The three large characters are the respective "seed-syllables" of the three deities brushed in bonji, the Japanese name for the ancient Siddham script of India.* This magic script was incorporated into Japanese esoteric Buddhism and folk religion. Marishi, General Jizo, and Hachiman are the three war gods of martial artists. Fearless, heavily armed Marishi rushes into battle on a boar; compassionate Jizo ensures that the fight will be fair and just; Hachiman is a master tactician. These three deities represent the principles of sacred warriorship.
*For information on the Siddham script see Sacred Calligraphy of the East (Shambhala, 1995).
