Shakujo

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A Shakujo (錫杖)is a Japanese Buddhist ringed staff. The jingling of the staff's rings is used to warn small sentient beings (i.e. insects) of the potentially harmful/squashing consequences the walking of its carrier may bring about. Ringing also is used to alert the faithful that there is a monk within earshot in need of alms. Most shakujo have six rings which represent the six states of existence (Humans, Animals, Hell, Hungry ghosts, Gods, and Jealous gods).

The wooden shaft can either be long for use as a walking stick or short to accompany in chanting. As a staff, the shakujo could be wielded as a weapon, especially in China where the staff's top was more mace-like than ornamental.

Famous carriers of Shakujo: The bodhisattva (Bosatsu)Jizo , patron saint of children and travellers, is usually depicted holding a shakujo in his hand.

Tengu are often depicted carrying/fighting with shakujo.

Miroku, the lecherous monk, from the Manga/Anime Inuyasha carries a shakujo.

Chichiri, a wizard and one of the Suzaku Senshi, from the Manga/Anime Fushigi Yūgi uses a shakujo in his spellcasting.

In the Anime Ronin Warriors, "The Ancient", a monk, carries an enchanted shakujo, also used for spellcasting. Usually the rings will "dance" by themselves before magic activates.

Outlaw Star, another Anime, features a character named Ronald MacDougall who wields a mystical Caster gun that resembles a shakujo.

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