Bodhisattva (bosatsu)
Shichiji Monju
七字文殊
Shichiji Monju (Seven-syllable Monju) is a form of Monju distinguished by the number of syllables in the mantra used in esoteric Buddhism. The Shichiji Monju ritual is also recorded in research materials of the Archives and Mausolea Department of the Imperial Household Agency. Monju also has names such as Five-syllable and Eight-syllable, and images with different numbers of topknots, so the lines of transmission are not uniform.
This introduction is based on materials from Shōhōin (Tobi Fudō). It is summarized within the scope of the beliefs and traditions those materials convey, and does not present explanations or customs common to all schools, shrines, and temples.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
A form of Monju named by the number of syllables in the mantra
Shichiji Monju (Seven-syllable Monju) is a form of Monju distinguished by the number of syllables in the mantra used in esoteric Buddhism. The Shichiji Monju ritual is also recorded in research materials of the Archives and Mausolea Department of the Imperial Household Agency. Monju also has names such as Five-syllable and Eight-syllable, and images with different numbers of topknots, so the lines of transmission are not uniform.
Source: 宮内庁書陵部・奈良国立博物館
Faith in Monju, the symbol of wisdom
In faith in Monju as a whole, wisdom and learning are at the center. At Abe Monjuin, prayers are offered for studies and examinations. This is background broadly related to faith in Monju, and does not indicate a benefit unique to Shichiji Monju.
Source: 安倍文殊院
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：七字文殊」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：目次」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 宮内庁書陵部「書陵部紀要 第8号：具注暦裏の書写資料」（2026-10-15 確認）
- 奈良国立博物館「文殊菩薩像」（2026-10-15 確認）
- 安倍文殊院「合格祈願・学業成就」（2026-10-15 確認）