, there are several
titles depending on the job they do.

Kannushi is generically Shinto, while the chief-priest of a shrine is
called a guji (assisted by a gon-guji). Negi is the term for the
raning deputy of the guji, and he is assisted by gon-negi.

I wouldn't suggest busso. Generically, a Buddhist priest is a bozu
(the origin of the "English" term "bonze"). Beyond that, you have
things like various monastery/abbey titles that vary depending on (1)
sect, (2) importance of the institution and imperial licensing, and
(3) actual job function.


Tony