The name given to ascetics, usually men, who practiced austerities in the mountains in order to attain holy or magic powers.

Ascetic mountain priests.

A martial monk of a Buddhist sect, often more mystically inclined than the more common sohei martial monks. Usually highly trained and motivated.

(yah-mah-BOO-shee) “One who lies in mountains.” A mountain hermit who practices the ancient shamanic arts.

Sect of wandering priests

(Literally: "Those who hide in the mountains") were Japanese mountain ascetics and warriors, mostly of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. For the most part solitary, they did form loose confederations, and associations with certain temples, and also participated in battles and skirmishes alongside samurai and sōhei on occasion.